A New Framework for Excellence

Inspections report all is well

The Catholic Schools Inspection reports from the Birmingham Catholic Schools inspectors say the archdiocese is doing well with its Catholic schools.

The high standards recorded in the inspection reports will impress you, apart from when a judgment required by the inspection framework is glossed over or ignored. Now and then, the sharpness of the judgment is dulled by verbiage. Occasionally, the odd slip of the pen challenges the judgement. Or you might think there is too much emphasis on recording the ‘Catholic things’ they saw.

Poor website writing

However, the Catholic schools portrayed in inspection reports are not reflected in the way those schools write on their websites.

There is scant mention of being an arm of the missionary Church in preaching the gospel. Instead, refuge is sought in listing ‘Catholic things’ they do.

Empty phrases such as ‘Christ centred’, and listing ‘gospel values’ loosely associated with Gospel episodes, create an empty shell.

Convoluted language that requires degree-level education to understand the text distorts clarity.

The theological and scriptural knowledge used in the website writing is often low level.

Hope is on the horizon.

The BDES has announced its intention regarding the new Catholic Multi-Academy Trust that will lead the switch from the current multitude of MACs to the era of mega CMATs. All is revealed in their proposal published in August 2024 Strong and Flourishing Catholic Multi-Academy Company Framework.

A turning point

Potentially, the launch of the new CMAT should be a significant turning point in Catholic education in the diocese.

The Framework spells out the theological foundation of the new Catholic Multi-Academy Trust (CMAT) and its schools. They are to be key agents in the Church’s mission to preach the gospel.

The Framework outlines the structures and procedures for operational effectiveness. It gives a clear and profound understanding of what Catholic schools do. The standards in the new Framework are challenging and comprehensive. But they set in place the basis for strong and flourishing CMATs delivering a better future for all our children.

The Framework leaves no scope for idiosyncratic variations or arcane ideologies of individual CMAT leaders. At the same time, there is a requirement “to respond to local needs” that blocks centralisation and uniformity. It even reads as if someone is taking subsidiarity seriously, at last.

The Framework declares that Catholic schools carry out their responsibility to the Church and their pupils when working in close harmony with families, parishes, and local agencies. The CMAT will facilitate that working but the diocese will have to ensure the parishes are up to the task.

The CMATs place schools in a rich context of collaboration with other schools and agencies, so offering effective access to their expertise, experience and resources.

The emphasis on excellence in education in each of the CMAT anchor schools adds focus to the firm commitment of the Church to be a key player in the arena of personal growth and success, “especially for the disadvantaged”. Delivering an excellent education is seen as the foundation and context for receiving and responding to the gospel message.

A successful CMAT, run along the lines of the new Framework, will exemplify the best in the Church and the best in education. It will also contribute to the local communities in which their schools are based.

A new concept and excellent provision

This document gives hope that an innovative system of Catholic schooling will emerge. The evidence-based system being promoted strives for excellence and constant renewal.

There is now a choice between seizing opportunities for Catholic schools to evolve, or embalming a moribund practice already battered and beyond sticking plaster revival.

Unusually, for such a serious Church announcement, there is a clear commitment to ongoing reflection and improvement; no details yet on how that improvement process will be managed. There may even be room for conversations in the Spirit.

Coordinated and flourishing 

Living out the Framework will enable the MAC to intertwine Church, family, parish and school in a way that caters for all.

Pouring new wine into old wine bottles demands change.

It requires a new way of being school.

It requires a new way of being Church.

The vision and the opportunities are there for those who have eyes to see.

Read the document and see for yourself - https://www.bdes.org.uk/multi-academy-vision-2024.html and go to Strong and Flourishing MAT Framework.

© Ted Dunphy

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Disclaimer

I am not an active member of any advisory or diocesan education service. The views expressed are based on my experience, my research and the evidence I have uncovered. 

My experience comes from teaching in and working with Catholic schools around England over many years.

My research is based on investigating Catholic school websites in countries around the world, but especially in England.

My evidence-based approach challenges and refines my learning from the experience and the research.

I support Pope Francis’ concept of synodality as a way of finding truth. I listen before I talk. I welcome you to have your say. Make it a conversation in the Spirit.

Ted Dunphy