Committee

The CISC Committee consists of representatives from a broad and diverse range of leading Catholic independent schools. Each representative brings with them a wealth of knowledge and experience to help direct and lead the work of our charity.

Antony Hudson (Chair)

St George’s Junior School
Thames Street, Weybridge,
Surrey, KT13 8NL
W: www.stgeorgesweybridge.com

Antony Hudson's Biography

The youngest of 5 brothers, Antony was educated at Donhead & Wimbledon College, before reading History at Jesus College, Cambridge. After studying for the priesthood at the English College, Rome for 2 years, he discerned that his vocation lay in the classroom and has taught in various CISC schools since then, including 6 years as Head of Sixth Form at St Mary’s, Ascot and 3 years running an Upper Sixth Boarding House and as Head of History at Mount St Mary’s College. He became the first lay Head of St George’s Junior School, Weybridge in 2003. He is married to Helen, a teacher, whom he met in Lourdes and has 2 sons, Dominic & Jack who are both very musical!

David Buxton (Treasurer)

St Columba’s College
King Harry Lane
St Albans AL3 4AW
W: www.stcolumbascollege.org

David Buxton's Biography

Originating from the Potteries, David was educated at St Joseph’s College, Stoke-on-Trent, by the Irish Christian Brothers. He read Theology at the University of Durham and remained in the North East to complete his PGCE. David taught at St Bede’s College, Manchester, before studying for a Master’s degree at the University of London. He was then appointed Head of Theology and Assistant Housemaster at Worth School, a Benedictine boarding school in Sussex.

David then became Deputy Head at Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Hove, one of the country’s largest Catholic State schools. David is currently Headmaster at St Columba’s College in St Albans, a position he has held since 2008. He is married to Marta and they have two sons – both Columbans, of course! David enjoys theatre, museums and sports, particularly hillwalking, and following the fluctuating fortunes of Stoke City FC.

Sarah Conrad

St Teresa’s Prep School
Beech Avenue, Effingham Hill, Dorking,
Surrey, RH5 6ST
W: www.st-teresas.com

Sarah Conrad's Biography

Sarah Conrad (BA Hons Dunelm, PGCE, NPQH) graduated with a degree in English, German and Theology from the University of Durham. After completing her PGCE, she began her career in primary education, teaching in a variety of schools including a four year post in the renowned British International School, Tanglin Trust School, in Singapore. On her return to the UK, Sarah worked as Director of Music at St Cedd’s School in Chelmsford before moving to New Hall where she worked for 10 years – 3 years as Deputy Head and Director of Music and 7 years as Headteacher. She has now taken up the Headship at St Teresa’s Preparatory School in Effingham, Surrey. Sarah is passionate about Catholic education and the important part it plays as part of the Church’s mission to “proclaim the Gospel in today’s world” (Pope Francis). She is married with 2 daughters and the whole family are actively involved in their Cathedral Parish of Brentwood. Sarah has a passion for music and liturgy and often runs workshops for the Diocese of Brentwood. In her free time she enjoys reading, dancing, trips to the theatre and scrapbooking.

Matthew Burke

St Edward’s School

Cirencester Road
Charlton Kings
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
GL53 8EY

W: www.stedwards.co.uk

Matthew Burke's Biography

Matthew Burke is the Principal of St Edward’s School, Cheltenham. Before joining St Edward’s, Matthew was Director of Education and Enterprise at the Inspired Learning Group, one of the country’s leading operators of independent schools. Previously he was Head of St Martha’s and Mount House School in North London, and was Deputy Head of Our Lady’s Abingdon and De La Salle College, Jersey.

Educated at Prior Park College, Maryvale Institute and the universities of Southampton, Bristol and Cardiff, Matthew has worked in the independent Catholic sector his whole career. As well as serving on the CISC committee Matthew is also a member of the Futures Committee of the Society of Heads, Ex Co member of ISA and a panel member of ISTIP.

Matthew is married to Dawn, a deputy head and they have two children.

Fr Christopher J Cann

Ratcliffe College Preparatory School
Fosse Way
Ratcliffe on the Wreake
Leicester, LE7 4SG
W: www.ratcliffecollege.com

Fr Christopher J Cann's Biography

Chris was born in Monmouthshire and went to Rougemont School in Newport. He studied Modern Languages at St Andrews ( MA. 1987) which included a placement at Lausanne University, before being accepted for training for the ministry in the Church in Wales. He read Theology at Oxford ( MA 1990) and completed his theological training for Anglican ministry at St Stephen’s House, Oxford. Ordained deacon in 1990 and priest in 1991 , his title parish was St Julian’s, Newport. In 1993 he took up the post of Chaplain at Denstone College Preparatory School in Staffordshire, taking over as Head in July 1997.

Married to Honor, a fellow graduate from St Andrews and a GP, the couple now live in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire and have six grown up children and two grandchildren. Chris has been an ISI team inspector since 2007 and was a Director of IAPS from 2017- 2020. In December 2011 , Chris was welcomed into the Catholic Church and has been a Priest of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham since September 2012.

In September 2013 he was appointed Head of the new Preparatory School at Ratcliffe College where he also works closely with the Institute of Charity (Rosminians ) as Senior Leadership Lead for Catholic Life.

Chris will start a new role as Headmaster for Stonyhurst St Mary’s in September 2022.

Dr John Patterson

St Vincent’s School
Ewe Tree Lane,
Liverpool, L12 9HN
W: www.stvin.com

Dr John Patterson's Biography

<img decoding="async" data-tf-not-load="1" class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-99" src="https://www.catholicindependentschools.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/AntonyHudson-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Antony Hudson (Chair)

Antony Hudson (Chair)