The National Catholic Leadership Programme (NCLP) has been established by the Formatio partnership to support the formation and recruitment of future and recently-appointed headteachers.
Founding member of Formatio, Mike Shorten, presented the concept of the NCLP, endorsed by the CES and Formatio, for each diocese to use a common framework to meet their own needs. The framework's writers come from Catholic teaching schools across the country, and at present the dioceses of Hexham and Newcastle, Leeds and Nottingham are at different stages of piloting the NCLP course.
Anthony Kennedy (pictured) is Acting Head of School / Deputy Headteacher of English Martyrs' Catholic Primary School, which is part of Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. Here he reflects on his experience with the NCLP:
"As a school leader, I have been fortunate to attend several leadership courses and have been able to access a range of personal development opportunities. Although each one has enabled me to grow as a leader, none of these have had the same impact on me as the NCLP.
"The facilitators of the course were exceptional, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in leadership within Catholic education. Rich discussion was encouraged, allowing us to share our own experiences while drawing on their extensive backgrounds.
"The cohort included a diverse group of leaders, each from different backgrounds and experiences but with a uniting belief in the Catholic faith. This diversity enriched our conversations and enabled us to learn not only from the facilitators but also from one another. Working with secondary colleagues within the cohort provided a different insight to leadership challenges outside of the primary phase. The relationships I built during this course have fostered a supportive network and friendships within our diocese, that I now regularly turn to for guidance and encouragement.
"What makes the NCLP different to any other professional development I have experienced, is that each aspect of leadership theory was rerouted to ensure the Catholic mission and ethos of our schools were embedded throughout each session.
"The course contains relevant and current issues in education, including inclusion, mental health and social justice. The project work allowed me to have a focus for development and put the theory into practice, applying learning to real-world challenges within my school.
"Additional opportunities within the course structure, such as the residential, provided priceless experience I will draw upon when going for future leadership positions. Working with experienced leaders across our Trusts and Diocese proved to be some of the best professional development I have experienced.
"Each session begins with time for prayer and reflection. As well as the theory and practical ideas taken from each session, it has also allowed me time for spiritual nourishment and time for myself away from the day-to-day role within school. It has served as a timely reminder of the vocation to Catholic leadership and puts Christ back at the centre of all we do.
"I am very grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the NCLP and I am sure that is has enhanced my leadership capabilities and deepened my understanding of what it means to lead within a Catholic school. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to my fellow Catholic leaders."
The Formatio partnership supports the CES and diocesan schools commissions to work with the four Catholic universities and Catholic multi-academy trusts in implementing strategies for school leadership and governance, as commissioned by the Bishops in 2017.
To find out more about the NCLP contact your diocesan education service or schools commission.