1 in 10 schools
Catholic schools make up 10% of the national total of schools.
2278 schools
There are 2278 Catholic schools in England and Wales.
836,704 Pupils
836,704 pupils are educated in Catholic schools.
Adding Value
In England, 57% of Catholic schools have above average Contextual Value Added scores (50% nationally).
Bishops' Agency
The Catholic Education Service is the Bishops' agency for education in England and Wales.
Diverse communities
In England, 31.2% of pupils in Catholic primary schools are from ethnic minority backgrounds (26.5% nationally).
Excellent GCSEs
At GCSE, Catholic schools outperform the national average by 6%.
High SATs scores
In England, Catholic schools outperform the national average English and Maths KS2 SATs scores by 5%.
Outstanding schools
In England, 74% of Catholic primary schools are judged good or outstanding by Ofsted (66% nationally).
Serving the poor
In England, 18.6% of pupils at Catholic primary schools live in the most deprived areas (14.3% nationally).
About Catholic Education
The Catholic Church was arguably the first provider of schools and universities in England. Following the Reformation in the 16th century, the Church’s role as a provider of public education went largely underground until the 1800s. In 1847 the Catholic Poor School Committee was established, which focused on the promotion of Catholic primary education. This was followed by the re-establishment of the Catholic hierarchy in England and Wales in 1850.
Campaign Information
The CES team is delighted to welcome Bishop John Sherrington, auxiliary bishop in Westminster archidiocese, as our new trustee. Bishop Sherrington was appointed on 1 January and his appointment means he will also be joining the CES Management Committee.
Schools’ Portal
Find your nearest Catholic school, download CES model application forms and contracts, share resources with other Catholic teachers and more.
