“The primary responsibility of the Governing Body of a Catholic school is to occupy and conduct the school on behalf of its Trustees and under the supervision of Archbishop. Traditionally that encompasses the threefold responsibilities of the Governing Body as occupier of the premises, proprietor of the undertaking and employer of the staff…. Ownership of the School Premises remains vested in the Trustees, and the School Premises are occupied by the Governing Body solely for the purpose of conducting a Catholic school on behalf of the Archdiocese of Southwark in accordance with canon law and the Trust Deed.”
Archdiocese of Southwark Occupation of School Premises– Approved by the Trustees on 23rd June 2021
The following information supports schools in upholding Protocols 9: Place Planning, 11: Capital Works and 18: Use of School Premises of ‘Diocesan protocols for maintained schools and academies within the trusteeship of the Archdiocese of Southwark (the ‘Diocese’), setting out the principles for a committed working relationship to underpin the effective running of Catholic maintained schools and academies.’
The procedure for development of new provision or a structural change in a school is to complete a business case for submission, via the form below, to the Education Committee for the Archdiocese of Southwark. This will then be discussed at the next committee meeting and a response will be sent to the school with a decision.
It is recommended that schools fill this in as fully as possible using the prompts provided and attaches supporting documentation so the Education Committee can make an informed decision.
Please use these guidance notes when completing the form.