Stronger Together: Exploring New Pathways for CISC Schools

On Wednesday 22 April, around 40 leaders from around 16 Catholic independent schools
gathered at the Holborn venues in London hosted by Headline Sponsors Stone King for an
important and timely conversation about the future of the sector.

Bringing together Heads, Bursars, Trustees and representatives from Religious Orders,
along with the General Secretary of CISC Sarah Barreto, Stephen Ravenscroft and Kenji
Batchelor from Stone King, Jenny Booth from Churchmarketplace, and Paul Barber and
Christine Fischer as representatives from the Catholic Education Service, the meeting was
convened in response to a growing awareness that Catholic independent schools are facing
a significant and sustained period of challenge. The introduction of VAT on fees, the removal
of business rates relief, increases in National Insurance, and shifting demographics are
placing considerable pressure on schools—pressures which, for some, have already led to
closure.

Yet the tone of the day was not one of pessimism, but of honest realism combined with
hope.

A Call to Think Differently
At the heart of the gathering was a simple but profound question:
What might become possible if Catholic independent schools respond to these challenges
not alone, but together?

The conversation was framed not merely in terms of financial sustainability, but in the
context of mission. Catholic schools exist not simply as institutions, but as communities of
formation—places where faith, learning and service are woven together. The challenge,
therefore, is not only how to sustain structures, but how to protect and nurture that mission
for future generations.

Drawing on the Church’s growing emphasis on synodality, participants were encouraged to
approach the discussion as a process of shared discernment—listening deeply, speaking
honestly, and remaining open to where the Spirit might be leading.

Collaboration Without Compromise
One of the central themes to emerge was the recognition that collaboration need not come
at the expense of identity or autonomy.

While Catholic independent schools are diverse in their charisms, governance, and context,
there was a shared acknowledgement that independence does not have to mean isolation.
Indeed, many of the challenges faced by individual schools—particularly around financial
sustainability and small cohort sizes—may be more effectively addressed through intentional
partnership.

Discussions explored a range of possibilities, from informal collaboration and shared
services to more structured models, including the potential development of a London-based
satellite schools trust which might eventually be replicated in other areas of the country.

Importantly, no single solution was prescribed. Instead, the emphasis was on opening up the
space of possibility with no proposals off the table.

From Conversation to Commitment and Collaboration
What was striking throughout the afternoon was the quality of engagement in the room.
Contributions were thoughtful, candid and constructive, reflecting both the seriousness of the
challenges and the depth of commitment among those present.

There was a clear willingness to ask difficult questions:

• What are the risks of continuing as we are?
• Where could collaboration bring genuine benefit?
• How do we ensure that any new model remains faithful to our Catholic identity?

Alongside this, there was also a strong sense of shared responsibility—a recognition that the
future of Catholic independent education cannot rest on individual schools alone.
Encouragingly, the meeting moved beyond discussion to the beginnings of collective
direction. There was broad agreement that further work should now be undertaken to
explore potential models of collaboration in more detail.

A Mandate for the Next Stage
Reflecting on the day, there was a sense that something important had begun.
There was a good, positive energy in the room, grounded not in easy optimism but in a
realistic confidence that, together, new pathways can be found. Relationships were
strengthened, perspectives shared, and a foundation laid for ongoing work.
Importantly, there was a shared feeling that real progress had been made, and that there is
now a mandate to develop one or more models for further exploration and review by the
wider group.

Looking Ahead
This gathering was not an endpoint, but a beginning.
The challenges facing Catholic independent schools remain significant. But so too does the
strength of the community, the clarity of its mission, and the willingness of its leaders to
engage courageously with the future.

If the spirit of this meeting is anything to go by, there is every reason to believe that, by
working more intentionally together, Catholic independent schools can continue not only to
endure, but to flourish in new and creative ways.

As the Church continues to call its people to walk together in hope, this gathering offered a
small but significant sign of what that might look like in practice.
Stronger together is no longer simply a phrase—it is becoming a direction of travel.

Next Steps
In order to build on the momentum of the day, the group agreed to meet again on Tuesday
19 May. This next gathering will focus on examining potential models of collaboration in
greater depth, including a careful consideration of the financial and wider benefits, risks, and
practical implications of each approach. There will also be an opportunity to explore how
schools might engage at different levels of participation, allowing for flexibility rather than a
single, fixed model.

The session will also include input from colleagues across the Catholic sector—including
CEOs of successful Catholic Multi-Academy Trusts—so that the group can learn from
established practice and reflect on how these insights might help shape a sustainable and
mission-led future for Catholic independent schools.

We would warmly welcome attendance and contributions from colleagues in the state and
independent sector who may be willing to share their experience, insights, or to join a small
working party as this work develops. Please contact Sarah Barreto to express interest:
sarah.barreto@catholicindependentschools.com

A Note of Thanks
Finally, sincere thanks are extended to all who attended for their time, openness and valued
contributions, especially to Paul and Christine from the Catholic Education Service for their
excellent advice and support, and to Sr Brenda, Chair of the Executive for Religious Orders
in Education (ROE) for her wisdom, encouragement and calm reassurance. The quality of
the discussion was shaped by the generosity, honesty and commitment of those in the room,
and it is this shared spirit that gives confidence as the work moves forward.

We are also very grateful to Stone King for their generous hospitality in providing such a
welcoming venue, and for the excellent lunch which enabled the day to begin in a spirit of
collegiality and conversation.

Sarah Barreto 24th April 2026