Appointment of the new CISC General Secretary
After a rigorous recruitment process which attracted a strong and diverse range of candidates, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of our new General Secretary, Sarah Harcombe-Barreto.

Sarah has enjoyed a varied and distinguished career in education. Educated as a boarder at St Mary’s Convent, Berwick on Tweed, Sarah studied for a BEd at Oxford Brookes before embarking on a career in teaching in the UK and abroad. She has over 30 years experience working in Catholic Eduction and 24 years in senior roles, as Deputy Head, Head and Executive Head, before moving into diocesan leadership. In the Diocese of Plymouth, Sarah first worked as Interim RE and Catholic Life Advisor before becoming Diocesan School Commissioner. More recently she was Deputy Director of Schools at the Diocese of Northampton. Having attended and worked with independent schools in her diocesan roles, along with deep knowledge and understanding of Chaplaincy, RE and her training as a CSI inspector, Sarah will bring insight, intuition and understanding to her new role as General Secretary of CISC.
On accepting the role, Sarah said:
“As an experienced educationalist, passionate about Catholic education for today and in the future, I am greatly looking forward to working with the committee and members of CISC. Never has our voice been more important in Catholic education than it is today. I look forward to continuing to promote and represent the value of the Catholic Independent education sector, engaging with external stakeholders in such a prominent role. I love to innovate, grow and make a difference and CISC is where I am called to be at this time of potential growth, change and renewal. I am excited to be building on the innovation and success as your new General Secretary, leading with vision, determination, and strong faith.”
Sarah will take up her role with CISC on May 1st, allowing for a handover as Mo takes up her new role with the CES at the end of May.