Bishop Philip’s vision

In June 2025 Bishop Philip wrote to all schools setting out his vision for the structure of Catholic Schools within the Trusteeship of the Diocese of Portsmouth; all schools were to become part of two academy Trusts. This position  has been stated again in the Diocese Education Strategy.

In a rapidly changing educational landscape, where academisation is becoming the dominant structure for schools in England, Catholic schools have both an opportunity and a responsibility to respond in a way that protects and strengthens their distinctive mission. Bringing Catholic schools together within Catholic multi-academy trusts offers a powerful and strategic way to ensure that Catholic education not only survives but flourishes for generations to come. Many of our sister Diocese have made significant progress, with over half of their schools now in Trusts. Birmingham and Nottingham are approaching full academisation.

Forming Catholic academy trusts helps preserve the distinctive identity and mission of Catholic education. Catholic schools are not simply schools that deliver a curriculum; they are communities rooted in faith, committed to the formation of the whole person, spiritually, academically, and morally. By coming together within a Catholic trust, schools can ensure that decisions about governance, curriculum, and leadership are shaped by this shared vision. In a system that is increasingly structured around academy trusts, collaboration within a Catholic framework safeguards the ethos, values, and traditions that have defined Catholic education for generations

The direction of national policy makes this collaboration even more important. The 2026 government’s Schools White Paper, “Every Child Achieving and Thriving” set out a clear expectation that all schools will join or form a high-quality multi academy trust , with local authorities also able to establish trusts. This signals a move towards a fully trust-led system, where strong academy trusts play a central role in improving standards, supporting staff development, and ensuring effective governance.

For Catholic schools, responding proactively to this policy direction by forming Catholic trusts helps ensure that they remain firmly rooted within the mission of the Church while adapting to the evolving structure of the education system.

There is also great strength in unity and shared purpose. Individual schools working alone may struggle to respond to the increasing complexity of the education system. A Catholic academy trust enables schools to support one another through shared leadership, expertise, and strategic planning. Experienced leaders can guide and mentor others, best practice can be shared more effectively, and schools facing challenges can receive timely and practical support. In this way, collaboration becomes an expression of the Catholic principle of community, working together for the common good.

Academy trusts also create significant opportunities to raise educational standards. By working together, schools can share high-quality curriculum resources, invest collectively in professional development, and develop consistent approaches to school improvement. When Catholic schools collaborate in this way, they strengthen both academic excellence and the faith-based formation that lies at the heart of their mission.

Equally important is the efficient use of resources. By pooling services such as finance, human resources, and operational support, Catholic academy trusts can reduce duplication and use funding more effectively. This enables schools to focus more resources on teaching, learning, and pastoral care, ensuring that every child is supported and nurtured within a caring Catholic environment.

Ultimately, the move towards Catholic academy trusts is about securing the long-term future of Catholic education. As the structure of the education system evolves, standing still is not an option. By coming together within strong Catholic trusts, schools can maintain their religious identity, strengthen collaboration, and ensure that the Church continues to play a vital role in the education of young people.

In this way, academisation need not be seen as a threat to Catholic schools. Rather, it can be embraced as an opportunity,  an opportunity to deepen collaboration, strengthen leadership, and safeguard the distinctive mission of Catholic education. Through unity, shared purpose, and faithful stewardship, Catholic academy trusts can ensure that the rich tradition of Catholic education continues to inspire and transform lives well into the future.