Scottish Catholic Observer

Glasgow University, which remains the sole provider for Catholic teacher training in Scotland, will provide staff and materials to allow the certificates to be taught on different campuses thanks to new funding from the Scottish Government.

Dr Leonardo Franchi, head of the St Andrew’s Foundation at the Glasgow University, said it was a ‘welcome development’ and they ‘look forward to working with Strathclyde and Edinburgh University (right) on this.’

Michael McGrath, director of the Scottish Catholic Education Service, said it was a way of helping those who wished to become a Catholic teacher but were unable to attend Glasgow University.

“Well it’s a geographical convenience,” he said. “People choose their university based on lots of factors: where they’re living, their personal circumstances. This should help fill a need.”

Mr McGrath said the shortage of teachers for Catholic schools was ‘chronic.’

“Teacher recruitment for Scottish schools is difficult across the board,” he said. “It’s a national issue and the Scottish government recognises that. And obviously other campuses offering this certificate will help.”

Mr McGrath said there was a need to chance the ways young people thought about teaching as a profession.

“That’s what we’ve been trying to do with out ‘Setting out the Road’ courses around the country,” he said. “If kids get great exam results they shouldn’t just think doctor or lawyer; we want them to consider teaching.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said they were committed ‘to having the right number of teachers with the right skills in all of Scotland’s schools, including denominational schools.’

“We have increased student teacher intake targets for five consecutive years—the 2016/17 target is 66% higher than the 2011/12 target,” he said. “We are taking steps to strengthen our approach to workforce planning, including working closely with the Scottish Catholic Education Service to widen access to the Catholic Teacher Certificate for teaching students.”

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—This story ran in full in the June 24 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.