What we do

Guiding schools and learning

The Board provides strategic oversight for Catholic education and formation across the Diocese. It advises on policy, supports headteachers and governors, and helps maintain the Catholic ethos in schools and colleges. The Board also contributes to ongoing adult formation, ensuring that education at all levels reflects the Church’s mission to form minds and hearts in Christ.

Our mission

The Diocese of Lancaster Education Service, through the Board of Education and Formation, is committed to supporting education and formation in the Catholic faith as a lifelong journey. In partnership with parishes, schools, and individuals, the Board works to foster adult understanding, spiritual growth, and the development of vibrant, faith-filled communities.

How we work

The Board of Education and Formation operates as a formal agency of the Diocese. It works on behalf of, and is accountable to, the Bishop and the Diocesan Trustees. Its work is rooted in the educational mission of the Diocese and is shaped by Gospel values, the teaching of the Church, and the pastoral vision of the Bishop.

Our purpose

  • To advise the Bishop and Trustees on education and formation strategy
  • To recommend and oversee diocesan education policies
  • To guide the work of the Education Service and ensure its accountability
  • To support coherence across Catholic schools, parishes, and adult formation initiatives

Our people

Meet the team

Curia
Clergy
Canon
Michael
Docherty
Episcopal Vicar for Education and Formation
Department
Board of Education & Formation
Parishes
Parish
Religious Order
Status
Active
The Catholic Flat
Chaplaincy Centre
Lancaster
LA1 4YW
lucc@lrcd.org.uk
07507 957619
Biography

Curia
Clergy
Mrs
Liz
Boniface
Department
Board of Education & Formation
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Biography

News

Latest news

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Resources

From our department

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Our Commission Members

President

Curia
Clergy
Bishop
Paul
Swarbrick
Diocesan Bishop
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active
Biography

Chair

Curia
Clergy
Canon
Michael
Docherty
Episcopal Vicar for Education and Formation
Department
Board of Education & Formation
Parishes
Parish
Religious Order
Status
Active
The Catholic Flat
Chaplaincy Centre
Lancaster
LA1 4YW
lucc@lrcd.org.uk
07507 957619
Biography

Members

Curia
Clergy
Mrs
Liz
Boniface
Department
Board of Education & Formation
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Biography

Curia
Clergy
Mrs
Alison
Dodd
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Biography

Curia
Clergy
Prof.
Robert
Hannaford
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Biography

Curia
Clergy
Mr
Michael
Merrick
Diocesan Schools Commissioner
Department
Education Service
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active
Biography

Curia
Clergy
Fr
John
Millar
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Active
Biography

Curia
Clergy
Mrs
Clare
Nolan-Barnes
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Biography

Curia
Clergy
Mr
John
Fetherstone
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Biography

Curia
Clergy
Mrs
Helen
Seddon
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Status
Biography

Curia
Clergy
Fr
Richard
Simons
Episcopal Vicar for Religious
Department
Parishes
Parish
|
|
|
Religious Order
Order of St Benedict
Status
Active
Biography

Contact our department

Get in touch with our team.

Board of Education and Formation
The Pastoral Centre
Balmoral Road
Lancaster
LA1 3BT
educationservice@lrcd.org.uk

Key contact