We are broadly in favour of parents having choice when it comes to schools, after all that is what enables us to offer Catholic schools. Naturally we are, therefore, interested in the Conservative party’s plans for new models of schools and what opportunities these may provide for parents.

Catholic schools are both very successful and popular and they already operate under their own trust deeds so, arguably, they exemplify features that are reportedly proposed in the Conservative plans. Undoubtedly our governors, diocesan officers and staff have much experience and expertise to offer when it comes to working in this way. This might be invaluable to those pursuing similar models if they become available and if resourcing and other factors enable such sharing of advice or support. 

We still need to find out much more about the detail of how the proposed schools would work so, for example, we would be seeking assurances that they would not disadvantage the needy or destabilise existing good provision or even reduce real choice. We are also mindful that Catholic schools need Catholic leaders and there may be questions of whether there are enough of these and other key Catholic staff to satisfy new demand if there were to be significant numbers of new Catholic schools given the importance of sustaining our existing schools.

Ultimately it will be up to the diocesan bishop to agree whether or not any school is able to call itself Catholic, however and by whomsoever it is set up. So we are keeping an open mind, remain interested in finding out more about the Conservative proposals and hope to be able to discuss them in more detail with Michael Gove.

ENDS

Oona Stannard

Chief Executive and Director

Catholic Education Service for England and Wales