To all Heads of Catholic Schools in England and Wales

19 October 2006

Dear Headteacher

In the years in which I have been involved in Catholic education at a national level I have never before written to every Catholic school.  But I do so today.  You know the reasons why I am writing.

The Government’s proposal to amend the Education and Inspection Bill is of very considerable consequence.  The amendment will, in effect, remove from new Catholic schools control over their admissions.   This breaks one of the principles of the 1944 Act which is at the basis of the partnership between the Government and the Catholic Church in education.  What is more, this amendment is being brought forward without any consultation or discussion by the Government with the Catholic Church.  

I am asking you to do all that you can to make sure that your local MP receives letters which make clear that the Catholic community is offended and outraged by the implications of this amendment.   In effect, the Government is saying that the vision of Catholic education on which our schools are built, and towards which you, your colleagues and parents work so hard, has to be interfered with from the outside in order to make sure it serves social cohesion. The Government is telling us that left to ourselves we are socially divisive. Nothing could be further from the truth.  The record of Catholic schools is beyond doubt.  It is one of which we can be proud.  Catholic schools generate good citizens. OFSTED tells us that our schools are twice as effective as other schools at teaching respect, a virtue so esteemed in our society.

It is very important that your MP knows the strength of your feelings. That is why I am asking your help today.

You will also have received communication from the CES which will help you in practical ways to respond promptly to our request.

Please do all you can.

With every good wish,

Yours sincerely

XVincent Nichols

 Archbishop of Birmingham

Chairman Catholic Education Service