Six Catholic schools apply to join St Francis of Assisi trust

Six Catholic schools in the Enfield deanery have begun the process of joining the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust (SFACAT) in a move described as a major step for Catholic education in the region.

The group includes two secondary schools – St Ignatius College and St Anne’s Catholic High School – and four primary schools: St Edmund’s, St George’s, Our Lady of Lourdes and St Monica’s. Each has received governing body approval to apply for academy conversion and formal membership of the trust.

The expansion aligns with a national direction, supported by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, for all Catholic voluntary-aided schools to convert to academy status and join Catholic academy trusts.

Consultation will begin shortly at the six applying schools, with conversions anticipated to complete between late 2026 and early 2027.

Andrew Celano, chief executive of SFACAT, said: “This is a significant and exciting step forward for Catholic education in our region. Over the past six months, we have worked closely with these excellent schools, and we are confident that this partnership will bring enhanced opportunities for pupils, staff and the wider communities we serve. 

“The addition of secondary provision will particularly strengthen our ability to support and provide excellent Catholic education from early years through to sixth form.”

Trust leaders said the academisation process would not affect the schools’ individual ethos or their roles within local communities. Each school is expected to consult parents, staff and other stakeholders before final decisions are made.

The trust, founded four years ago, currently comprises nine schools following the addition of St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Cheshunt in July 2025. It has developed a reputation for collaboration and school improvement among its members.