Welcome from our CEO
Jacky Kennedy
The Mater Christi Trust was founded in September 2021. We are a growing Catholic Trust, starting with a family of 8 schools and now 16 Catholic schools: two secondaries and 14 primaries across North Lancashire and Cumbria in the Diocese of Lancaster.
Our schools are spread geographically across two counties and three Local Authorities. Our geography challenges our Trust to think and work cleverly in order to fulfil our Vision of “Our Family, Our Trust.” We do this by working closely with our Heads, finding and creating opportunities to work together and by knowing our staff and schools very well.
We have offices in Carlisle and in Ulverston…
Our Mission Statement
Our Values
Inspired by the example of Mary, Mother of Christ, Mater Christi is a family of primary and secondary Catholic schools living and learning together for the common good of our children, families, and communities.
Our schools will strengthen the Catholic mission in the Diocese of Lancaster and have the wellbeing of our children at the heart of all we do. We are equal partners with a shared calling to ensure our children receive an outstanding education, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual development to excel in all they do.
At Mater Christi Trust, we embody the values of loving together, learning together, and excellence together. We embrace faith and compassion, inspire minds for the future, and build a united community. These principles guide our mission to provide excellent education, nurture personal growth, and foster a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.
Our Mission Statement
Inspired by the example of Mary, Mother of Christ, Mater Christi is a family of primary and secondary Catholic schools living and learning together for the common good of our children, families, and communities.
Sancta Maria ora pro Nobis.
Our Values
At Mater Christi Trust, we embody the values of loving together, learning together, and excellence together. We embrace faith and compassion, inspire minds for the future, and build a united community. These principles guide our mission to provide excellent education, nurture personal growth, and foster a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.
Our Schools
Founding CEO to Retire After Leading Trust Since Formation
Cumbria, UK — Mater Christi Multi Academy Trust has announced that its founding Chief Executive Officer, Jacky Kennedy, will retire in December 2026 following a distinguished career in education spanning four decades.
Jacky has led the Trust since its formation in 2021 and has overseen significant growth, establishing Mater Christi as a family of 16 schools across Cumbria. Under her leadership, the Trust has developed a culture rooted in Catholic values and collaboration, while building a committed and passionate team.
During her tenure, the Trust has focused on educational outcomes, expanded its network of schools and established a clear strategic vision centred on delivering the very best opportunities for children and young people across the three local authority areas it serves.
Chair of Directors, George Krawiec, said:
“The Trust would like to thank Jacky for all her hard work and dedication to the wellbeing of Catholic education during her period as CEO and wish her well in her retirement”
Jacky said:
“It has been a privilege to lead Mater Christi from its inception in 2021. As I prepare for retirement, I do so knowing the Trust is in safe hands, with amazing staff and pupils.”
The Trust has begun the process of appointing a successor who will continue to build on the strong foundations established over the past five years.
Our Journey
Key Milestones of Mater Christi Trust
Latest News & Events
Celebrations
Staff and pupils at St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Lancaster are celebrating this term….
Mater Christi Prayer
God Our Father,
Your Son, born of Mary the Mother of Christ, brought wisdom, hope and love into our lives.
Help us to share these gifts which we have received with all our children, families, staff and Governors so we are able to love, live and learn together for the common good, and for the benefit of all belonging to the Mater Christi Trust.
May we all grow in charity, wisdom and faith to become ever more like your Son, so that we too may bear witness to your presence in our world, especially to the poor and needy.
Through the same Christ Our Lord.
Amen
Mater Christi, pray for us.
Celebrations
Staff and pupils at St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Lancaster are celebrating this term….