CISC Annual Conference 2026: A Retrospective
“Rooted in Hope” | 5–6 February 2026 | Eastwood Hall Hotel
The CISC 2026 Conference was so much more than a professional gathering; it was a communal experience in fraternity and encounter, “watching and waiting” for the grace of God to work within our schools. Guided by the scriptural anchor of Jeremiah 29:11, the event provided a sanctuary for Catholic independent school leaders to reconnect with the theological virtue of hope during a period of significant sectoral challenge.
I. The Call to Watchful Trust: General Secretary’s Welcome
In her opening address, General Secretary Sarah Barreto set a profound spiritual tone by reflecting on the Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29).
- The Wisdom of Restraint: Sarah reminded delegates that while we are called to “sow generously,” we must also have the humility to step back and trust that growth takes place beyond human management. Faith sometimes requires the humility to let go, to resist the urge to control outcomes, and to believe that grace is at work even when we cannot see it.
- Discernment over Control: The conference was framed as a time to pray for discernment—the wisdom to know when to labour and when to allow God’s hidden work to bear fruit.
- A New Chapter for CISC: This spirit of “hidden grace” was exemplified by the formal welcome of Fr. George Bowen as CISC Chaplain (who sadly was unable to attend this year due to illness) and Bishop Richard Walker as CISC Link Bishop, who provided spiritual accompaniment throughout the two days.
II. Drawing New Maps of Hope
The theme “Rooted in Hope” was explored not as mere optimism, but as a commitment to transforming our schools into spaces of justice and peace. Key themes included:
- The Dignity of the Person: Looking beyond metrics to honour the “face, story, and vocation” of every student.
- The Task of Love: Creating classrooms where questions and doubts are supported rather than silenced.
- The Common Good: Moving beyond “tradition for tradition’s sake” to build new habits of community and justice.
III. Leading with Courage: The Chair’s Opening Address
Matthew Burke, Chair of CISC, opened the conference with a “relief and joy” that set a tone of radical honesty. He addressed the “elephant in the room”—the reality that the sector is smaller than it was twelve months ago due to closures and financial pressures.
Pruning for Growth: Drawing on Pope Leo XIII, Matthew reminded delegates that “the greater the difficulty, the greater the honour in overcoming it.” He framed the current challenges not as a decline to be managed, but as a “pruning” that serves as a prelude to new growth.
Intertwined Roots: He issued a heartfelt call for solidarity, urging any leader feeling the weight of the “load” to reach out. “Our schools are not islands; they are branches of the same tree,” he noted, emphasizing that the CISC community draws strength from shared nourishment.
Global Renewal: While the UK landscape faces headwinds, Matthew highlighted the “new shoots” of international growth in Europe, Africa, and Asia, suggesting that CISC’s future may involve a broader, global mentorship role.
IV. Spiritual and Keynote Highlights
The two-day schedule at Eastwood Hall balanced soul-searching with high-level professional briefing:
- The David Wells Effect: Across two keynote sessions, David Wells moved many to tears and echoed the call to recognize the “ontological dignity” of our colleagues and students. His unique blend of humour and scripture left delegates feeling “refreshed and re-energized.”
- Liturgy & Prayer: From the Morning Prayer led by Ratcliffe College to the Celebration of Mass with Bishop Richard Walker as Principal Celebrant, the conference was anchored in the liturgical life of the Church.
- The Hosted Conversation: Thursday’s panel with Paul Barber, Philip Robinson, Sarah Barreto, Matthew Burke and David Wells offered a “disarming” and “unarmed” dialogue on the current state of play and the future of Catholic education in a modern world.
- Interactive Plenary: Friday’s roundtable sessions allowed for direct engagement with experts on CSI (Philip Robinson), High-Performance Learning (Prof. Deborah Eyre), and Mergers & Acquisitions (Ed Hester).
V. Liturgical Heart: Commissioning and Blessing
One of the many highlights of the conference took place during the Celebration of Mass with Bishop Richard Walker.
The Homily: In a powerful reflection, Bishop Richard invited us to surrender our desire for management and control, asking us to let the Holy Spirit take the lead and to imagine the transformative impact our schools could have if we truly allowed the Spirit to guide our vision.
The Commissioning Service: In a moving ceremony, school leaders were formally commissioned, Recommitting themselves to the “unarmed and disarming” mission of Catholic education. School leaders stood to formally recommit themselves to the core values of fellowship, love, faith, excellence, courage, and joy, pledging to lead with integrity as witnesses to the Gospel in their communities.
Blessing of the Plaques: During the service, Bishop Richard performed a special blessing of the new CISC plaques presented to each school. These plaques serve as a tangible symbol of each school’s place within the CISC family—a reminder that they are “Rooted in Hope” as they return to their respective schools and dioceses.
VI. Collaboration and Stewardship
The conference also addressed the practical “pruning” and nourishment required to sustain our schools:
- Expert Briefings: Sessions led by Moore Kingston Smith, Stone King, and Gallaghers provided clarity on governance and financial mission, addressing the shifting landscape of regulation and political scrutiny.
- Strategic Partnerships: The Lounge Suite served as a vibrant “Exhibition Space” where our headline and supporting sponsors alongside partners like Churchmarketplace, Wodr, and E-Teach engaged in meaningful conversations about saving schools time and money.
- Networking & Fellowship: From the Furlong-sponsored drinks reception, the Churchmarketplace sponsored dinner drinks to the high-energy Stone King Karaoke, the “joyful and productive” atmosphere allowed leaders to build a “We” for the common good.
The 2026 conference proved that even when the “headlines are unkind,” Catholic independent schools remain a living, breathing force. As Matthew Burke concluded: “A tree does not resist the storm by standing rigid; it survives because its roots are deep.”
VII. Looking to the Future
As delegates departed Eastwood Hall, the conversations turned toward 2027 and beyond—with proposals for Jersey, Torquay, Bristol, St Mary’s Twickenham and New Hall’s Boreham House already in the works. The shared mission remains clear: to return to our schools ready to offer an education for peace that is truly Rooted in Hope.
A Message for Our Members
In the spirit of the “procurement mission” highlighted by Colin and the Churchmarketplace team, we encourage all schools to continue the work of stewardship.
- Join the Mission: Register with Churchmarketplace here to explore how our suppliers can support your school’s future.
Rooted in Hope: Reflection Prompts
Drawing from the Apostolic Letter “Drawing New Maps of Hope,” here are three reflection prompts designed to deepen the dialogue after our conference sessions:
- On the Culture of Inquiry: “How can we ensure our classrooms remain spaces where ‘questions are not silenced and doubt is supported’ while still remaining anchored in our faith?”
- On Overcoming Stagnation: “In what ways can we move our school leadership beyond the ‘swamp of how it’s always been done’ to irrigate new growth in our communities?”
- On the Vision of the Person: “When we look at our students, do we see a ‘profile of skills’ to be optimized, or a ‘face, a story, and a vocation’ to be loved?”
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2026 Headline and Supporting Sponsors
Stone King
Our legal expertise in the Education and Charity sectors means we are top-ranked by independent legal guides Chambers and Legal 500 and named a best law firm by The Times. Education, Charity and Faith is at the heart of our firm with over 70% of our work being related to these sectors.
Contact: Stephen Ravenscroft
E: stephenravenscroft@stoneking.co.uk
W: Stone King
Moore Kingston Smith
We are one of the leading firms auditing and advising the sector. We work with over 200 organisations including leading Catholic independent schools, academies, multi-academy trusts, performing arts schools and religious orders. We also look after a growing number of Oxford colleges, exam boards, professional training providers and large international commercial groups.
Contact: Anjali Kothari, Head of Education
E: akothari@mks.co.uk
W: Moore Kingston Smith
Gallagher
Gallagher is a leading insurance broker, with a dedicated education team, focusing on the unique insurance and risk management needs of Independent schools. We offer tailored insurance programmes that include essential covers such as Directors & Governors’ Liability, Business Interruption and Terrorism insurance.
Our approach involves visiting your school to understand your specific risks and aspirations, ensuring we provide solutions that not only protect, but also help manage budgets effectively. Our expertise lies in identifying any gaps in your current insurance arrangements, such as cyber liability, to ensure comprehensive protection.
As one of the largest brokers serving the education sector, we combine our extensive specialist knowledge with high professional standards, recognised by our Ethisphere award for ethical business practices. We also keep our clients informed through regular webinars and bulletins, ensuring you stay ahead in this dynamic sector. Gallagher is committed to supporting independent schools and we’re proud to be with the Headline sponsor at CISC 2025.
Contact: Mike Albinson, Client Director, Education Practice
E: mike_albinson@ajg.com
W: Gallagher Insurance
Supporting Sponsors
Furlong
For 20+ years, Furlong has supported independent schools with software that streamlines transforms tasks. The suite of software, consisting of SchoolBase (MIS), FeeMaster (invoicing), TASS Finance (double entry accounting), and Maestro (music management), puts SLTs in control. As the most customisable MIS, Furlong unlocks any Catholic independent school’s full potential.
Contact: Paul James
E: paul.james@furlongsolutions.com
W: Furlong Schoolbase
High Performance Learning
Contact: Cassey Benito, Head of Programmes and Partnerships
E: cassey.benito@highperformancelearning.co.uk
W: High Performance Learning
2026 Exhibiting Partners
Mark 10 Mission – Sponsored by New Hall School
The Mark 10 Mission helps adults guide children into a living relationship with Jesus. We create free, high-quality Catholic resources: celebration of the Word videos, worship songs and more. We make it easier for schools, parishes and families to share the Catholic faith in a way children can truly love and engage with.
E: Harriet@themark10mission.co.uk
W: Mark 10 Mission
Cress
Cress is a multi award winning platform for preloved uniforms. We offer schools and organisations across the country the technology and support to retail their preloved school uniforms. This saves parents money, adds funds back into the school, and reduces waste to our planet. We also become the schools Sustainability partner, providing live ESG impact dashboards, lesson plans and reporting.
Contact: Katherine Molyneux
T: 07817 983282
E: kat@wearecress.com
W: Cress
Eteach
The Eteach Group is an EdTech software and services company, dedicated to providing education recruitment solutions for teachers and support staff to connect directly with schools online. Eteach also aims to support Catholic schools to attract relevant candidates, track and report on every application and onboard new hires securely – all within a single platform.
Contact:
E: Guy Vizard
W: Eteach
S & C Slatter
S&C Slatter deliver an end-to-end service for Placemaking and Sports Construction projects.
Combining specialist design expertise with proven processes and diligent financial planning, Independent Schools from Eton to Scarborough trust us to deliver their estate transformation and sports facility projects on budget, on time, and on point.
Contact:
E: info@sandcslatter.com
W: www.sandcslatter.com/
Involve Education
Schools don’t need more systems – they need one that works. We’ve reimagined the school calendar as a real-time central hub, connecting key operations in one place. Staff spend less time firefighting and more time supporting pupils. Leaders get visibility without micromanagement, and your school runs with greater calm, clarity, and confidence.
Contact:
E: james@involveeducation.com
W: https://involveeducation.com/
Gillman & Soame
Gillman & Soame deliver specialist photography for schools and universities across the UK and internationally. We create tailored, professional imagery of people, places, and events, with premium finishes including our bespoke hand illumination, combining precision, creativity, and timeless quality.
Contact:
E: action@gillmanandsoame.co.uk
W: www.gillmanandsoame.co.uk
TryBooking
TryBooking is an online event ticketing and booking platform for schools and alumni events, proudly supporting independent schools since 2014. We help school teams run stress-free, successful events of any size, with flexible tools like VIP seat holds, on-the-day scanning apps, and easy CRM data export – saving time, reducing costs, and bringing communities together.
Contact:
E: hello@trybooking.co.uk
W: www.trybooking.com
Streetspace
Streetspace Structures create permanent, all-weather sport, learning and social environments. Zone Design Build is a unique design platform of high specification building extension projects for the education sector; class leading build times and unrivalled value per m2. Minimalist architecture, open plan interiors and designed from ground up for energy efficient operation.
Contact: Terry Bedford
E: t.bedford@streetspacegroup.co.uk
W: Zone Design Build
W: Streetspace Group
Innermedia
Innermedia is a digital agency with global experience in the independent school sector. We deliver tailored marketing strategies, creative websites, and innovative AI-driven tools to support parent questions, track enquiries and attribute leads to marketing budgets. Trusted by over 200 schools, we ensure long-term success through creative solutions and exceptional service.
Contact: Chris Knight and Ralph Lane
E: chris@innermedia.co.uk
E: ralph@innermedia.co.uk
W: www.innermedia.co.uk
CAFOD – Sponsored by St George’s College
CAFOD is the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, working across the world on long-term development as well as responding to emergencies.
CAFOD works with schools in England and Wales, inspiring children and young people to fundraise to support communities in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, as they strive to find practical, sustainable solutions to deep-rooted challenges.
Contact:
W: cafod.org.uk/schools
Schoolblazer
Schoolblazer is the UK’s leading uniform supplier to independent schools. We provide the highest quality uniform with expertise in design, fabric and tailoring, combined with the easiest shopping experience for parents that includes free name-taping, efficient logistics and guaranteed availability. Trusted by 250 top UK independent schools, our intelligent sizing takes the chore out of uniform shopping for parents. We offer convenient online shopping and solve supply issues for schools.
Contact: Charlotte Fry, Business Development Director
E: hello@trybooking.co.uk
W: Schoolblazer
Visions in Education
Visions in Education offer fully immersive, hands-on, educational trips of a lifetime complete with all the amenities.
Each of our tours offers compelling Master Classes and activities designed to help inspire and broaden your pupils’ interests in Sciences, Arts, Languages, Geography, History, Music, Sports and Ski and everything in between.
Contact: Kim Mitchell
E: KimMitchell@visionsineducation.co.uk
W: https://www.visionsineducation.co.uk/
St Mary’s Twickenham
Established in 1850 and with a distinctive Catholic identity, St Mary’s is a Catholic University seeking to develop the whole person and empower our community to have a positive impact on the world. St Mary’s University offers a wide range of undergraduate & postgraduate programmes with study abroad and placements.
Mary’s Meals
Mary’s Meals is a simple idea that works. By providing a daily meal in a place of education, Mary’s Meals encourages children experiencing poverty and hunger into the classroom where they gain a basic education that can provide an escape route from poverty. School + Food = Hope.
W: https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/
Wodr
Wodr helps Catholic Independent Schools simplify their water supply and reduce costs through Business Stream. Endorsed by Churchmarketplace, we provide clear, expert support to help schools save money, manage water responsibly, and make budgets go further for what matters most—pupils and education.
Contact: Rachael McDonnell and Caitlin Barker
E: cmp@makeitwodr.com
W: www.makeitwodr.com
Exhibiting Opportunities
The CISC Annual Conference generally attracts in the region of 80-100 delegates, with an exhibition for around 30 businesses. This is one of the most popular educational conferences in the calendar: big enough to be worthwhile in terms of business leads with time enough to allow for meaningful conversations and relationships to be initiated. In addition, CISC organises a programme of short conferences and webinars for key groups of staff in CISC schools, such as heads, governors, deputies, bursars and Heads of RS.
CISC is known for building meaningful and ongoing relationships with sponsors through reciprocally beneficial collaborations. As such, we have three sponsor relationships available across a broad range of cost options. There are also additional opportunities to sponsor key Conference events such as pre-dinner drinks or the Conference dinner, creating additional exposure for your organisation.
Download our Exhibition Brochure
For further information or to talk to us about a year-round sponsor arrangement, please email info@catholicindependentschools.com