Agencies

Catholic Education Service

The Catholic Education Service for England and Wales (CESEW) is the Bishops’ national agency for education.

Chaired by Bishop Marcus Stock of Leeds, the CES represents the Bishops’ national education policy in relation to the 2,300 Catholic schools, colleges and university colleges across England and Wales. The CESEW negotiates with the Westminster and Welsh Governments and other national bodies in order to safeguard and promote Catholic education. It also offers a Catholic contribution to the English and Welsh educational landscapes, seeking to ensure that the principles of Catholic Social Teaching are reflected in all aspects of national education policy.

The CESEW works closely with Catholic education bodies in Scotland and Ireland, and with the European Committee for Catholic Education, to promote Catholic education at an international level. Within England and Wales, the CESEW liaises with the Church of England’s National Society and other faith groups, to ensure that, where appropriate, the different faith communities speak with one voice on educational issues of mutual concern.

The CESEW is an agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and, as such, works closely with the Bishops’ Conference Department for Education and Formation.