Two secondary and four primary schools in the borough are applying to join Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust as part of a “significant expansion”

St Anne's Catholic High School for Girls in Enfield Town — St Anne’s Catholic High School in Enfield Town

Six Enfield Catholic schools are set to join an academy trust which claims it will “strengthen” education provision for the Christian denomination in North London.

The St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust (SFACAT) has announced that two secondary and four primary schools in the borough are applying to join the trust in a “significant expansion”.

The schools are St Ignatius College in Turkey Street, St Anne’s Catholic High School and St George’s Catholic Primary School in Enfield Town, St Edmund’s Catholic Primary School in Edmonton, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in Arnos Grove, and St Monica’s Catholic Primary School in Palmers Green.

All have all received governing body approval to proceed with formal applications for academy conversion and trust membership.

The move forms part of the national strategic direction, supported by Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols, for all Catholic voluntary-aided schools to convert to academy status and join Catholic academy trusts.

Andrew Celano, CEO 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.”

The schools joining SFACAT have emphasised that the academisation process “will not alter their distinctive ethos or their vital role within local communities”.

Each school will undertake “comprehensive consultation” with parents, staff and other stakeholders before final decisions are made.

SFACAT, established four years ago, currently comprises nine schools, following the addition of St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Cheshunt in July 2025.

The conversion process is expected to be completed in late 2026 and early 2027, with formal consultation beginning shortly at each of the applying schools.

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