David Bell has praised the strong identity, mission and focus of Catholic schools as “communities within the midst of wider communities”.  Addressing the conference of Diocesan Schools’ Commissioners in Buckinghamshire, he spoke of schools nourishing the soul not just the intellect.

Oona Stannard, Chief Executive and Director of the CES, greeted his comments with much enthusiasm.

Mr Bell opened his presentation by thanking the CES for its contribution to the Department’s thinking about faith schools.  He praised ‘Faith in the System’ (see http://www.cesew.org.uk/standardnews.asp?id=6024) as a common statement and a visible commitment from Government, CES and other faith groups. 

The Permanent Secretary referred to faith schools as a “force for tackling divisions based on race and faith” and “applaud(ed) the commitment that faith leaders show to community integration”.  He spoke of “parents of all ethnic and religious backgrounds (who) want to send their children to Catholic schools because of the quality of what they offer" and he finished by thanking the Catholic sector for its “contribution to the diversity and quality of maintained schools in this country”.