Governing with Hope
This year’s six half-termly reflections, alongside bonus reflections and reference guides, explore how Church teaching shapes our mission, strengthens our challenge and deepens the support we offer our schools.
This year’s reflections Bonus reflections and guides
Mission belongs at the board table
Good governance connects the school’s Catholic purpose with its priorities, its use of resources and the experience of every child. These resources offer space to consider that connection together.
The 2026–2027 series provides six themes for your meeting cycle. The bonus collection offers additional conversations whenever they fit your school’s needs. Each reflection introduces Church teaching, suggests questions for challenge and support, and includes a prayer.
Educating the whole person
Code of Canon Law, canon 795 ↗ connects education with the full formation of the person, the development of gifts, responsibility, freedom and participation in society.
For boards, this invites reflection on how our decisions nurture children’s learning, character, faith and contribution to the common good.
How each reflection will help
Explore the chosen document and its relevance to Catholic education.
Ask focused questions, consider evidence and identify the help leaders need.
Pause together and consider your decisions in the light of the school’s mission.
Six half-termly themes for a shared journey
Follow the sequence through the school year or return to a theme when it connects with a decision. Further reflections will be released in turn.
Drawing New Maps of Hope
Pope Leo XIV · Catholic education, the whole person and hopeful governance.
Explore the reflection →Love for the Poor
Dilexi te · Inclusion, disadvantage and barriers faced by children and families.
Explore the reflection →Families and the School
Amoris laetitia · Listening to parents and building a partnership in education.
Reflection coming soonBelonging and Fraternity
Fratelli tutti · Dialogue, peace and a community in which everyone belongs.
Reflection coming soonCare for Our Common Home
Laudato si’ · Creation, stewardship and responsible choices for the future.
Reflection coming soonListening to Young People
Christus vivit · Pupil voice, accompaniment and the hopes of the young.
Reflection coming soonExplore further at a pace that suits your board
Use these resources throughout the year for induction, formation or a conversation about a current priority. They complement this year’s six themes.
Key Vatican Education Documents
A guide to eighteen resources, with direct document links, summaries and questions for governors’ challenge and support. Includes seven shared conversations and further recent teaching.
Explore Catholic identity, dignity and inclusion, staff formation, RE and prayer, family partnership, dialogue, and digital learning.
Explore the documents and key questions →The Call of Creation
Ecological responsibility, justice and practical action in Catholic schools.
Explore the bonus reflection →Safeguarding the Human Person in the Age of AI
Magnifica humanitas · Dignity, truth and responsible decisions about artificial intelligence.
Explore the bonus reflection →Flourishing in Faith and Hope
Flourishing Together and Called to Flourish · Formation, shared purpose and the flourishing of our communities.
Explore the bonus reflection →The Catholic School
1977 · Catholic identity, the Church’s mission and the formation of the whole person.
Explore the bonus reflection →Gravissimum educationis
1965 · The right to education, partnership with parents and the distinctive mission of Catholic schools.
Explore the bonus reflection →Spectata fides
1885 · Faith and learning, community generosity and sustaining Catholic education.
Explore the bonus reflection →Evangelii nuntiandi
1975 · Sharing the Gospel through words, credible witness and service.
Explore the bonus reflection →Gaudium et spes
1965 · Responding to people’s joys, hopes and anxieties with dignity and practical care.
Explore the bonus reflection →Pacem in terris
1963 · Truth, justice, love and freedom as foundations for peaceful communities.
Explore the bonus reflection →Rerum novarum
1891 · Dignity at work, fair treatment, stewardship and concern for families.
Explore the bonus reflection →A simple rhythm for your board
Choose a reflection and share it. Ask members to bring one question or example from the school’s context.
Allow 10–15 minutes for prayer and discussion. Identify what the evidence shows and what support is needed.
Return to one agreed action and consider its effect on pupils, families or staff.
Deepen your formation
Explore further opportunities through EducareM, or arrange formation shaped around your board’s needs.
View the programme diary → Explore bespoke support →Use these resources alongside the governance framework and diocesan guidance applicable to your school.