Our History

500s

Early years

The Catholic Church played a pivotal role in the establishment of education in England, founding the first schools and universities. These early institutions, known as cathedral and monastic schools, began to emerge in the late sixth century, laying the groundwork for the educational system.

1100s

Oxbridge founding

The University of Oxford, established in the 12th century, is recognised as the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Following its success, the University of Cambridge was founded in 1209, further cementing the tradition of higher education in England.

1534

The Reformation

During the Reformation in the 16th century, the dissolution of monasteries led to the re-establishment of existing schools. The Catholic Church, once a prominent provider of education in England and Wales, had to adapt by operating clandestinely, or relocating its educational efforts abroad.

1800s

The return of Catholic schools

By the early 1800s, the majority of English Catholic schools that had relocated to France to escape persecution, had made their way back to England. This return marked a significant shift as these institutions re-established themselves, contributing to the revival of Catholic education and culture in the country.

1850

The restoration of the hierarchy

In 1850, the Catholic hierarchy was re-established in England and Wales. Recognising the vital role of education, the Church prioritised the education of the poor, often constructing schools before churches to ensure access to learning.

1900s

The Education Act

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Catholic schools were established to provide educational opportunities for children from impoverished Catholic families, particularly those of Irish immigrants. These schools played a crucial role in integrating new immigrant communities into society. The Education Act of 1944 marked a significant milestone, allowing Catholic schools to become 'voluntary aided' institutions, which enabled them to join the state education system while maintaining their distinct Catholic ethos.

2000s

Modern transformations in Catholic education

In 2005, a pivotal change took place when the first Catholic school transitioned to academy status, ushering in a new era for Catholic education. By 2012, all former Catholic teacher training colleges had achieved university status, reflecting a significant evolution in the educational landscape.

Today

Today, we are the education agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, working with the Bishops, the Department for Catholic Education and Formation, dioceses and religious orders.

More about us

About the Bishops' Conference