Birmingham Diocesan Education ServiceForming Christ-centred pilgrims of hope with kind hearts, questioning minds, a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for justice. About us What We Offer Our MIssion and Values Our vision and strategy Our schools Our Schools Admissions CSI Inspections Our work with schools Catholic Education High quality inclusive education Raising Standards: Best Practice Leadership Recruitment and Formation Finance and Operations Directives and Protocols DES Model Policies and Information Work with us Flourishing Catholic Workforce Train to Teach in Catholic Schools Vacancies Governance What's on Training and Events DES Circulars 2025 Pilgrims of Hope Get in Touch Safeguarding Our vision and strategy Strong and Flourishing Catholic Multi-Academy Framework “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic faith, this framework describes what makes a Catholic Multi-Academy Trust (CMAT)/Multi-Academy Company (MAC) strong and flourishing. It unites all CMATs/MACs in a shared strategic approach, ensuring the very best Catholic education for every child in the Diocese. By aligning our efforts, we nurture the hearts, minds and souls of pupils, staff, and communities, creating a seamless educational experience across the Archdiocese. This common framework helps CMATs/MACs assess their performance, articulate their mission, and provide authentic, flourishing Catholic education for all. The Archdiocese expects all CMATs to use this framework and draws on it in fulfilling the Archbishop’s canonical oversight. Our Common Strategic ApproachWe build flourishing communities guided by Catholic Social Teaching, ensuring every child develops their God-given talents and contributes to the care of God’s creation. This framework aligns with Diocesan protocols and the Archbishop’s directives. Preferential Option for the PoorWe prioritise the most vulnerable, ensuring all children, regardless of background, have access to the transformative power of Catholic education, inspired by Pope Francis’s call to serve the poor. A Living DocumentThe framework evolves with the needs of our Diocesan family, serving as a tool for leaders, directors, trustees, and Diocesan officers to guide and evaluate our shared mission. Evidence-BasedIt draws on research, best practice, and national trust framework rooted always in our Catholic values and traditions. The full framework document can be found here: Strong and Flourishing Catholic MAT Framework Archdiocesan Vision for Catholic Education The vision for Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Birmingham was set out by Archbishop Bernard Longley and Steve Bell, Director of Education, on 11th July 2024. Archbishop Bernard's speech Steve Bell's speech Manage Cookie Preferences