A Catholic school headteacher has won a scholarship to Cambridge and Oxford universities to study how Catholic values can close the disadvantage gap
Karl Mackey, Headteacher at St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy, Dewsbury, has been made a Farmington Institute scholar to support his research at Jesus College, Cambridge, and at a Harris Manchester College, Oxford.
The award will cover up to 30 days of cover teaching at the Diocese of Leeds school, and provide Mr Mackey with access to a tutor and the universities’ libraries during his studies.
His research intends to demonstrate how developing a culture around virtues including faith, honesty, courage, service and respect can enable all pupils, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to flourish.
Mr Mackey said: “It is both a privilege and an honour to have been selected for a Farmington Institute Scholarship and to have the opportunity to study at Jesus College, Cambridge.
“This prestigious award affirms the importance of the work we are doing at St John Fisher, where our Catholic Mission and Virtues are central to all aspects of school life.
“I am particularly passionate about ensuring that every young person, regardless of background, is given the support, opportunity and belief they need to succeed. This research will help deepen our understanding and strengthen our practice in closing the disadvantage gap.”
A Catholic Schools Inspectorate report for St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy, which is part of the Bishop Konstant Catholic Academy Trust, was published in December 2025. It cites pastoral care among the whole school community, and Catholic Social Teaching at the heart of the work of governors and leaders, as particular strengths.
Kieron Flood, Director of Education for the Diocese of Leeds, said: “I am really pleased that Mr Mackey has been selected to undertake this prestigious scholarship. His choice of research is of such importance to the work and mission of our Catholic schools.
“Karl has always put young people at the heart of school and his work in strengthening the Catholic mission of the school has been central to its continued journey of improvement.
“This scholarship, only awarded to a select group of outstanding leaders, is testament to his service to the community he serves. I look forward to reading his thesis and sharing it in our wider diocese, understanding how we can further support the most vulnerable in our communities.”
Story first published in the Dewsbury Reporter
