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CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP FORMATION
2025 Programme

An Inspirational Catholic
leadership course, tailored for
pre-university students

"For one of the greatest joys that any educator can have is to see a student turn into a strong, well-integrated person, a leader and someone prepared to give."
Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, 2019

"Today's decision makers have to grapple with ethical challenges about which they feel ill-equipped to deal with"
Lord Alton of Liverpool

 
About

HOW OUR PROGRAMME PREPARES YOU

Our unique programme offers you a unique experience unlike any other currently on offer, immersing you in a holistic environment of study, prayer, activities and social with like-minded peers. 
LEARNING
"The programme has given me a clearer and more profound understanding of the Christian view of human dignity."
(Santiago)

"Being able to understand complicated philosophical and Christian concepts really aided the strengthening of my relationship with God."
(Kate)
 SKILLS
"I found the media training to be a very valuable part of the course, as it taught transferable skills that are applicable to many of life's situations."
(Ciaran)

"Exploring natural theology has given me the ability to confidently articulate and defend my faith without fear of reproach."
(Alexy)
PRAYING
"Prayer really helped me focus on the day. Mass in the morning was really nice. I enjoyed having a focused time to connect with God and receive his body before the day started."
(Emily)

"Frequent prayer... has aided me in realising how crucial it is to pray together and for each other, and to bring us together as individuals and as a community to Christ."
(Maia)

 
Stonyhurst Christian Leadership Formation programme students

WHAT OUR PROGRAMME OFFERS

The CLF programme offers three residential modules...
You can either apply straight up for the whole programme
or apply for Module 1 only

Module 1

The first module brings the group together for an inspiring week (six days/five nights) within the grounds of the beautiful Stonyhurst estate in the Ribble Valley, inviting you to…
 
  • Discuss with like-minded young Catholics the contemporary issues of the day, your hopes and visions regarding the future of the Church and our nation.
  • Improve your team-building skills; be inspired and challenged working alongside fellow Christian peers, through formal and (not-so-formal) off-the-wall activities!
  • Enhance your presentation and public-speaking skills; receive advice and guidance from leaders and professionals.
  • Broaden your mind with philosophical deep dives and discussion of key theological and philosophical subject areas.

Develop and grow personally and spiritually, knowing that all activities are accompanied by regular prayer, daily Mass attendance and spiritual talks; along with enjoyable social times at a local pub, watching a film or going for a revitalising ramble!
Christian Leadership Formation programme students
When: July 2025 (TBC)
Christian Leadership Formation programme students

Module 2

This is the ethics module, first and foremost! Guided and enlightened by the Church's authoritative teaching, our experts will help you to understand some of the most challenging issues facing our society, including:
  • The environment;
  • Human ecology;
  • Ethical and moral issues; and
  • Political Philosophy.

Immerse yourself in four days (three nights) of high-powered thinking with some great teachers! 
When: October 2025 (TBC)

Module 3

The final module (four days/three nights) is focused on practical leadership, and includes a short retreat that will help you to encounter the only leader that truly matters: Jesus Christ!

During this module, you will be guided and directed to reflect upon:

 
  • The essential elements of virtuous leadership;
  • Examples of courageous political leadership;
  • How you can identify your own God-given gifts and talents to change our society and culture;
  • How you can better understand your personality and your style of spirituality.

The module closes with a tour of Parliament and presentation of certificates in Westminster Hall by a Catholic political figure.
Leadership workshop
When: February 2026 (TBC)
Lord Alton

WHAT DOES IT COST? AND HOW DO I GET THERE?


Participants are asked to fund their place at a cost of £800 for the whole programme, or £400 for the first module.
This includes all tuition, activities, full-board and lodging!

We invite parents who cannot afford to cover all or part of this cost to apply for a subsidy in the application form.

Please note: the above cost represents a subsidisation of the programme's full cost to us of £1,500 per student. 

 
For travel to Stonyhurst; if participants are not able to travel by car, we recommend catching a train to Preston, where from we will provide a free minibus service to/from the college.

For the modules based in London, the closest station (which is a 15-minute walk away) to Waxwell House is Pinner, which is on the Metropolitan Line.

HOW TO APPLY

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The Christian Leadership Formation programme is for students currently in
Year 12 (Lower VI / S5)
Applicants should be:
  • Motivated by their Christian faith to help shape and create a society founded on Christian principles;
  • Driven by a love for God and neighbour;
  • Able to demonstrate a strong academic ability.
Applications are currently closed; however, applications for 2025 will open this autumn.

Please enter your email below if you would like to be notified.

HAVE A QUESTION?

Thank you for your enquiry

OUR PARTNERS

St Marys University Twickenham
Catholic Union of Great Britain
ADF UK
Catholic Voices
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