In his letter the Cardinal says:  

"Following a review focused on the future needs of our schools, the Diocesan Trustees have therefore decided to pursue closer partnerships among our existing Trusts. The aim is to move towards a consolidated network of four equally proportioned Academy Trusts. This development, supported by our established Trusts, will maximise sustainability for all diocesan schools in their mission, while maintaining their vital parish and community connections."

The decision to consolidate the Trust model through the formation of partnerships is a direction that is already echoed in the work we have done to date, both in seeing significant Trust Growth as we welcome in 6 more schools to our Trust over the next 12-18 months, and with the partnerships we are forming beyond that.  We wholeheartedly support the Diocesan direction and consider it the next natural step. Indeed, Cardinal Vincent himself identifies the very same messages that we’ve been reflecting on in our own Trust from Pope Leo’s recent Apostolic Letter – ‘that each school is a bright ‘Star’, that our stars must unite and converge together, and that this unity is our strength’.

What does this mean for us? It is important to remember that Trust Growth and consolidation through Trust partnerships does not change the model of local hubs and the nurturing of unique and distinctive Catholic schools serving their local area. The vital role each school and partnerships of schools play in their own communities remains central to all that we and the Diocese are seeking to achieve.  Meanwhile we continue to grow our Trust both with new schools and through new partnerships. 

Andrew Celano

Photo source: Diocese of Westminster (featuring Cardinal Nichols)

ENDS