Ethan Walker
The presence of Catholic schools in Scotland is a contentious topic. Critics have called for the abolition of Catholic state schools, arguing that they contribute to sectarianism. However, supporters of Catholic education highlight its positive impact on thousands of people and its role in promoting equal treatment of Catholics in Scotland. The history of Catholic schools in Scotland dates back to the 19th century when an influx of Irish immigrants led to the establishment of Catholic schools, particularly in urban areas. By 1900, there were 188 Catholic schools in Scotland, and the 1918 Education Act brought these schools into the state system, guaranteeing their funding and inspection by the state while allowing them to retain their religious character. Today, Catholic schools in Scotland are public schools or denominational schools, with the majority being Roman Catholic. The Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh, for example, operates 10 Catholic high schools and 69 Catholic primary schools.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Catholic schools in Scotland in 1900 | 188 |
| Number of pupils in Catholic schools in 1900 | 58,000 |
| Number of Catholic schools in Scotland in 1918 | 224 |
| Number of pupils in Catholic schools in 1918 | 94,000 |
| Number of Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh | 10 |
| Number of Catholic primary schools in the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh | 69 |
| Number of parents who choose Catholic education for their children | 120,000 |
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What You'll Learn
The history of Catholic schools in Scotland
As of 2023, there are approximately 391 Catholic schools in Scotland, providing education to around 146,000 pupils. This number includes both primary and secondary schools, and these schools are operated by the Scottish Catholic Education Service (SCES). The history of Catholic schools in Scotland is a long and fascinating one, dating back centuries and involving complex religious and political dynamics.
The presence of Catholic schools in Scotland can be traced back to the early medieval period when monasteries and abbeys provided education alongside religious instruction. However, the establishment of Protestant churches in Scotland during the 16th-century Reformation led to a decline in Catholic influence and a shift in the educational landscape. Despite this, small parish schools continued to provide basic education to Catholic children, often clandestinely, as Catholicism became a minority religion in Scotland.
The passing of the Education (Scotland) Act in 1872 brought about a significant change, as it established a system of state-funded, locally controlled schools. This act allowed Catholic schools to receive public funding for the first time, on the condition that they also taught the state-approved curriculum. This marked the beginning of a more inclusive era for Catholic education, and the number of Catholic schools began to grow.
The early 20th century saw further developments, with the Catholic Education Council being established in 1918 to represent and support Catholic schools and teachers. This was followed by the passing of the Education (Scotland) Act 1918, which guaranteed public funding for Catholic schools and ensured that Catholic children could receive an education that respected their religious beliefs.
Post-World War II, there was a significant increase in the number of Catholic schools in Scotland. This was due in part to the displacement of people during the war, which led to the establishment of new communities and the need for additional schools. The Education (Scotland) Act 1945 further supported the development of Catholic schools, ensuring that local authorities provided Catholic education where there was sufficient demand.
Today, Catholic schools in Scotland continue to play an important role in the country's education system, offering a faith-based education to those who desire it. While the number of Catholic schools has declined slightly in recent years due to changing demographics and funding challenges, they remain a valued part of Scotland's diverse educational landscape.
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The 1918 Education Act
The Education (Scotland) Act of 1918 was the most influential piece of legislation governing Scottish education in the twentieth century. The system it established is still essentially in place today. The Act's primary purpose was to make adequate provisions for the organisation of national education in Scotland, excluding universities.
The Act introduced an unprecedented concordat between church and state in the provision of education. It set up a mechanism by which Catholic schools could transfer from the ownership of the Church to that of locally elected Education Authorities. This was significant because it allowed Catholic schools to be integrated into the Scottish state system, while retaining their distinct religious character, access to schools by priests, and the requirement that school staff be acceptable to the Church.
The Catholic community in Scotland had long been determined to secure a system in which the Catholic faith and tradition permeated all aspects of a child's life, including at school. Prior to the Act, Catholic parents had established more than 200 'voluntary schools' outside of the state system, as they wanted a system of education that reflected their values. These schools received some central funding, but no assistance from local rates, which Catholic parents still had to pay. The 1918 Act allowed Catholic schools to be brought into the state system, with the necessary mechanisms agreed upon and some provisions of the Act defined and clarified by legal interpretation.
The Act also introduced other changes to the Scottish education system. It introduced new, county-based education authorities, raised the school leaving age from 14 to 15, and placed further restrictions on under-15-year-olds being employed in factories, mines, and quarries.
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Catholic schools today
Catholic schools in Scotland have existed as long as Catholic communities have been established in the country. Most Catholic schools were founded as parish schools, funded by the local parish and housed in parish premises. The arrival of a large influx of immigrants from Ireland in the 19th century, along with the increasing urbanisation of Scotland and the move towards compulsory primary education, led to the establishment of Catholic schools, particularly in the urban west of the country, beginning in Glasgow in 1817. By 1872, there were 65 Catholic schools with 12,000 pupils.
The Education (Scotland) Act of 1918 brought Catholic schools into the state system, guaranteeing their funding by the state and allowing them to retain their distinct religious character in staffing and curriculum. Today, Catholic schools in Scotland are designated as "'denominational schools'," and while they are run similarly to other local authority schools, they are open to all pupils regardless of denomination.
There have been calls for the abolition of the Catholic state school sector in Scotland, with critics arguing that it contributes to sectarianism in the country. However, supporters of Catholic schools argue that they provide parents with a choice in their children's education and are a symbol of equal treatment for Catholics in Scotland.
The Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh operates 10 Catholic high schools and 69 Catholic primary schools in partnership with families and local government. Catholic schools in Scotland continue to thrive, with approximately 120,000 parents actively choosing Catholic education for their children.
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Calls for abolition
There have been calls to abolish Catholic schools in Scotland, particularly in the fight against sectarianism. A former senior police officer, Tom Wood, who served as deputy chief constable of Lothian and Borders Police, argued that the root causes of the problem must be addressed, including the system of religious segregation in schools. He questioned the continued existence of religiously segregated education in modern times. Archie Macpherson, a football pundit, echoed similar sentiments, calling for an "open and bold" discussion about church schools in an increasingly secular society.
Some commentators argue that Catholic schools contribute to societal divisions and teach children that they are different from those of other faiths. They believe that religious segregation in schools creates hard divides and fosters sectarian views, especially when there is a lack of exposure to other religious and cultural beliefs. The existence of Catholic schools is seen by some as a contributing factor to Glasgow's sectarian issues.
However, others disagree with these calls for abolition, arguing that Catholic schools have a positive impact on people throughout Scotland. They provide parents with a choice in their children's education and symbolize the equal treatment of Catholics in the country. Additionally, Catholic schools help to address the increasingly secular influences of popular culture and teach important virtues to end sectarian divisions.
The history of Catholicism in Scotland is also important to consider. After the Reformation, Scots who practised Catholicism faced significant challenges, including the burning of churches, a ban on practising their faith, and deeper levels of poverty compared to the rest of the population. The 1918 Education Act, which transferred Catholic schools from diocesan to state control, was a significant step forward, and abolishing Catholic schools would reverse this progress.
While there are differing opinions on the matter, it is clear that the debate surrounding Catholic schools in Scotland is complex and deeply rooted in the country's history and societal values.
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Catholic schools in Edinburgh
Catholic schools in Scotland came into existence as Catholic communities were established in the country. Most of these schools were founded as Parish schools, funded by the local parish and housed in the local parish premises. The 1918 Education (Scotland) Act brought Catholic schools into the state system. The law allowed the country's 224 Catholic schools, serving 94,000 pupils, to retain their distinct religious character in both staffing and curriculum.
The Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh contains 11 Catholic high schools and 69 Catholic primary schools. These schools are operated in partnership with families and local governments. Scotland has 369 Catholic schools, serving over 120,000 pupils, with their popularity ever-increasing among Catholic and non-Catholic families. The Scottish Catholic Education Service (SCES) provides information on Catholic education and schools in Scotland and offers support to teachers, parents, students, and others.
Catholic schools in Scotland are designated as "denominational schools" because they were, from the 1920s onwards, gradually transferred from Church to State ownership. The majority of denominational state schools in Scotland are Roman Catholic. Denominational schools are run in the same way as other local authority schools, and every state school is open to pupils of all denominations.
The 1918 Education Act in Scotland guaranteed the following rights to the Catholic community: Catholic schools were to be funded by the State and open to inspection by Her Majesty’s Inspectors; as public schools, Catholic schools were to be open to all but were expected to retain their own ethos and identity to serve the needs of the Catholic community; any teacher appointed to any post was required to be approved by the Church with respect to their “religious belief and character”; the local education authority was to appoint, with the approval of the Church, a Supervisor for Religious Education in Catholic schools.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 10 Catholic high schools and 69 Catholic primary schools in the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh. In 1900, there were 188 Catholic schools in Scotland.
Catholic schools in Scotland have existed for as long as Catholic communities have been established in the country. Most Catholic schools were founded as Parish schools, funded by the local parish. In 1817, the influx of Irish immigrants led to the establishment of Catholic schools, particularly in the urban west of the country, beginning with Glasgow. In 1872, there were 65 Catholic schools with 12,000 pupils. In 1918, the Education (Scotland) Act brought Catholic schools into the state system, with 224 Catholic schools serving 94,000 pupils.
Catholic schools in Scotland have had a positive impact on thousands of people. They allow parents to have a choice in their children's education and are a symbol of equal treatment for Catholics in Scotland. Approximately 120,000 parents actively choose Catholic education for their children.
Yes, there have been calls for the abolition of Catholic schools in Scotland, with critics arguing that they promote sectarianism. However, supporters of Catholic schools argue that their removal would deepen the sectarian divide and remove the symbolic value of equal treatment for Catholics.
The majority of denominational state schools in Scotland are Roman Catholic. These schools are run in the same way as other local authority schools and are open to pupils of all denominations.
