National School of Formation · Cohort 10
Formed for service.
Ready for transformation.
A year of formation, encounter and accompaniment for Catholic education leaders.
“You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am.”
John 13:13
Christ the Teacher
Formation for the mission entrusted to Catholic leaders
The National School of Formation programme and its graduate network provide sustained formation for Catholic leaders. The programme promotes the Church’s transformational mission in society through distinctive, innovative provision rooted in the authentic mission of the Catholic school.
Christ the Teacher creates time to step beyond operational pressures, rediscover the prophetic purpose of Catholic education and kindle renewed confidence for leadership, mission and service.
Programme overview
A connected journey of formation
Four residential experiences
Immersion, deepening, accompaniment and the National Retreat, with prominent Catholic speakers, authors and experienced cross-phase practitioners.
Formation through encounter
A choice of four one-day study visits with people and organisations putting Catholic Social Teaching, service and human dignity into practice. Explore the study visits.
National network
Membership of a dynamic Catholic network offering peer support, continued formation and an annual Reconnect gathering.
Personal accompaniment
The offer of a spiritual guide and a community that sustains reflection, discernment and vocational leadership.
Cohort 10 · 2026–2027
Key programme dates
All four residential experiences, including the National Retreat, take place at Coombe Abbey Hotel.
October 2026
Immersion Event
Wednesday to FridayJanuary 2027
Deepening Event
Thursday to FridayMarch 2027
Accompaniment Event
Thursday to FridayJune 2027
National Retreat
Thursday to Friday · Included in the programmeThe experience
Thoughtful, practical and designed for busy leaders
The programme combines high-quality input with reflection, dialogue, encounter and practical application. Participants are not expected to complete written assignments. Instead, formation is supported by a monthly newsletter, carefully selected articles and publications, the residential experiences and an opportunity to take part in a one-day study visit that encounters Catholic mission in action.
Completion is recognised through a certificate awarded on behalf of Archbishop Malcolm McMahon and the trustees of EducareM, marking entry into the NSF National Network. The programme may also provide credits towards postgraduate study at St Mary’s University, Twickenham.
Programme Lead: Brendan Duffy, Director of the National School of Formation Christ the Teacher Programme and Education Adviser.
“The speakers are of the highest quality and they have challenged and enhanced my thinking about school leadership.”
“Spending a year with like-minded colleagues has been tremendous and I look forward to working with them in the future.”
“The nature and experience of the UK projects has truly influenced my understanding of headship.”
Formation through encounter
Learning together, beyond the conference room
Formation through encounter · 2026–27
Study visits
Our study visits bring delegates alongside organisations putting the Gospel into action. Each visit takes place over one day. Dates will be shared with delegates at the first residential.
Manchester and Salford
Cornerstone Centre and the Laudato Si’ Centre
At the Cornerstone Centre, delegates encounter a practical response to the Gospel call to feed and welcome those in need. The Laudato Si’ Centre explores care for creation and our common home.
Visit leader: Monica Walczak, Consultant Coordinator, NSF Programmes
Birmingham
Fatima House and St Chad’s Sanctuary
Fatima House provides shelter and support for female asylum seekers who would otherwise be homeless. St Chad’s Sanctuary offers welcome, essential supplies and practical support to asylum seekers and refugees.
Visit leader: Julie-Anne Tallon, Director, Catholic Primary Partnership
King’s Cross and Westminster, London
Women@TheWell and the Cardinal Hume Centre
Women@TheWell supports women affected by or at risk of sexual exploitation. The Cardinal Hume Centre helps young people and families facing homelessness and poverty build greater stability.
Visit leader: Dr Maureen Glackin, Senior Education Policy Adviser, CES
Harrow, London
Ignite Youth
Ignite Youth works with young people aged 11–25 to help them reconnect with education, find employment and move away from antisocial behaviour, gang involvement and exploitative relationships.
Visit leader: Sr Judith Russi SSMN, Founder and Director, EducareM
Who should apply?
For leaders shaping Catholic education
Applications are welcomed from serving leaders in maintained and independent Catholic education and from Catholic educational establishments across the sector.
Practical information
Investment, venue and recognition
Programme fee
£1,995 for the full programme, invoiced in advance. Participation in the 2027 National Retreat is included for Cohort 10 delegates.
Early arrivals
An optional early-arrival add-on is available for £125.
Coombe Abbey
All four residential experiences are held at Coombe Abbey Hotel, Coventry.
Recognition
Award of an EducareM certificate and entry into the NSF National Network on completion.
Cohort 10 applications
Begin your Christ the Teacher journey
Register your interest for the 2026–2027 National School of Formation programme.
By submitting the form, you agree to EducareM processing your data and sharing relevant information with appropriate partners involved in the programme, including accreditation partners.
Study Visits
International Study Visit: Manila (Oct 2017)
Ten members of the National School of Formation participated in a high-profile research visit to Manila. The delegation visited St Scholastica’s College, led by the Benedictine Sisters, which has pioneered an innovative curriculum and formation programme rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. The school places a strong emphasis on advocacy for people experiencing poverty and marginalisation. Of particular interest to the NSF delegates was its commitment to active service, involving every pupil and member of staff. The visit also included a meeting with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and opportunities to engage with a wide range of educationalists involved in transformational education.
