Bursary Cut: A Huge Blow to Catholic Schools in the UK
Religious education experts in the United Kingdom have criticized bursary cuts, calling the move a risk to the mission of Catholic schools.
A leading English Catholic religious education teacher has spoken out against the removal of a bursary for those training to become religious education teachers, warning that the cuts will affect both the mission and leadership of Catholic schools.
Currently, individuals training to become religious education teachers receive a bursary of £10,000 (approximately $13,000), but this figure is set to be reduced to zero for the year 2026-2027.
According to Andy Lewis, a religious education teacher and author, as well as assistant principal at St. Bonaventure Catholic Secondary School in London, the move will have a significant impact on the ability of Catholic schools to recruit specialist religious education teachers.
“There is huge concern about the impact of this decision,”
said Lewis.
Author's summary: Bursary cuts pose a risk to Catholic schools' mission.
- Bursary for religious education teachers to be cut from £10,000 to zero.
- Cuts to affect mission and leadership of Catholic schools.
- Recruitment of specialist religious education teachers at risk.