Bursary Cut a 'Huge Blow' to Catholic Schools in UK
Religious education experts in the UK have criticized bursary cuts, calling the move a risk to the mission of Catholic schools.
A leading English Catholic religious education teacher, Andy Lewis, has warned that the cuts will affect both the mission and leadership of Catholic schools.
- Currently, trainee religious education teachers receive a bursary of £10,000 (approximately $13,000).
- The UK government plans to reduce this figure to zero for the 2026-2027 year.
“There is huge concern about the impact of this decision,”said Andy Lewis, assistant principal at St. Bonaventure Catholic Secondary School in London.
Lewis believes the move will have a significant impact on the ability of Catholic schools to recruit specialist religious education teachers.
Author: Bursary cuts threaten Catholic schools' mission.