Catholic Independent Schools – Stronger Together Invitation 22 April, London
FAO Heads, Bursars, Trustees and Religious Orders
Catholic Independent Schools – stronger together
This is, in many ways, a call to action.
Our schools are facing an unprecedented convergence of pressures: the imposition of VAT on fees, the removal of business rate relief, increases in National Insurance, and shifting demographics. The Catholic independent sector has been disproportionately impacted, and we have already seen the loss of a number of valued schools.
If we are to limit the risk of further closures, it is vital that we come together as a sector to explore what might be possible through deeper collaboration—whether through shared services, partnerships, or new structural models. At this stage, no options should be off the table.
Invitation to an Exploratory Meeting
We have therefore arranged a gathering at the London offices of Stone King on:
Wednesday 22 April
From 12:30pm (buffet lunch) – 4:00pm
This will be an open, exploratory session, beginning over lunch, with the intention that conversation will flow and that practical ideas and potential next steps will begin to emerge. It is open to all interested parties who wish to join us and explore what we might be able to create together. Booking is essential, please.
Focus of the Discussion
One of the key areas we would like to explore is the potential creation of a London-based satellite CISC schools trust (and other potential areas of the country) for interested CISC schools. This would be an early-stage conversation to consider:
- What such a model might look like in practice
- What services and support it could provide (e.g. HR, estates, compliance, procurement, chaplaincy, staff development)
- How it might be structured and governed
- How schools could collaborate while retaining their distinctive identity and charism
- What financial models, efficiencies, and risks might be involved
- What level of commitment and flexibility would be needed
Questions We Hope to Explore Together
You may wish to come with questions such as:
- How can collaboration strengthen the sustainability and resilience of our schools?
- What can we share or do differently together that we cannot do alone?
- What models of partnership or grouping would best serve the Catholic mission of our schools?
- How do we ensure that any structure remains faithful, inclusive, and outward-looking?
- What are the legal, financial, and operational implications of forming a trust or group?
Attendance
It would be wonderful to gather as many perspectives as possible—particularly from Heads, Bursars, Chairs of Governors/Trustees, and Religious Orders.
Places are limited, so I would be grateful if you could let me know as soon as possible if you would like to attend. We already have 30 registrations with around 20 places left.
This is an important opportunity to think boldly and collectively about the future of Catholic independent education. I very much hope you will take up this invitation to talk openly and that you will be able to join us. I look forward to seeing you there.
with prayers and best wishes
