Catholic schools to become academies in new strategy

More than 210 Catholic schools across north-west England will be asked to join academies as part of a "significant" Archdiocese of Liverpool strategy to boost standards and protect finances.

The schools, which teach about 30,000 students overall, will be invited to join two existing trusts and a new one, a spokeswoman said.

It means their funding will come directly from the government rather than local authorities, which are facing increasing financial challenges.

Joan McCarthy, education director at the archdiocese, told BBC Radio Merseyside: "Local authorities - who have been fantastic supporters and work really well - their funding has been more and more restricted."

She added: "So it's a question of us taking control of our schools but also ensuring that we can develop and create new opportunities for our children and for our staff."

Liverpool diocese was the last of the Catholic dioceses nationally to fully adopt an academy structure.

Starting in 2002, academies have received funds directly from government instead of local authorities and have more control than other state schools.

However, some have been criticised for their financial management and public accountability.

McCarthy said the "academisation" process, which will take at least six years to implement, would enable teachers to develop their subject skills by working with other schools, adding that it would "enhance standards".

"Children will not see any difference in the sense that their same teachers are in the school," she said.

"They're still going to the same school. There's no uniform changes. There's no curriculum changes."

The announcement follows a two-day event held by the Archbishop of Liverpool, John Sherrington, who has the authority to determine the schools' strategy.

McCarthy said school governors would make the decision on whether to join the academies, adding "consultation will start with parents and schools as they come on board".

All Catholic schools in the archdiocese will be invited to join one of three trusts, including the existing St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust - covering Liverpool and St Helens - and Pope Francis Multi Academy Trust - overseeing Sefton and Lancashire.

Schools from Halton, Warrington, Wigan and Knowsley will be asked to join the new Our Lady of Lourdes North West.

Andrew Truby, chief executive of St Joseph, said: "This represents a significant moment in Catholic education and the strategy has the potential to transform children's lives.

"Our commitment is to provide one cohesive Catholic education, from early years through to post-16 so that every child can thrive."

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