In this update for Pentecost, our schools Project Leader, Jo Stow reports on new strategic relationships with multi academy trusts, new partner schools joining the programme, as well as news of upcoming activities and the next deadline for schools wishing to join the programme. She acknowledges the generosity of donors – in particular those who have supported the Bursary Fund, and her gratitude for a grant enabling our Common Good Schools team to serve more schools.
Supporting staff and leadership
We were delighted to support the senior leadership team from the Pope Francis Multi Academy Trust at a 24 hour retreat as they discerned how Catholic Social Teaching and the charism of Pope Francis shapes their mission. They explored how to leverage their local relationships to grow the common good in the neighbourhoods their schools serve. It is inspiring to witness this outward-facing faithfulness and professional focus as their vision takes shape.
We were also delighted to lead a half day session with Deputy Head Teachers at the Archdiocese of Southwark. Together, we confronted the “the big questions” of our time and explored how local schools are called to respond. We examined what it means to be a church school and the importance of living out the relational imperative at the heart of Catholic Social Teaching, in every aspect of school life.
Our latest CPD session for our partner schools’ staff was a deep dive into the principle of Subsidiarity. We explored this key principle of Catholic Social Teaching, what it looks like in practice and how it can empower students, staff and community partners to play their part for the common good. Participants learned how this principle guides upholds human dignity by ensuring responsibility is taken at the right level, thereby helping to distribute power, enabling flourishing at all levels.
Preston schools joining
It was fabulous to meet colleagues from Mater Ecclesiae Trust in Preston. Staff from five primary schools within the trust gathered to reflect on the common good and learn what it takes to become a Common Good School. We’re grateful to St Clare’s Primary School who hosted the session and warmly welcomed Our Lady and St Edward’s, Ss Mary and Michael, St Mary and St Andrew’s and St Augustine’s primary schools. Induction Training not only introduces our materials, but also explains why the learning and practice of the Common Good is so important for children growing up in an individualistic and consumeristic culture. We’re excited to see how pupils and staff engage and get involved in their communities in the coming months.
Bursary fund enabling 5 new schools to join
We are hugely grateful for generous private donations to our Bursary Fund. At this time, school budgets are stretched considerably. This fund was set up to support schools who need some financial help in order to join Common Good Schools. We were delighted to deliver the good news to four primaries and one secondary school who applied to the fund. Without this help, our resources, CPD and support would have been out of their reach. We received this message from a head teacher in receipt of a bursary donation: “Thank you for the wonderful news! We are delighted to be part of the Common Good Schools programme and look forward to getting started.”
If you would like to contribute to the Bursary Fund and help more schools to join, you can donate securely online here. Please be sure to add a note in the comment box indicating that your gift is dedicated to the Bursary Fund, or email us at louise@togetherforthecommongood.co.uk
Celebrating new funding
We are thrilled to share that we have been awarded a grant from the Assumption Legacy Fund to support our part time Common Good Schools Project Leader post and a new part time assistant role. This modest expansion in capacity will enable our small and highly efficient team to serve more schools, develop more resources, and provide a foundation for the next three years on which to build. This is a huge relief and we are extremely grateful to the fund’s trustees.
Deadline for applications to join us – 1st July
Would your multi academy trust or school like to join us? There’s space for you in our next cohort!
Both primary and secondary schools are welcome. If you are willing to share a training session, there are discounts available for three or more schools joining together across a multi academy trust, a town or within a diocese. In-person induction training will take place in the autumn term, preparing schools to commence the programme in January 2027.
Click the appropriate link below to complete an application.
International news
We were delighted to see that one of our partner schools, the St Francis Academy in Liverpool, has connected with a school in Italy. The visit was initiated by Franca Gambari from Modena and featured in a local online magazine, where Franca shared her vision of how school can become a space for active citizenship. The visit saw eleven British pupils plus staff meeting their Italian counterparts participating in a creative programme of shared experience, in both classroom and community.
Getting involved
We’d love you to join in. Here are some suggestions to consider:
- Part of a MAT? Share this page with your colleagues across the Trust
- For high schools, find out more about what being a Common Good School entails
- Contribute to the Common Good Schools Bursary Fund
- Volunteer for us – we are looking for someone to help with comms and marketing
- We will be recruiting shortly for a part time administrative role
Upcoming events and activities coming up
- 3 June Jo Stow addresses Woodard Schools Chaplains
- 10 June Induction training for St Aloysius, Huyton
- 18 June Induction training for St Mary’s, Workington
- 1 July Application deadline for the next cohort of schools: inductions in the Autumn Term, to commence the programme in January 2027
- 3 July Jenny Sinclair addressess the St Joseph MAT Mission Conference in Liverpool
- September – November Induction training for new primary school partners
Prayers please
We would appreciate your prayers for our work in the coming months:
- School staff in Leeds receiving training later this month
- Deputy headteachers from the Archdiocese of Southwark considering how they can build the common good
- Woodard Schools chaplains considering community engagement
Jo Stow, Project Leader, Common Good Schools
T4CG’s Common Good Schools programme equips schools to enable children and young people develop skills around building relationships and taking responsibility. Schools acting as good neighbours in their communities not only strengthen their own students but make a tangible contribution to the shared life of their neighbourhood. Find out more and arrange a conversation with Jo here