National School of Formation Tabor Programme for middle & senior leaders
Establishing a community of transformational, authentic and enabling school leaders
The National School of Formation Tabor Programme establishes a national community of transformational, authentic and enabling Catholic school leaders. Rooted in the mission of the Church in education and inspired by the Transfiguration of Christ, the programme enables middle and senior leaders to deepen their formation, strengthen their leadership and serve the common good.
Through residential formation, facilitated coaching, school visits, transformative projects and research-based learning, delegates move through a journey of being Informed, Formed and Transformed.
The Tabor Programme title is inspired by Mount Tabor, traditionally identified as the place of Jesus’ Transfiguration.
Residential 2: 24th – 25th June 2027, (early arrivals 23rd June 2027)
Keynote speakers include: Martin Johnson, Sr Judith Russi SSMN, Dr Maureen Glackin, Richard Woods, Fr Gavin Landers.
Residential Venue: Coombe Abbey Hotel | Programme cost: £1,075 (night before stays must be booked separately by the delegate, quoting EducareM Tabor to the hotel, or by arrangement with Sue Riley suerileyeducareM@hotmail.co.uk)
Transformative Projects: Delegates are invited to transformational visits to: i. Bar Convent, York: 23/04/2027 – Focuses on school charism, equality, participation and aspiration – taking a step into the unfamiliar and unknown using the example of Mary Ward and Ignatian spirituality. | ii. Caritas Projects, Manchester: 09/03/2027 – Focuses on (i) Transforming People, (ii) Human Rights Activism, (iii) Environmental Activism.
EducareM Research Project: Applying learning to their own settings is a key aspect of the programme. Delegates are encouraged to complete a research-based project linked entirely to their own school action plans, and to reflect on their own leadership growth and the impact they have on the common good in their educational settings and beyond.
Facilitated coaching groups: Facilitated online meetings, focusing on reflective leadership growth and development, arising from the conferences and research projects, will be held throughout the programme.
School Visits: Delegates engage with at least one visit to a quality assured NSF Christ the Teacher graduate school, including focused learning walk, discussion and authentic immersion opportunities.
All graduates of the Tabor Programme are invited to take part in the NSF annual re-focus, ensuring their continued formation is prioritised.
Invoices to secure places will be issued to the participating school.
Venue: Coombe Abbey Hotel, Brinklow Road, Binley, Warwickshire, CV3 2AB.
Cost: £1075
Applications:
To register your interest for a place on the programme in 2026 – 2027:
Places are open to middle and senior leaders across all phases of Catholic education, as well as those new to governance in a Catholic school.
Suitable for:
Middle and Senior Leaders; and those new to governance in a Catholic school.
Key Dates: 2026 – 2027
Residentials: Coombe Abbey Hotel, Brinklow Road, Binley, Warwickshire, CV3 2AB.
- Residential 1 (early arrivals 14th October 2026) Programme starts 15th October 2026 – Concludes 16th October 2026 4:15pm.
- Residential 2 (Early arrivals 23rd June 2027) Programme starts 24th June 2027 – Concludes 25th June 2027, 4:15pm.
Transformative Project days:
- Cornerstone / Morning Star & Lalley Caritas Centres, Manchester: 9th March 2027, led by Kathryn Ansley, Formation co-ordinator. (10:30am-2:45pm)
- Bar Convent, York: 23rd April 2027, led by Jane Beever, Sr Bernadette Turtle CJ. (9:30am-4:00pm)
School visits:
- School visit options & dates will be shared on first residential.
Programme Lead: Martin Johnson
