Patron and Trustee Roles
The Patron refers to the legal entity that operates the school, and determines its ethos, appoints its board of management which manages the school on the Patron’s behalf and ensures compliance with statutory duties.
The Trustee is the legal owner of the school property. The role of trustees is legally distinct from that of Patron.
The terms Trustee and Patron are generally used interchangeably at second level. The Articles of Management use the term Trustee while the Education Act (1998) uses the term Patron.
The role of Trustee and Patron is generally separate at primary level where the local Bishop is the Patron of every primary school in the diocese.
The Education Act (1998) established the role of the Patron or Trustee on a legal basis and outlines the rights and responsibilities of the Patron, which can be classified under two headings:
Inspirational
The Patron determines the “characteristic spirit”. It is often referred to as the ethos of the school.
Legal and Administrative
The Trustee, as the legal owner of the school, is responsible for the physical assets (property) of the school. The Patron as the legal entity that operates the school is responsible for the financial oversight of the school’s operation and that the school is compliant with all statutory requirements.
Role of APTCS:
Our Association was established in 2021 for the advancement of Catholic education through promoting best operational practice in the exercise of Trusteeship and Patronage of schools.
We provide support to Patrons and Trustees of Catholic second-level schools and joint-patrons and partner patrons in community schools and colleges.
We also represent the joint collective position of associate Patrons and Trustees at national level and represent Trusts, as well as the Patrons and Trustees of diocesan schools, congregational schools and lay Catholic schools.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is provided by APTCS for Patrons and Trustees.