Mater Ecclesiae is one of three Catholic Multi Academy Trusts (CMATs) formed by the Diocese of Lancaster to protect, preserve, nourish and enhance the Catholic religion through the establishment, maintenance and development of Catholic schools.
Mater Ecclesiae was formed in 2022 and currently consists of seven Catholic primary schools. In geographical terms, the Trust extends across Preston and rural Preston and all are within the local authority area of Lancashire. We currently have 287 staff and educate over 2,200 children and young people in our care. Our head office is located at Lancaster University School of Mathematics in Preston.
"As educators, you are called to nurture the desire for truth, goodness and beauty that lies in the heart of each individual, so that all may learn how to love life and be open to the fullness of life..."
Pope Francis
Our mission is to ‘One Family in Christ’ serving the family of Catholic schools in the Preston area, under the patronage of Mary the Mother of the church - Mater Ecclesiae.
Our vision is to work together to meet the needs of all and strive for excellence. Within our family, members of our community are loved and valued as unique individuals made in the image of God. They are respected and cherished and given every opportunity to grow together.
As ‘One Family in Christ’ we embrace, celebrate and inspire our diverse communities to achieve their full potential.
We value the professional development of our staff and are dedicated to providing high quality Continuing Professional Development across all areas of school life, coupled with a collaborative and supportive framework for effective teamwork. We believe that together we are much stronger and work in close partnership to create a vision for education that is outward-facing, spiritually uplifting and enriching for all.
"Catholic education is also evangelization: bearing witness to the joy of the Gospel and its power to renew our communities and provide hope and strength in facing wisely the challenges of the present time"
Pope Francis