Denominational Inspections

The bishops of England and Wales have always been committed to the inspection and oversight of their schools since their very inception. Bishops have a canonical duty to inspect all Catholic schools within their  jurisdiction, and it remains central to the pastoral care they owe to the parents and parishes in their diocese who trust Catholic schools with the education of their children. As pastor to their people, the bishops model the good shepherding of Jesus by leading (Mt 2:6), teaching (Mt 6:34), protecting (Jn 10:11-15), and sometimes rescuing (Lk 15:4-6) those in their care. In mandating inspection, a bishop is exercising his  pastoral function as shepherd of his schools, helping them to live up to the mission of leading all pupils to love God with all their mind (religious education), with all their heart, soul and strength (collective worship) and
to love their neighbour as themselves (Catholic life and mission).