Education

The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, has written to headteachers across the Diocese of Westminster to commend their schools' exceptional achievements and encourage the continued sharing of effective practice. In her letter, the Secretary of State praised the strong outcomes achieved by disadvantaged pupils during the 2024/25 academic year, noting that many schools' perf... Read More

Step inside a Norfolk church and you'll find yourself surrounded by wonders - medieval carvings, stone angels, vibrant stained glass and grotesque gargoyles. These aren't museum exhibits behind glass; they're living treasures in buildings that have stood for centuries, often just a short walk from our schools. As part of the celebrations to mark the Trust's 50th Anniversary we are launching the No... Read More

St John Plessington Catholic College, Bebington, on Merseyside, recently honoured students' achievements, both academically and personally, at its annual awards ceremony. The school was joined by special guest speaker and former St John Plessington student turned staff member, Mollie Dawson. Introduced by headteacher, Mr Peadar McLoughlin, as a "remarkable individual" and "true inspiration to many... Read More

Today, Ed Miliband MP, the Energy and Net Zero Secretary, visited children from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Primary School in Doncaster to hear about an exciting project. Inspired by Catholic social teaching, students have set up a 'Care for Creation' group to protect the local environment and beyond. Over the last two years, they have demonstrated their commitment to environmental steward... Read More

A Catholic charity worker has recently become an author of a children's book, which explores how communities flourish. Mum of one Elaine McGinlay has worked for the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund for 12 years and is their Education Officer. She has written a children's book drawing on more than a decade of work in development education. Elaine was inspired to write the book - The Wisd... Read More

Priest and author, Fr Sean Smith who ministers at Knock Shrine, writes: Recent statements by the Ministries of Education, on both sides of the Irish border, have left a solemn warning that the end of religious education in Catholic schools could be around the corner. This calls for a serious, positive, and radical response. I dare to propose a national plan of action in this article: Restore paren... Read More

This is a very special time for all those interested in Saint John Henry Newman. On the 1st of November 2025, Newman was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church. This means that his writings have a special role in building up the whole people of God. I personally have been shaped profoundly by Newman's thought. Initially I was sceptical about the Christian faith. When first presented with the gospel, I ... Read More

As the number of people joining the Catholic Church in England and Wales continues to rise, the Archdiocese of Southwark is launching a landmark apologetics project to provide evidence-based answers to the burning questions of both new and practicing Catholics. The project, named 'Ambassadors for Christ', is the first of its kind in a Catholic diocese in England and Wales, and is designed to equip... Read More

Bishop Challoner Catholic School in Tower Hamlets welcomed The Jubilee Icon on Thursday 18 December as part of its tour of the Diocese of Westminster. The Mass brought together parish and primary and secondary school communities in a shared act of worship rooted in hope, justice and renewal, as we bring our Jubilee Year celebrations to a close. The visit centred on a shared Mass celebrated by Fr K... Read More

The Scottish Parliament is currently considering amendments to the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill, which would seek to change the current religious opt-out provisions in Scottish schools. A spokesperson for Scotland's Catholic Bishops said the Church is disappointed and confused with the Scottish Parliament Equalities, Hum... Read More

Pupils from a Coventry school have been showcasing their efforts to create a greener future during an inspirational visit from a Coventry MP who focuses on improving and protecting the environment. St John Fisher Catholic Primary School, part of Romero Catholic Academy, welcomed Mary Creagh MP, Minister for Nature, to discuss the importance of taking care of the environment and tackling climate ch... Read More

The Theology of John Henry Newman & Its Relevance for Today's Church - A Six-Part Online Course - Starts in January 2026, hosted by the Margaret Beaufort Institute, Cambridge. 2026 begins with a remarkable opportunity to engage in deep learning rooted in the profound insights of one of Britain's most influential saints. Saint John Henry Newman-renowned theologian, educator, and spiritual guide... Read More

St Mary's University, London, welcomed students, staff, alumni, and members of the local community yesterday for the annual Patronal Feast Day, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This year's Feast Day had special significance as it formally concluded the University's 175th Anniversary celebrations. To mark the occasion, St Mary's Chancellor HE Cardinal Vincent Nichols celebrated Mass in the U... Read More

New Hall School in Chelmsford hosted an exceptional St Cecilia Concert, delighting a packed audience in its historic Chapel with an evening of musical excellence. For the first time since the School's founding in 1642, the entire programme was unified by a distinctive jazz influence, marking a significant and memorable moment in the School's cultural calendar. This annual concert honours St Cecil... Read More