In this blog you’ll find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about working in a Catholic school, such as: ‘do I need to be Catholic to work in a Catholic school?’ and ‘what are the differences/similarities with other non-faith schools?’
There are benefits and alternative educational outlooks that Catholic schools provide both students and staff – take a look:
What is it like working in a Catholic school?
Working in a Catholic school has many similarities to working at any school in the UK. Catholic schools – like any other educational institution – prioritise high-quality teaching and learning, as well as the educational and pastoral wellbeing of staff and students.
Catholic schools work under a distinct ethos that underpins their educational values; actively respect all staff members regardless of their religious background, and work to promote and support the profession of teaching.
Educators in Catholic schools will be required to lead students in prayers and support the ethos of the school, but the main focus is on teaching the subject you’re employed to teach, as it should be!
Can a non-Catholic work in a Catholic school?
Of course – with some exceptions for specific roles. This may be a surprising statistic, but according to the CES’ 2023 census, just under 60% of primary staff and around 30% of secondary and sixth form staff working in Catholic schools identify as Catholic, averaging at 42% Catholic staff overall. This means a sizeable amount of educators within Catholic schools or colleges either have a differing religion or no religion at all!
With the exception of certain leadership roles that require the candidate to be a practicing Catholic, being a Catholic usually isn’t a requirement to teach or work within a Catholic school - as long as you’re willing to embrace the school’s ethos, lead pupils in prayer, and respect faith-based teachings.
How are Catholic schools different to other schools?
The key difference between other schools and Catholic schools is the distinctive faith-based ethos that underpins Catholic school teaching. Catholic schools will conduct prayers and have visible signs of their Catholic faith within the school, as well as strong religious community ties with their local Parish and Diocese.
Catholic and faith schools do still have to follow the national curriculum, but they can choose what they teach in religious studies.
Additionally, Catholic and other faith schools may have different admission criteria for their pupils, as well as different staffing requirements – but, with the exception of the roles we’ve mentioned, anybody can apply for a position, regardless of their faith.
On average, Catholic schools have catchment areas that are ten times larger than other community schools, so they tend to serve a larger area of their communities compared to non-Catholic schools.
What are the benefits of teaching in a Catholic school?
Teaching in a Catholic school has benefits you might not be aware of. You’ll have the opportunity to work in a school environment that promotes and nurtures faith-based growth, with a unique and respectful ethos.
Altogether, teaching in a Catholic school could hugely benefit your wellbeing, widen your educational outlook, and make you feel truly supported within your career.
What accreditations do I need to teach in a Catholic school?
With the exception of certain roles that require the candidate to be a practising Catholic and have certain religious references, no specific accreditations are required to teach in a Catholic school other than qualifications that would apply for any teaching roles, such as QTS, PGCE or similar.
However, the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) is a desirable qualification within Catholic schools and is an accredited course available to people of all faiths and none to complete.
What roles in a Catholic school require you to be a practicing Catholic?
Only very specific leadership roles require the candidate to be a practicing Catholic. These are often informally called ‘reserved posts’ and are in line with the Equalities Act of 2010.
These senior Catholic positions are:
- CEO
- Deputy CEO
- Headteacher
- Deputy Headteacher
- Head of RE
- RE Coordinator
- School Chaplain
- Any other post that involves leadership with Catholic ethos – e.g., a Director of Ethos.
Where are jobs in Catholic schools advertised?
Catholic schools, trusts and colleges across the UK post their education jobs on eteach.com.
Browse Catholic education jobs on our job board today – your next role could be a click away!
Search Catholic education jobs
About the author
Ruby Collings
Ruby studied English Literature at the University of Brighton, having been an avid reader and writer for all of her life. With her passion for everything creative, she now works for Eteach as a Digital Marketing Executive, using her skills to deliver informative and relevant content.
