Diocesan Education Team

The Catholic Academies and Schools Office (CASO), led by the Director for Education, ensures on behalf of the Bishop (cf. CIC 803.1) that all the Catholic schools of our Diocese (independent, maintained voluntary aided and maintained academies) operate as ‘Catholic schools’ in accordance with both canon and civil law.

Schools and parishes are the two principle agencies of the mission of the Church in our diocese and CASO seeks to develop our schools as key diocesan tools of evangelisation in union with the local parishes, pastoral areas and deaneries. It promotes and develops all aspects of the Catholic nature of our schools, providing direction and advice on educational matters.

It represents the Bishop at senior leadership appointments and administers the appointment of foundation governors and directors. It advises and supports governing bodies on their canonical, statutory and legal responsibilities as maintained voluntary aided schools, maintained academies and independent schools.

CASO promotes excellence in Catholic education in all diocesan schools, especially in religious education, prayer and liturgy and religious education resources, all of which are at the heart of the curriculum and purpose of a Catholic school.

CASO is also responsible for the canonical and statutory inspections that take place, advising the Bishop on the quality of our schools.