The Diocese joyfully welcomes a new chapter in its mission of Catholic education with the appointment of two senior leaders to guide its Multi Academy Trusts, a significant moment of renewal and hope for schools across the diocese.
Mrs Catherine Burnham joined OLICAT as Strategic Executive Lead in September 2025, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to Catholic education. Mrs Burnham previously served as an Executive Headteacher within a large Catholic Academy Trust in Surrey and currently works as a Lead Inspector for the National Inspectorate for Catholic Schools (CSI). With over 30 years of experience spanning primary, secondary and university education, she brings a rare breadth of insight, leadership and faith-filled service to her new role.
Appointed at the same time is Mark McLaughlin as Chief Executive Officer of St Thomas Catholic Academies Trust. Mark’s appointment marks a strong affirmation of leadership grown from within the trust. Formerly an Executive Headteacher and Strategic School Improvement Lead, he has already played a pivotal role in shaping the trust’s vision and standards, and now steps forward to serve at a new level with continuity, dedication and pastoral care.
The Diocese of Northampton is home to just two Catholic Academy Trusts, making the simultaneous appointment of new leaders to both trusts a moment of particular significance. Together, these appointments signal a renewed commitment to excellence, collaboration and mission-driven leadership in Catholic schools.
This important milestone was marked by the Celebration of Mass for the Induction of the two leaders on Monday 19 January at Northampton Cathedral. The Mass was celebrated by Canon Michael Harrison, Vicar General, with Canons Christopher Perry and Simon Penhalagan, Episcopal Vicars for Education, concelebrating, alongside Canon Kevin O’Driscoll, retired parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Slough.
In his homily, Canon Michael reflected on St Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians and its powerful image of the Church as the Body of Christ, “one body, many parts”. Addressing Mark and Catherine directly, he acknowledged both the weight of expectation and the beauty of their calling. He reminded them that while others may expect them to possess every gift, leadership in the Church is never about standing alone, but about recognising, encouraging and coordinating the gifts of others for the good of the whole community.
Canon Michael described their roles as profoundly apostolic and missionary. Like the apostles, they are called to found and nurture communities, to govern wisely, and to strengthen faith in a complex and often challenging world. As prophets and teachers, they are entrusted with embedding Catholic faith into daily practice, inspiring staff and pupils alike through word, example and compassionate leadership. He spoke candidly of the realities they will face: the demands of administration, financial pressures, expectations to “work miracles”, and the constant need for patience, reconciliation and prayer.
Crucially, he reminded all present that Catholic schools reach far beyond the walls of the Church. “Our schools reach many who do not come to church,” he said. “You are missionaries.” In a turbulent world, Mark and Catherine are called to apply the teachings of Christ with love, courage and consistency, trusting always that this is God’s work, and that He will sustain those who serve Him.
The Diocese assured both leaders of its prayerful support as they take up their responsibilities. Their induction stands as a moment of grace, recommitting Catholic education to its foundational mission: to form communities rooted in Christ, rich in faith, and generous in service to the world.
As this new chapter begins, the Diocese gives thanks for the gifts of Mark McLaughlin and Catherine Burnham, and entrusts their leadership, and all our Catholic schools, to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
