We are a newly formed family of 64 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, part of a wider community of MATs united in one mission:

Forming pilgrims of hope with kind hearts, questioning minds, a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for justice.

Rooted in the witness of St Gabriel the Archangel, God’s messenger of Good News, we share his call to bring hope, courage and clarity to the children, families and communities entrusted to our care. His words – “Do not be afraid” – guide us as we look to the future with faith, boldness and high expectations.

This is a time of listening and co-creating – shaping our Trust together with those we serve, drawing on the strength of our size, the richness of our diversity and the gifts of every person.

We invite you to journey with us in faith, hope and love, as we build a flourishing Catholic family for today and tomorrow.

5 Characteristics of St Gabriel the Archangel for Our Catholic MAT to live by:

1. We Stand in God’s Presence with Confidence and Humility

“I am Gabriel, and I stand before the throne of God.”
We live and lead with the knowledge that our authority, dignity, and purpose come from God—not from status, success, or self. Like Gabriel, we know who we are and Whose we are. In our schools, we cultivate a culture of quiet confidence, rooted in our divine identity and grounded in humility.

2. We Speak with Peace and Courage

“Do not be afraid.”
In a world full of uncertainty, we echo Gabriel’s greeting by offering reassurance, compassion, and stability. We recognise that learning, change, and faith can be frightening—and we walk with others through it. Our Trust builds a culture of safety, kindness, and pastoral attentiveness.

3. We Believe that with God Nothing is Impossible

“Nothing is impossible for God.”

Gabriel announces world-changing hope. We believe every child, every family, and every member of staff holds limitless God-given potential. We are not defined by our past or our limitations, but by the transforming power of grace. Our vision is bold, our faith is bold, and with courage we dare to step forward in hope

A shared conviction that every life can be renewed

4. We Listen with Love
 “The holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”

Gabriel communicates God’s message with clarity and compassion, adapting his words to Daniel, Zechariah, and Mary. In the same way, our vocation is not only to teach but to communicate with love – listening deeply, understanding, and responding to each unique member of our community. Our pedagogy is relational, attentive, and compassionate. We are messengers of meaning, not just content.

5. We Serve a Mission Greater Than Ourselves

Gabriel does not act for himself, but as a servant of God’s plan. So too, we serve our schools not for personal ambition, but in service of God’s Kingdom. Each of us — whatever our role — is called to lead with humility and purpose. We plant seeds whose harvest we may never see. Our work is vocational, hopeful, and future-facing.