Education has always been at the heart of the Church’s mission, but as St John Henry Newman said, ‘knowledge is one thing, virtue is another’. Therefore, the approach to education taken in the diocese is to attend to the formation of the whole person, and at the same time promote the common good of society.
Each of the 202 schools and academies in the diocese embodies the core principles that are essential to a Catholic school. Centered on Christ, they are safe, supportive environments where children are challenged to mature intellectually, socially and morally, and to embody justice, peace and mercy in their community.
The diocese has been promoting a strategy of academisation for all its schools, to protect, secure and develop the Church’s mission in education. As of the end of 2024, nine Catholic Academy Trusts (CATs) have been established and 59 schools have moved into one of these CATs, with a further 29 schools awaiting Academy Orders. Together with other schools now engaging with the conversion process, 80.4% of schools are either already part of an Academy Trust, or are making plans to convert and join one of our existing Trusts.
Delivering outstanding education
The quality and importance of the education provided by diocesan schools is not simply a matter of inspection statistics and results; it is seen in the commitment of the schools to the holistic human development of each student.
In an address given in May 2024, Pope Francis spoke directly about the purpose of Catholic education:
‘This is true education: accompanying young people so that they discover in service to others and in academic rigour the construction of the common good.’
A recognition of this came when Cardinal Pole Catholic School in Hackney was awarded School of the Year at the 2024 National Schools Awards. The judges noted that it stood out for ‘its compassion, commitment, and positive impact on students.’
The National Schools Awards celebrate excellence across the education sector, recognising schools that go above and beyond to achieve exceptional outcomes. Schools are shortlisted across eight categories, with winners selected by a panel of industry experts using their insights to celebrate schools demonstrating outstanding achievement.
Adam Hall, Executive Headteacher, reflected on the achievement:
‘I would like to personally thank everyone who makes our school such a special place—from our students and their families to our dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to ensure each student has the opportunity to SOAR. This award is a testament to the collective effort of our community, and we remain focused on continuing to deliver an outstanding education for all our students.’
St Gregory's Catholic Science College also received national recognition, being honoured by the Schools, Students and Teachers Network (SSAT) in this year’s Educational Outcomes Awards.
Based on 2023 performance data and information from Ofsted, the school was celebrated for being among the highest-performing secondary schools in the country, ranking in the top 20% nationally for student progress and being among the top 10% of non-selective schools for student attainment in the 2023 Key Stage 4 exams.
These success stories exemplify the culture of excellence that thrives in Catholic schools across the diocese, where education is a cornerstone of our mission. Across our secondary schools, pupils achieve exceptional results, with an average progress score of +0.56; the equivalent to gaining an extra half grade in every exam compared to other schools nationally. Their average attainment per exam is 5.5, which is significantly higher than the national average of 4.5. In our primary schools, 73% of pupils meet the ‘Expected Standard in Reading, Writing and Mathematics’, far exceeding the national average of 60%, while progress in these areas is also well above average at +9%.
A team effort
These achievements are not the result of isolated efforts. They are the fruit of collaboration, shared commitment, and the collective drive of many dedicated individuals and teams working across the diocese.
With 92,012 students and over 10,000 teachers and support staff, it is crucial they are in buildings that are safe and fit for purpose. Working with the diocesan Property Services and following extensive surveys, reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has been successfully removed from eight schools.
Further investment in school infrastructure is also underway. The Department of Education has announced that eight diocesan schools have been included within the national rebuild programme, due to the presence of RAAC, including St Gregory's Catholic Science College. St Cuthbert Mayne School, St John’s Catholic Primary School in Rickmansworth and St Ignatius College have progressed to the design stage.
Investment is also about developing the school leaders of tomorrow. The diocesan Education Service has launched a seven-stage leadership and development strategy, ‘Plant the Seed’, with the support of funding from the Cardinal’s Appeal. This programme provides training and support to aspiring teachers and leaders, to help them reach the next stage of their careers. For example, paid internships are offered to students in their second year of university, to help them gain experience of working in a school. Leaders within schools and those aspiring for a headship are supported through coaching, mentoring and secondments.
Rooted in Love
Ensuring a truly Catholic education extends beyond academics and infrastructure. As Pope Benedict XVI put it speaking to students during his 2010 visit to the UK,
‘A good school provides a rounded education for the whole person. And a good Catholic school, over and above this, should help all its students to become saints.’
To introduce children in Key Stages 2 and 3 to the values underpinning their Catholic education, Caritas Westminster launched its ‘Rooted in Love’ resources in partnership with the diocesan Education Service. Sitting within the school curriculum, the resource integrates Catholic Social Teaching into prayer, liturgy, and school life, helping pupils connect their beliefs with real-world action.
Staff at St George’s Catholic Primary School in Enfield described its impact as ‘transformational’, noting how pupils can now articulate the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and understand their role in putting love into action.
Over 280 schools have now taken part in this programme, with an impact extending beyond the diocese.
Caritas Westminster also continued its Caritas Ambassadors programme, helping Catholic schools teach students to care for and support one another. Sixth Form students at St Charles in North Kensington have been volunteering weekly at St Charles Primary School, helping younger pupils with literacy and numeracy and easing their transition to secondary school. These students exemplify how education within the diocese fosters a spirit of collaboration and service.
