Gove asked to consider new model of Catholic academy

The Catholic Education Service of England and Wales (CESEW) has urged the Government to consider a new model of academy school that would be part-funded by Catholics, it emerged this week.

Under the current system the Church pays 10 per cent of the capital costs of its schools. If they become academies, they will be funded entirely by the state.
Officials fear that the Catholic education sector could lose its independence if it stops paying the 10 per cent portion of costs.

The negotiation between the CESEW and the Government comes as new figures show that Catholic schools perform better than other state-funded schools on all Ofsted criteria.