National School of Formation for Headteachers, Directors & Chairs of Governors: Christ the Teacher
Christ the Teacher: Formed for service & deep social transformation
The NSF programme and NSF network provides effective formation for our Catholic leaders. This is the main priority of EducareM, endorsed by the statement of the Bishops of England and Wales in 2017. It aims to promote the Church’s transformational mission in society with unique and innovative provision. It aims to ‘kindle the fire’ to promote a renewed confidence and sense for mission for Catholic leaders.
The NSF enables participants to:
- review the overall purpose of Catholic education;
- rediscover the prophetic purpose of education in our schools which is broader and deeper than an economic narrative;
- to create a model of education focused on the transformation of the human person for the common good and transformation of society;
- become a powerful voice for Catholic educators in local and national forum.
The Programme includes access to prominent national keynote speakers and cross-phase practitioners rooted in the authentic mission of the Catholic school.
The Programme includes:
- Three Residential opportunities with prominent inspirational Catholic speakers and authors;
- Participation in two transformational projects around the UK and Northern Ireland;
- Membership of a dynamic Catholic network with the continued accompaniment of peers & speakers.
Participants will be awarded a certificate on behalf of Archbishop Malcolm McMahon and the trustees of EducareM in recognition of their work during the programme and to record their entry into the NSF National Network. Completion of the NSF enables delegates to gain credits towards post graduate study at St Mary’s, Twickenham.
A range of study visit opportunities are central to the NSF programme.
A NSF community will be established at the formal residential events, held at Coombe Abbey, with an annual opportunity to re-gather and continue the process of formation. Forming a sustained professional network that impacts upon practice is a key aspect of the National School of Formation.
The NSF is an ideal continuing professional leadership development & formation opportunity linking to the formal appraisal process.
An annual reconnect conference
The offer of a spiritual guide
Programme Overview:
Suitable for:
We invite applications from serving Catholic Headteachers, governors, from maintained and independent sectors, Diocesan officers, members of Boards and Trustees from Catholic educational establishments.
“The speakers are of the highest quality and they have challenged and enhanced my thinking about school leadership.”
Time Commitment: The programme is designed with busy Catholic leaders in mind. The programme involves three residential sessions and two study visits. Participants are not expected to produce any written work or assignments and are provided with a monthly newsletter and brief related articles and publications.
“Spending a year with like minded colleagues has been tremendous and I look forward to working with them in the future.”
Key Dates:
Cohort 10 (2026 -2027)
- Immersion Event: Wed 7th – Fri 9th October 2026
- Deepening Event: Thur 14th – Fri 15th January 2027
- Corrymeela Study Visit – Thur 28th – Sat 30th January 2027
- Accompany Event: Thur 4th – Fri 5th March 2027
For application see below
UK Study Visits: Dates circulated at the first residential.
Venue: Coombe Abbey Hotel
Cost:
The full training fee is £1,995.
Delegates are invoiced for the fee contribution of £1,995 in ADVANCE of the Programme. Payments should be made to EducareM, C/O Sue Riley by BACS within four weeks of invoice (usually April).
Applications:
Programme Leader: Monica Walczak, Coordinator of the National School of Formation
Of the 90 times Jesus was addressed directly in the Gospels, 60 times he was called Teacher. This was the word the multitudes used. This was how the disciples referred to him. Jesus himself used the term when he said, “You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am” (John 13:13). When Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, he said, “We know that you are a teacher who has come from God” (John 3:2).
“The nature and experience of the UK projects has truly influenced my understanding of headship.”
International Study Visit: Manila (Oct 2017)
Ten members of the NSF took part in a high profile research project to Manila. They visited St Scholastica’s College, run by the Benedictine Sisters. This school has pioneered a radical curriculum and formation programme based on Catholic Social Teaching. The school actively promotes advocacy for the poor and those on the margins of society. Of particular interest to the NSF delegates were the commitment and active service programmes for all pupils and staff in the school. The visit included a meeting with Cardinal Tagle of the Philippines. The group also met with a wide range of educationalist engaged in transformational education.
