“Now we ask the institutions to converge: unity is our most prophetic strength.”

Pope Leo XIV, Constellations of Hope 

 

Thinking of joining our Trust 

In our continued commitment to realising our Bishop’s vision for education across the Diocese of Lancaster, we are keen to work with and support Catholic schools at all points of their conversion journey. From initial conversations and questions to managing the conversion process, we are highly experienced in the level of support we can provide. 

The Diocese of Lancaster’s Academisation Strategy calls on all Catholic Schools, that are not yet academies, to engage in conversations with their assigned multi academy trust to explore the benefits that working in closer collaboration, as part of a Catholic Academy Trust, can bring. 

Mater Ecclesiae Catholic Multi Academy Trust is the destination Catholic MAT for schools in the Preston and rural Preston region of the Diocese. These are: 

What are the benefits of belonging to a Trust? 

Becoming one of our Trust schools has great benefits. By joining Mater Ecclesiae, you will: 

  • Join a team of strong professional leaders. Trust leaders use their experience, knowledge and professional judgement to overcome challenges and, by working together, find solutions and share best practice across the Trust’s learning community. 

  • Benefit from economies of scale. Mater Ecclesiae has negotiated contracts that offer academies better value for money in areas such as payroll, management information systems (MIS), finance systems and management, IT support and licences, legal support and utility contracts.  

  • Access Trust-wide professional development. The Trust has a CPD programme for SENCOs, Teaching Assistants, Early Career Teachers (ECTs), Designated Safeguarding Leads, Catholic Life & Mission Leads, Early Years Leaders and Governors. We also host an annual Trust Schools Conference and a Trust Schools Collaboration Day. Efficiency savings are also achieved through some administrative functions being managed centrally.  

  • Benefit from standardised payroll systems, Trust-wide policies and processes via our purpose-built iTrent platform. 

  • Access school improvement resources and support via our shared, single Microsoft 365 environment. 

  • Benefit from shared executive leadership and business management from our skilled and experienced central team.  

  • Operate within a strong, progressive governance framework, with support for academies, governors and clerks.  

For more information or to discuss the benefits of joining the Trust with your school and governors, Mater Ecclesiae invites enquiries via contact@mecmat.org.