HIGHER STANDARDS, BETTER SCHOOLS FOR ALL WHITE PAPER

The Catholic Education Service acknowledges the five challenges which the White Paper is seeking to address: the constant need to raise standards, post 16 staying-on rates, the progress made by disadvantaged pupils, coasting and underperforming schools, and the need for fuller parent engagement in education. These challenges, and the aim of the White Paper in seeking to promote excellence and equity for all, building on what the Government believes works well, are undeniably important and as principles are supported by the CES.

The Catholic Church has always promoted the view that parents are the primary educators of their children and support for this role and more opportunities for parental involvement are to be welcomed. The Christian view of the dignity of the individual and their entitlement to develop their talents to the full, i.e. their God given potential, means that we broadly welcome the White Paper’s intention to ensure education is tailored to the individual and their needs, whatever their abilities. 

However, we offer a more qualified welcome to the structural reforms proposed in the White Paper. We intend to study the detail of the proposals – particularly in relation to the strategic role of local authorities and the setting up of new Trust schools – in order to clarify their impact on the education of all. We are particularly concerned that the least articulate or assertive members of society should not be disadvantaged in the setting up of new school structures or future admission arrangements.

The government must also ensure that Catholic schools and Catholic education to 19 years of age continues to flourish with its own distinctive ethos, high standards and contribution to the wider wellbeing of society as well as to the personal development of students.

Oona Stannard
Chief Executive and Director
25th October 2005

For more information please contact Peter Walsh, pwalsh@cesew.org.uk, 0207 901 4854.