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Primary school leaders from across the Diocese gathered at Cottesmore Conference Facilities last week for a day of reflection, networking and shared commitment to Catholic education.

Diocesan Education Service Director, Julie Oldroyd, opened the conference with a welcome address, before Anna Flood, also of the Education Service, led the opening prayer, setting the tone for a day centred on mission and service.

The Diocese of Arundel and Brighton has care of 15,855 Catholic primary school pupils across 51 state-funded primary schools, supported by approximately 3,000 teachers and support staff working within the Diocese's mission to provide Catholic education that brings together academic and spiritual formation.

The morning focused on key priorities for schools. Simon Jaggard, head teacher at St Joseph's Specialist Trust, Cranleigh, a school for students with complex learning difficulties, led a session on inclusive practice, exploring how Catholic values, therapy, care and education can help students reach their full potential.

Claire Smith, Headteacher of St Bernadette's in Brighton, and Leanne Harris, Director of Primary Education at Xavier Catholic Education Trust then led a discussion on early experiences of the new Ofsted framework.

"It's an opportunity to pause, reflect and be with one another to share our lived experience," she said. "We're trying to give that encouragement to keep doing the brilliant job we all do day in, day out."

Anna Flood and Emma Sharp, both diocesan Primary Advisers for RE & Catholic Ethos, delivered an RE update, while partners including Zen Educate and Mary's Meals outlined ways schools can strengthen both operational support and their commitment to Catholic Social Teaching.

In the afternoon Finola Gill, Headteacher of Holy Cross Primary School in Plymouth, offered an outside-Diocese perspective and practical motivation for headteachers at different stages of their school improvement journeys. Holy Cross Primary School was recently awarded an outstanding grade in its Catholic School Inspection (CSI). The day closed with diocesan updates and a closing liturgy led by Emma Sharp.

As the diocesan Pastoral Plan “The Word Who Is Life”  highlights:

"Catholic Education demands a great deal of staff and students alike, but the rewards go far beyond the life of the school for all concerned, since the experience of a school that is a truly Catholic community has a deep impact on the world. In the circumstances of our present society, the clear proclamation of the value of Catholic education is needed."