National Retreat – EducareM

National Retreat for Headteachers, Directors & Chairs of Governors

The National Retreat was created as a result of a national consultation across all sectors of the educating community as how best to support Headteachers in these challenging times. The need to nourish, strengthen and support the spiritual wellbeing of Headteachers was identified as a key priority.

To date, the National Retreats have proved to be very successful; and at the request of the participants have been further developed to include governors. Flowing from each retreat experience there is the possibility of appointing a personal spiritual guide to accompany Headteachers.

Our National Retreats book up rapidly, so please ensure you book at the earliest possible opportunity.

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Key dates: National Retreat

11th – 12th June 2026 for bookings click here

Fourteenth Annual Headteachers’ National Retreat:

Retreat leader: Fr Chad Boulton OSB

Fr Chad has been a monk for 30 years, and in that time has been Infirmarian, Junior Master and is now Oblate Master and Novice Master. He was previously a teacher, Housemaster and Senior Chaplain in Ampleforth College. He has also recently helped in the development of the English Benedictine Congregation.

Fr Chad loves the outdoors and strongly believes in the benefits of being in the fresh air, encouraging him to lead active, walking retreats. For his health and sanity, he also looks after the monastic woods on the Abbey grounds

Dates: Thursday 11th to Friday 12th June 2026

Venue: Coombe Abbey Hotel, Brinklow Road, Binley, Warwickshire, CV3 2AB.

“I have really been inspired. I came away feeling refreshed and renewed.”
“A wonderful experience at the end of a long, difficult year with lots of food for thought for the future.”
“This has been the best two days support for me personally and professionally. Every Head needs this opportunity to stay focused on our core mission.”

Previous Retreat themes and leaders:

4th Retreat: June 2015 – Seized by Christ… Sent by Christ: Sr Mary John Mananzan OSB & Fr Denis McBride

5th Retreat: June 2016 – Headteachers: Messengers of Hope & Joy: Fr Nicholas King SJ

6th Retreat: June 2017 – Headteachers: Called to diaologue & encounter: Fr Michael Brehl CSsR

7th Retreat: June 2018 – Discovering the Diving Life: Fr Simon Bishop SJ

8th Retreat: June 2019 – The Power of the Word: Fr Richard Ounsworth OP

9th Retreat: June 2021 – The challenge of discipleship today: Bishop John Arnold

10th Retreat: June 2022 – Encounter with Christ: Christopher Chapman

11th Retreat: June 2023 – Led by Fr Roger Dawson SJ

12th Retreat: June 2024 – Led by Sr Dr Gemma Simmonds CJ

Key Documents & Booking information

2026 Booking form is here or email Sue Riley

Feedback from the 2021 Headteachers’ National Retreat
The challenge of discipleship today – Bishop John Arnold

Thank you for ensuring this retreat took place. Although I was looking forward to the time we were going to share, I didn’t realise how much I needed the experience. After the last year, at times reflecting, I realise that my faith has taken a knock – but this retreat has reignited my faith – so thank you again. Bishop John has led us beautifully on the journey, ably supported by Jo and Andy. NSF and EducareM are truly transformational and the commitment to leadership formation in my humble opinion is fulfilled. Thank you to the whole team.

It is very much a Retreat, not a Conference

Have found this a truly amazing experience. Very peaceful and calm time to reflect on role as a leader. But also to reflect on life and faith journey. A huge thank you to everyone who organised this inspirational retreat.

Excellent balance throughout. A wonderful experience.

The liturgies were particularly moving and wonderful. The talks from Bishop John were from the heart and allowed us to reflect.

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