Bosco Catholic Education Trust

St Richard’s Catholic Primary School, Chichester, is proud to be part of the Bosco Catholic Education Trust (Bosco CET), having joined the Trust in February 2026.

As a member of Bosco, we benefit from being part of a family of Catholic schools united by a shared commitment to faith, excellence and service, while remaining proudly and distinctly St Richard’s. The Trust actively celebrates the individuality of each school. Whilst we work collaboratively with other Bosco schools, St Richard’s retains its own unique character, traditions, community spirit and vision. We are encouraged to develop what makes our school special, whilst benefiting from the expertise, support and opportunities that come from belonging to a wider Catholic family.

Inspired by St John Bosco

The Trust is named after St John Bosco, the nineteenth-century priest and educator who founded the Salesian Order. Don Bosco dedicated his life to serving some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children in Turin, providing them with faith, hope, love and opportunities for a brighter future.

His belief that every child should be 'known and loved' remains central to the mission of Bosco CET and strongly reflects our own ethos at St Richard’s. The schools of the Trust chose Don Bosco as their patron because his vision embodies everything that is valued in Catholic education: a commitment to excellence, strong relationships, faith-filled leadership and a belief in the God-given potential of every child.

Working Together for Excellence

Being part of Bosco CET allows our staff to work alongside colleagues from across a large network of Catholic primary and secondary schools.

Through collaboration, we are able to:

• Share outstanding teaching and learning practices.
• Access high-quality professional development and training.
• Develop leadership and career progression opportunities.
• Work with specialist school improvement advisers.
• Share expertise in SEND, curriculum development and assessment.
• Participate in Trust-wide projects and initiatives.

This collaborative approach ensures that St Richard’s children benefit from the very best educational experiences and opportunities.

Support for Our School

Bosco CET provides extensive support through its Central Team, including:

• School Improvement
• Safeguarding
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Premises and Estates
• Information Technology
• Governance and Compliance

This means that school leaders have access to specialist expertise whilst remaining focused on providing an exceptional education for every child.

Governance and Accountability

Bosco CET retains the governance structure traditionally associated with Catholic Voluntary Aided schools. Each school has its own Local Governing Committee (LGC) which operates in a similar way to a Full Governing Body, ensuring that local knowledge and community voice remain at the heart of decision-making.

The Trust Board and Central Team provide strategic oversight whilst supporting schools to maintain the highest standards in:

• Safeguarding
• Curriculum and assessment
• SEND and inclusion
• Finance and budgeting
• Health and safety
• Data protection and GDPR compliance

This combination of local governance and Trust-wide support ensures strong accountability and a commitment to continual improvement.

Looking Ahead

Catholic schools across the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton are working together to create a strong and sustainable future for Catholic education. Bosco CET is a key part of this vision, bringing schools together across phases to strengthen Catholic education and ensure that every child can flourish.

At St Richard’s, we are proud to be part of this growing family of schools. We value the support, opportunities and expertise that Bosco provides, while remaining firmly rooted in our own unique community and mission.

Together, we are ensuring that every child is known, loved and inspired to achieve their God-given potential.

To find out more about Bosco Catholic Education Trust, visit: www.boscocet.org.uk