The Catholic Headteacher Programme (CHP) is designed for those in the early years of headship, usually (but not exclusively) within the first 3 years.

The NWCDTP does not seek to duplicate work offered at a diocesan or national level. Instead, they focus on delivering a regional programme that supports and compliments each diocesan offer. The inter-diocesan and cross-phase nature of the programme is one of the features appreciated by participants. It creates much wider networking opportunities with other Catholic leaders working in a varied range of settings.

The content of the programme purposely remains flexible so that it can be moulded in part by the needs and interests of the participants. There will be regular opportunities to respond to current experiences and challenges that those on the programme may be facing. However, the challenges of communicating your vision, how we keep Christ at the Centre when dealing with exclusions and grievances, mission-led systems and processes and Catholic School Improvement will be covered.

Called to Catholic leadership, we need to deeply understand what it means to work authentically within the mission and vision of the Catholic tradition and how to apply it to all aspects of school life. Catholic leaders should seek to develop an enriched capacity to understand people and the conditions under which they thrive, and we are privileged to work with leading national Catholic leaders and theologians and serving professionals who offer their advice and wisdom, inspiration and support.

Duration: 1 academic year

Entry requirements: The course is open to people in their first three years of headship in a Catholic school in any of the five North West Dioceses.

Assessment: no formal evaluation occurs on this course, though participants are invited to share their learning through discussions and/or presentations as they complete each module.
Teaching: The course will consist of termly in-person sessions.

Course dates:

• Day 1: Thursday 16th October 2025
• Day 2 (Residential):  Thursday 29th January 2026 (from 4pm) and Friday 30th January 2026 (all day)
• Day 3: Friday 1st May 2026

Cost: £700