St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School makes history as it joins St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust 

St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School, St Helens, has become the first secondary school to join a Catholic multi academy trust since the announcement of the Archdiocese of Liverpool’s major academisation strategy, ‘A Family in Christ: Our Future Together’. 

Today [Tuesday, 1 September], St Cuthbert’s officially joined St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust (CMAT). It is now the fifth secondary school in the trust family.

The archdiocese selected St Joseph CMAT to become one of three major multi academy trusts as part of its long-term vision for Catholic education across the region. 

St Cuthbert’s has a rich history dating back to 1957, when it became the first Catholic secondary modern following the Second World War. The school is now looking ahead to the future with this move to St Joseph CMAT.

Mr Stuart Holland, headteacher of St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School, said:

“We are delighted that St Cuthbert’s is joining St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust. This is an exciting new chapter for our school community and reflects our shared commitment to providing the very best Catholic education for every child. 

“St Cuthbert’s is a wonderful school, with a strong sense of faith, community and belonging. We are proud of what we have already achieved, and joining St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust will enable us to build on these achievements, further strengthening the excellent work already taking place and create even greater opportunities for our students, staff and families. 

“I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen. We are incredibly grateful for the commitment and collaboration which has brought us to this important milestone, and we look forward to this next chapter with confidence and optimism.” 

Chair of governors, Father Philip Swanson, added:

“In September 1957 when Archbishop Hennan opened St Cuthbert’s, one of the intentions was that Catholic secondary age children from the Sutton Manor, Clockface, Parr, Derbyshire Hill and Sutton areas would receive a Catholic education to prepare them for the world of work.

“For over nearly 70 years, St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School has been successfully doing this in an ever-changing world. From today, we join St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust as part of their family of schools and we hope the vision of Archbishop Hennan will continue under the Catholic leadership of Archbishop Sherrington, ensuring all our students and staff are empowered to ‘live life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10).” 

St Cuthbert’s prides itself on its values of courage, commitment, compassion and community. The school places the development of the whole child at the heart of its mission, closely aligning with that of St Joseph CMAT. Together, the school and the trust share an ambition to deliver world-class Catholic education through faith and inclusion. 

CEO of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, Mr Andrew Truby, said:

“We are delighted to welcome St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School to the St Joseph family. It’s a wonderful place of learning with Christ at the centre.” 

Ann Connor OBE, director and chair of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, commented:

“I am pleased to welcome St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School into the St Joseph family of schools. This is a significant moment for St Cuthbert’s as it becomes the first voluntary converter from St Helens to join the trust. This partnership confirms our shared commitment to delivering outstanding Catholic education, grounded in faith, excellence and community.”

Director of secondary education at St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, Mr Michael Gun-Why, added:

“As a trust, we are proud to welcome St Cuthbert’s and look forward to helping every child thrive academically, spiritually and personally. I have already begun working alongside staff at St Cuthbert’s and I am excited for the journey we are about to embark on together.” 

As part of the archdiocese’s academisation strategy, St Joseph CMAT is set to grow to 66 schools. It will serve primary and secondary schools across Liverpool and St Helens.  

Director of education at the Archdiocese of Liverpool, Mrs Joan McCarthy, said:

“On behalf of the Archdiocese of Liverpool, I am delighted to congratulate St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School on joining St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust. Today’s conversion reflects much more than a partnership, it is the coming together of communities united by a shared faith, mission and commitment to providing the very best Catholic education for every child.”