The schools, two Secondary and 4 Primary, are:

St Ignatius College, St Anne's Catholic High School, St Edmund's Catholic Primary School, St George's Catholic Primary School, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, and St Monica's Catholic Primary School

All the schools have received governing body approval to proceed with formal applications for academy conversion and Trust membership.

The move forms part of the national strategic direction, fully supported by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, for all Catholic voluntary-aided schools to convert to academy status and join Catholic Academy Trusts.

Andrew Celano, CEO of SFACAT, said: "This is a significant and exciting step forward for Catholic education in our region. Over the past six months, we have worked closely with these excellent schools, and we are confident that this partnership will bring enhanced opportunities for pupils, staff, and the wider communities we serve. The addition of secondary provision will particularly strengthen our ability to support and provide excellent Catholic education from early years through to sixth form."

The schools joining SFACAT have emphasised that the academisation process will not alter their distinctive ethos or their vital role within local communities. Each school will undertake comprehensive consultation with parents, staff, and stakeholders before final decisions are made.

SFACAT, established four years ago, currently comprises nine schools following the addition of St Paul's Catholic Primary School in Cheshunt in July 2025. The Trust has built a strong reputation for effective collaboration and school improvement across its member schools.

The conversion process is expected to be completed in late 2026 and early 2027, with formal consultation beginning shortly at each of the applying schools.