The National School of Formation
Tabor Programme
Formation for transformational, authentic and enabling Catholic school leadership.
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.
Who is it for?
Leadership formation across Catholic education
We welcome applications from cross-phase delegates across the breadth of school leadership roles. The programme is suitable for middle and senior leaders and for those new to governance in a Catholic school.
2026–2027 cohort
Key information
Residential 1
15–16 October 2026
Optional early arrival: 14 October
Concludes at 4:15pm on 16 October
Residential 2
24–25 June 2027
Optional early arrival: 23 June
Concludes at 4:15pm on 25 June
Venue
Brinklow Road, Binley,
Warwickshire, CV3 2AB
Programme cost
£1,075
Invoices will be issued to the participating school.
The formation journey
Informed. Formed. Transformed.
Programme experience
What the programme includes
Residential formation
Two residential experiences provide the space for spiritual, personal and professional formation within a national community of Catholic school leaders.
Facilitated coaching groups
Facilitated online meetings focus on reflective leadership growth and development arising from the conferences and research projects.
Tabor Programme research support · Zoom
3.45–4.45pm · Led by Bernie Furey
School visits
Delegates engage in at least one visit to a quality-assured NSF Christ the Teacher graduate school, including a focused learning walk, professional dialogue and authentic immersion opportunities. Options and dates will be shared at the first residential.
EducareM research project
Delegates complete a research-based project connected to their own school action plans, reflecting on their leadership growth and their impact on the common good within and beyond their educational setting.
Formation in action
Transformative project days
9 March 2027 · 10:30am–2:45pm
Caritas Projects, Manchester
Cornerstone, Morning Star and Lalley Caritas Centres
Focusing on transforming people, human rights activism and environmental activism. Led by Kathryn Ansley, Caritas Formation Co-ordinator.
23 April 2027 · 9:30am–4:00pm
Bar Convent, York
Focusing on school charism, equality, participation and aspiration: taking a step into the unfamiliar and unknown through the example of Mary Ward and Ignatian spirituality. Led by Jane Beever and Sr Bernadette Turtle CJ.
Programme community
Leadership and contributors
Programme Lead
Martin Johnson, EducareM Leadership Team
Keynote speakers include
Martin Johnson, Sr Judith Russi SSMN, Dr Maureen Glackin, Richard Woods and Fr Gavin Landers.
Professional development
Accreditation and continued formation
Full completion of the programme enables delegates to apply for 30 credits towards Master’s-level study at St Mary’s University, Twickenham.
All graduates are invited to take part in the NSF annual re-focus, ensuring that their continued formation remains a priority.
Tabor Programme overview
Applications are open
Join the 2026–2027 Tabor Programme
Secure your place in a national community committed to authentic, transformational Catholic school leadership.
For Tabor delegates
Delegate resources and workspaces
Select your cohort to reach your programme resources, documents and shared work. These areas are reserved for delegates and are password-protected.
Current cohort
Cohort 6
2026–2027
Programme resources, documents and shared work for current Tabor delegates.
Open Cohort 6 workspaceDelegate archive
Cohort 5
2025–2026
Return to the protected resources and work developed during your programme.
Open Cohort 5 workspaceDelegate archive
Cohort 4
2024–2025
Return to the protected resources and work developed during your programme.
Open Cohort 4 workspaceDelegate archive
Cohort 3
2023–2024
Return to the protected resources and work developed during your programme.
Open Cohort 3 workspace
