Consultation

Following extensive informal consultation with all Catholic school communities, the Diocesan Trustees, under the chairmanship of Bishop John Rawsthorne, have now approved strategies to ensure that a network of high quality, distinctive Catholic schools continue to operate serving both the Catholic community itself and contributing to the Common Good.

We believe that Catholic schools offer a radical alternative to other good schools and make a significant contribution to social cohesion and the wider community.  However, we also recognise our responsibility to work in close partnership with the LA in the supply of school places.  The lower birth rate, fewer baptisms, the need to appoint appropriate staff to retain our distinctiveness together with the views of staff, governors, parishioners, parents and LEA and diocesan officers have all been carefully considered.

The Diocesan Trustees recognise with gratitude all the good work that has taken place in our Catholic schools over many years and acknowledge with great appreciation the impact of this work in enriching the lives of many children, their families and the wider community.