A vision that grew into a national mission
EducareM has spent three decades helping Catholic leaders nurture the whole person—spiritually, morally, culturally, mentally and physically.
Where the story began
Responding to the needs of the whole person
“Spare no sacrifice in helping Catholic schools fulfil their function in a continually more perfect way.”Declaration on Christian Education, 1965
EducareM grew from the need to articulate a clear response to the 1988 Education Reform Act: that every young person should follow a curriculum which promotes their spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development and prepares them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
This became known as the SMSC requirement for the nation’s pupils, regardless of whether they had a faith background.
Our story was preceded by the Hertfordshire Religious Education Development Trust, which pioneered ways of placing the National Curriculum and Religious Education within this wider, statutory vision for human flourishing.
Milestones
From a local trust to a national work of formation
A national challenge
The Education Reform Act placed the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the heart of education.
EducareM is established
Following fruitful discussions with members of the House of Lords, support and funding were secured for a new national charity.
Twenty-five years
A milestone celebrating national retreats, leadership formation, curriculum development, publications and study visits.
Thirty years—and still growing
Three decades of accompanying Catholic leaders, educators and communities, with hope for the journey ahead.
A pioneering contribution
Making holistic education visible and practicable
As the work developed, the trustees and their director were invited to speak with members of the House of Lords about how the SMSC requirement could be delivered. Those conversations made clear that the work needed to reach beyond its local beginnings.
By offering Ofsted, government and headteachers a clear definition of SMSC—and showing how it could be lived across every Key Stage—EducareM pioneered a holistic national training programme.
Sister Judith Russi SSMN’s vision and leadership remain woven into this continuing work: forming leaders who can serve with faith, wisdom and humanity.
Our name, our purpose
EducareMEducare is Latin: to lead out, develop and foster. The M stands for Millennium—expressing our commitment to authentic Catholic leadership formation for this millennium.
Explore our programme diary