About SCES

The Scottish Catholic Education Service (SCES) was established in August 2003 by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland to establish and implement national policy on all educational matters on behalf of the Roman Catholic Bishops of Scotland.

While the Bishop of each Diocese is responsible for setting education policy to suit the needs of the Catholic community within the local diocesan context, there are broad issues of national significance on which all the Dioceses agree general policy principles, as advised by SCES. We work within the parameters of these national issues to offer support to schools, parishes and Dioceses. 

Our Values

SCES is committed to exemplify Christian life-affirming values and to show respect for the dignity of each person, gifted with life worthy of development from creation into eternity.  We strive to find common ground with all parties who are committed to this vision of Education for Life.

We aim to:

  • articulate and communicate a vision for Catholic education
  • develop and implement strategic plans for the development of Catholic education in Scotland
  • support parents as first educators of their children
  • promote the achievements of Catholic schools
  • support teachers in their work as faith witnesses
  • develop appropriate CPD courses and materials for teachers
  • develop effective links with major partners
  • encourage research into issues relating to Catholic education.

Module 4: Laudato Si’ and our children

Module 4: Laudato Si’ and our children 23 September 2020 16h-16h45 Join us for our final CLPL Module that introduces practical resources available to support Laudato Si’ learning for both […]

Module 1: What is Laudato Si’?

Module 1: What is Laudato Si’? 2 September 2020 16h-16h30 The first of four CLPL Modules designed especially for educators, SCIAF Development Education Officers provide an introduction to Laudato Si’ […]

Commissioning Service for Caritas Award

Liturgical service led by Bishop Toal to commission Caritas Award  pupils to fulfil their mission of faith witness in their school and parish Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral Coursington […]

Meeting of Church representatives on Parent Councils

Opportunity for nominated parish representatives on school Parent Councils to gather together for input and training on the latest relevant developments within education Motherwell Diocesan Centre, Coursington Road Motherwell ML1 […]

Breaking Open the Mystery of the Trinity

Target group: Catholic Secondary non-specialist R.E. Teachers Aims: To explore one key theme underpinning This Is Our Faith – Senior Phase Presenter Rev. Fr. Stephen Reilly Provider Diocesan R.E. Advisers […]

Meeting of Caritas Parish Co-ordinators

Caritas Parish Co-ordinator training to support those leading the Caritas award within the parish, helping them to find out more about the award including: the Gathering Points the journal faith […]

Caritas Award Ceremony 2016

The Caritas Award Ceremony celebrates the achievements of over 1,000 young people who have committed their talent to faith-inspired actions in support of others in the past school year.  The […]

Diocese of Dunkeld Education Mass

The Diocese of Dunkeld will celebrate its Education Mass in St Andrew’s Cathedral, 150 Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4EA on Thursday 2nd June 2016

Diocese of Galloway Mass for Teachers

There will be a Mass to acknowledge the work of those involved in Catholic Education in Dumfries and Galloway in St Andrew’s and St Cuthbert’s Church, Kirkcudbright, on Tuesday 31 […]

Motherwell Primary Head Teachers’ Conference

The annual Conference for Primary Head Teachers in the Diocese of Motherwell takes place on 26th May 2016.  Among the speakers will be Rt Rev Joseph Toal, Bishop of Motherwell, Michael McGrath, SCES […]

Diocese of Galloway CHAPS Meeting

The annual meeting of the Diocese of Galloway CHAPS Association will take place in Our Lady and St. Patrick Sorn Road Auchinleck KA18 2HR on Wednesday 18th May. AGENDA 1.00 pm – 1.30 […]

Exploring Catholicism 8 – Our Lady

Target group: Primary & Secondary teachers Aims: To present the central beliefs of Catholicisim, as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other sources Presenter: Fr Joseph Lappin […]

Pope Francis Faith Award – Support Meeting 3

Target group: Teachers who are involved with PFFA Aims: To offer support and share good practice, in relation to assessment Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: Motherwell Diocesan […]

Called to Teach in a Catholic School?

An interesting learning opportunity has been arranged for those interested in teaching or seeking promoted posts in Catholic schools.  Stirling Council, Clackmannanshire Council and the Scottish Catholic Education Service are working […]

Setting Out on the Road Course Recall Day

Target group: Participants in the Setting Out on the Road course (started July 2015) Aims: To offer support and advice on course progress and to provide an opportunity to meet […]

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  • Location: Archdiocese of Glasgow

Day for Primary NQTs

Target group: NQTs in Catholic primary schools Aims: To provide support and advice for NQTs on TIOF and God’s Loving Plan Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: NLC […]

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  • Location: Motherwell Diocesan Centre

Pope Francis Faith Award Verification Paisley

A PFFA Verification meeting will take place in St Mirin’s Hall, Cathedral Precincts, Incle Street, PAISLEY PA1 1HR on Tuesday 15th March from 3pm to 5pm.  The purpose of this meeting is to ensure consistency of […]

This Is Our Faith – Primary 7

Target group: Primary 7 NQTs and teachers who have changed stages Aims: To explore units and resources in P7 Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: to be confirmed […]

Sacrament of Confirmation – the liturgy

Target group: ALL Primary 7 teachers or a representative from each school Aims: Session 3 will support teachers to prepare for  liturgy of the Sacrament of Confirmation Presenter: Rana Keane Provider Diocese […]

Pope Francis Faith Award Verification Linlithgow

A PFFA Verification meeting will take place in St. Michael’s Catholic Church Hall Blackness Road LINLITHGOW EH49 7JA on Wednesday 9th March 2016 from 1pm to 3pm.  The purpose of this meeting is to ensure […]

Sacrament of Confirmation – the liturgy

Target group: ALL Primary 7 teachers or a representative from each school Aims: Session 3 will support teachers to prepare for  liturgy of the Sacrament of Confirmation Presenter: Rana Keane Provider Diocese […]

Pope Francis Faith Award Verification Motherwell

A PFFA Verification meeting will take place in St Bride’s Hall Coursington Road MOTHERWELL ML1 1PP on Thursday 3rd March 2016 from 1pm to 3pm.  The purpose of this meeting is to ensure consistency […]

Breaking Open Church Documents

Target group: Catholic Secondary non-specialist R.E. Teachers Aims To explore a key theme underpinning This Is Our Faith – Senior Phase Presenter Rev. Fr. Joe Lappin Provider Diocesan R.E. Advisers […]

Gonzaga Lecture by Lord David Alton

The 2016 Gonzaga Lectures, organised by St Aloysius’ College, reflect the theme ‘Celebrating the Year of Mercy’.   On Friday 26th February Lord David Alton will lecture on:   The Mercy Factory:  […]

Transitions in Religious Education

Target group: Teachers & PTs Religious Education Aims: To consider transition issues between primary & secondary schools, from Broad General Education to the Senior Phase Presenter: Barbara Coupar Provider Diocese […]

Sacrament of the Eucharist

Target group: Teachers NEW to Primary 4 Aims: Session 2 will support teachers NEW to Primary 4 to prepare children for the Sacrament of the Eucharist Presenter: Rana Keane Provider Diocese […]

Gonzaga Lecture by Lord Maurice Glasman

The 2016 Gonzaga Lectures, organised by St Aloysius’ College, reflect the theme ‘Celebrating the Year of Mercy’.   On Monday 22nd February Lord Maurice Glasman will lecture on:   Foundations of Mercy? […]

Lent Reflection Service for Teachers

A time of prayer and reflection for teachers on the season of Lenten preparation for the celebration of Easter. St Andrew’s Cathedral, Clyde Street Gasgow G1 4JY Wednesday 17th February […]

Exploring Catholicism 6 – Holy Mass

Target group: Primary & Secondary teachers Aims: To present the central beliefs of Catholicisim, as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other sources Presenter: Fr Joseph Lappin […]

Gonzaga Lecture by Bishop Hugh Gilbert

The 2016 Gonzaga Lectures, organised by St Aloysius’ College, reflect the theme ‘Celebrating the Year of Mercy’.   On Tuesday 16th February Bishop Hugh Gilbert OSB will lecture on:   […]

This Is Our Faith – Primary 6

Target group: Primary 6 NQTs and teachers who have changed stages Aims: To explore units and resources in P6 Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: to be confirmed […]

Cardinal Winning Education Lecture 2016

St Andrew’s Foundation for Catholic Teacher Education presents  Annual Cardinal Winning Lecture Catholic Education: A Theological Project by Professor Tracey Rowland (Dean & Permanent Fellow of the John Paul II Institute […]

Edinburgh Catholic Schools Transition Mass

The annual Mass to celebrate the transition of pupils from Edinburgh Catholic primary schools to secondary schools will take place in St Mary’s Cathedral Edinburgh on Wednesday 3rd February at 11.15am.

Sacrament of Confirmation – the core learning

Target group: Teachers NEW to Primary 7 Aims: To continue to develop an understanding of new Diocesan guidelines for celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation Presenter: Rana Keane Provider Diocese of Paisley […]

Sacrament of the Eucharist

Target group: Teachers NEW to Primary 4 Aims: Session 2 will support teachers NEW to Primary 4 to prepare children for the Sacrament of the Eucharist Presenter: Rana Keane Provider Diocese […]

Diocese of Motherwell Annual Education Mass

Bishop Joseph Toal of the Diocese of Motherwell invites teachers, students, parents and anyone involved in education to the celebration of Mass in Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral on Wednesday […]

Sacrament of Confirmation – the core learning

Target group: Teachers NEW to Primary 7 Aims: To continue to develop an understanding of new Diocesan guidelines for celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation Presenter: Rana Keane Provider Diocese of Paisley […]

Extraordinary Year of Mercy

Target group: Teachers of Primary classes 5, 6 & 7 Aims: To consider the teaching of Pope Francis in this Extraordinary Year of Mercy and to identify its impact on approaches to the Sacrament […]

Diocese of Motherwell PTs R.E. Business Meeting

Target group: Diocese of Motherwell PTs Religious Education Aims: To review a range of relevant issues Presenter: Barbara Coupar Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: Motherwell Diocesan Centre Date: 19th January […]

Exploring Catholicism 5 – The Sacraments

Target group: Primary & Secondary teachers Aims: To present the central beliefs of Catholicisim, as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other sources Presenter: Fr Joseph Lappin […]

Extraordinary Year of Mercy

Target group: Teachers of Primary classes 5, 6 & 7 Aims: To consider the teaching of Pope Francis in this Extraordinary Year of Mercy and to identify its impact on approaches to the Sacrament […]

Business Meeting 2 for PTs of R.E. – Glasgow

Target group: PTs of Religious Education in Archdicoese of Glasgow Aims: To provide support and advice for PTs R.E. Presenter: R.E. Department Team Provider Archdiocese of Glasgow Venue: Our Lady […]

Exploring Catholicism 4 – The Church

Target group: Primary & Secondary teachers Aims: To present the central beliefs of Catholicisim, as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other sources Presenter: Fr Joseph Lappin […]

[Just] Into Catholic Headship

Target group: All who are recent appointments as Head Teachers in Catholic schools Aims: To explore issues of particular interest to Catholic Head Teachers Presenter: Archbishop Tartaglia, Michael McGrath, various contributors Provider SCES […]

Advent Reflection Service for Teachers

A time of prayer and reflection for teachers on the season of Advent in preparation for the celebration of Our Lord’s Birth. St Andrew’s Cathedral, Clyde Street Gasgow G1 4JY […]

This Is Our Faith – Primary 5

Target group: Primary 5 NQTs and teachers who have changed stages Aims: To explore units and resources in P5 Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: to be confirmed […]

“Not at Home for Christmas”

Target group: This twilight event will provide an opportunity in Advent for reflection on the plight of Refugees & Asylum Seekers, aimed at teachers in primary and secondary schools. Aims: This session models […]

Teaching God’s Loving Plan in P6 & P7

Target group: Teachers NEW to Primary 6 & 7 Aims: To share the vision of God’s Loving Plan with a focus on P6 & 7; to support planning of learning & teaching; […]

Teaching God’s Loving Plan in P6 & P7

Target group: Teachers NEW to Primary 6 & 7 Aims: To share the vision of God’s Loving Plan with a focus on P6 & 7; to support planning of learning & teaching; […]

Research Seminar: Masters Level Teacher Education

Target group: All interested Aims: To explore dimensions of Masters Level Teacher Education Presenter: Dr Robert Doherty (UoG School of Education) Provider St Andrew’s Foundation for Catholic Teacher Education Venue: University […]

Pope Francis Faith Award – Support Meeting 2

Target group: Teachers who are involved with PFFA Aims: To offer support and share good practice Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: Motherwell Diocesan Centre Date: 18th November […]

Opening Up The Gospels – twilight sessions

Target group: Teachers in cluster groups of Primary schools of Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh Aims: To explore the teaching of specific Gospels used in different stages of This Is Our […]

Implementing Senior Phase R.E.

Target group: Teachers & PTs Religious Education Aims: To explore units and resources created by school colleagues to support the core learning of R.E. at the Senior Phase Presenter: Barbara […]

God’s Loving Plan – Primary 7

Target group: Primary 7 Teachers Aims: To explore units and resources in P7 Planner Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: Motherwell Diocesan Centre Date: 11th November 2015 Cost: […]

God’s Loving Plan – the vision

Target group: Newly-appointed Senior Staff in Primary schools Aims: To share the vision of God’s Loving Plan within the context of Church teaching and school curriculum guidelines; to support staff in developing […]

ANNOUNCE Conference

Target group: All interested in Christian Mission Aims: To proclaim an understanding of Mission in Christian life Presenter: various Provider Missio Scotland Venue: Conforti Centre, Coatbridge ML5 4JS Date & Time: […]

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  • Location: Conforti Institute Coatbridge

God’s Loving Plan – Primary 6

Target group: Primary 6 Teachers Aims: To explore units and resources in P6 Planner Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: Motherwell Diocesan Centre Date: 5th November 2015 Cost: […]

Launch of This Is Our Faith – Senior Phase

Secondary Head Teachers, Heads of R.E. Departments and Diocesan R.E. staff are invited to the Launch of This Is Our Faith – Senior Phase in the Emirates Arena Glasgow on […]

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  • Location: Emirates Arena Glasgow

Gravissimum Educationis – 50 years on

Target group: Primary and Secondary Teachers Aims: To explore the main themes of Catholic Education, as found in GE and to consider their impact on Catholic education in Scotland Presenter: […]

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Target group: Teachers NEW to Primary 4 Aims: To support teachers NEW to Primary 4 to prepare children for celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation Presenter: Rana Keane Provider Diocese of Paisley Venue: All […]

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Target group: Teachers NEW to Primary 4 Aims: To support teachers NEW to Primary 4 to prepare children for celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation Presenter: Rana Keane Provider Diocese of Paisley Venue: Diocesan […]

This Is Our Faith – Primary 4

Target group: Primary 4 NQTs and teachers who have changed stages Aims: To explore units and resources in P4 Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: to be confirmed […]

God’s Loving Plan – Primary 4

Target group: Primary 4 Teachers Aims: To explore units and resources in P4 Planner Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: Motherwell Diocesan Centre Date: 21st October 2015 Cost: […]

God’s Loving Plan – Primary 5

Target group: Primary 5 Teachers Aims: To explore units and resources in P5 Planner Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: Motherwell Diocesan Centre Date: 28th October 2015 Cost: […]

Exploring Catholicism 2 – Revelation: Jesus

Target group: Primary & Secondary teachers Aims: To present the central beliefs of Catholicisim, as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other sources Presenter: Fr Joseph Lappin […]

This Is Our Faith – Primary 3

Target group: Primary 3 NQTs and teachers who have changed stages Aims: To explore units and resources in P3 Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: to be confirmed […]

Breaking Open Catholic Social Teaching

Target group: Catholic Secondary non-specialist R.E. Teachers Aims To explore a key theme underpining This Is Our Faith – Senior Phase Presenter To be confirmed Provider Diocesan R.E. Advisers Venue: […]

Sacrament of Confirmation – rite of enrolment

Target group: Teachers NEW to Primary 7 Aims: To introduce Diocesan guidelines for celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation Presenter: Rana Keane Provider Diocese of Paisley Venue: All Saints Primary School, Greenock […]

Called to Love

Target group: Secondary Teachers of R.E. teaching Called to Love for the first time or wishing a refresher Aims: To explore the Called to Love programme and resources Presenter: Natalie […]

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  • Location: Archdiocese of Glasgow

Sacrament of Confirmation – rite of enrolment

Target group: Teachers NEW to Primary 7 Aims: To introduce Diocesan guidelines for celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation Presenter: Rana Keane Provider Diocese of Paisley Venue: Diocesan Centre Paisley Date & […]

This Is Our Faith – Primary 2

Target group: Primary 2 NQTs and teachers who have changed stages Aims: To explore units and resources in P2 Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: to be confirmed […]

God’s Loving Plan – Primary 3

Target group: Primary 3 Teachers Aims: To explore units and resources in P3 Planner Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: Motherwell Diocesan Centre Date: 30th September 2015 Cost: […]

Diocese of Motherwell PTs RE Business Meeting

Target group: Diocese of Motherwell PTs Religious Education Aims: To review a range of relevant issues Presenter: Barbara Coupar Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: Motherwell Diocesan Centre Date: 24th September […]

This Is Our Faith – Primary 1

Target group: Primary 1 NQTs and teachers who have changed stages Aims: To explore units and resources in P1 Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: to be confirmed […]

God’s Loving Plan in Primary 2

Target group: Primary 2 Teachers Aims: To explore units and resources in P2 Planner Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: Motherwell Diocesan Centre Date: 23rd September 2015 Cost: […]

Business Meeting 1 for PTs of R.E. – Glasgow

Target group: PTs of Religious Education in Archdicoese of Glasgow Aims: To provide support and advice for PTs R.E. Presenter: R.E. Department Team Provider Archdiocese of Glasgow Venue: Our Lady […]

God’s Loving Plan in Primary 1

Target group: Primary 1 Teachers Aims: To explore units and resources in P1 Planner Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: Motherwell Diocesan Centre Date: 16th September 2015 Cost: […]

Catholic School NQT Day

Target group: NQT teachers in Catholic schools Aims: To provide an induction for NQTs on the vocation of teaching in a Catholic school Presenter: R.E. Department Team Provider Archdiocese of […]

Pope Francis Faith Award – Support Meeting 1

Target group: Teachers who are new to PFFA Aims: To offer support and share good practice Presenter: Claire O’Neill Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: Motherwell Diocesan Centre Date: 15th September […]

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  • Location: Motherwell Diocesan Centre

God’s Loving Plan – 15th September 2015

Target group: NQTs and teachers new or returning to Catholic schools Aims: To support teachers in implementing God’s Loving Plan effectively in their classrooms Presenter: Rana Keane Provider Diocese of Paisley Venue: […]

DHT Retreat: “Merciful Like the Father”

Target group: Depute Head Teachers in Catholic secondary schools Aims: To support and affirm Depute Head Teachers in their work Presenter: Fr John Sweeney Provider CHAS Venue: Conforti Centre, Coatbridge ML5 4JS […]

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  • Location: Conforti Institute Coatbridge

Introduction to teaching in a Catholic School

Target group: NQT teachers and those appointed to a Catholic school for first time Aims: To provide support and advice for NQTs on teaching in a Catholic school Presenter: R.E. […]

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  • Location: Archdiocese of Glasgow

CHAPS National Conference

Target Group: Head Teachers in Catholic Primary Schools Date: 3rd & 4th September 2015 Time: 10.00 to 3.15pm Aims To explore the theme: “Renewing Our Vocation as Catholic School Leaders” Presenter […]

God’s Loving Plan – 1st September 2015

Target group: NQTs and teachers new or returning to Catholic schools Aims: To support teachers in implementing God’s Loving Plan effectively in their classrooms Presenter: Rana Keane Provider Diocese of Paisley Venue: […]

Meeting of Caritas Award Co-ordinators

Target group: Meeting of Caritas Award Co-ordinators Aims: To review arrangements for session 2015-16 and to distribute resources Presenter Michael McGrath & Barbara Coupar Provider SCES Venue: Conforti Institute, Calder […]

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  • Location: SCES Offices Glasgow

Enhancing Primary R.E.

Target group: NQTs Aims: To support NQTs in implementing This Is Our Faith effectively in their classrooms Presenter: Rana Keane Provider Diocese of Paisley Venue: All Saints Primary School Greenock […]

Enhancing Primary R.E.

Target group: NQTs Aims: To support NQTs in implementing This Is Our Faith effectively in their classrooms Presenter: Rana Keane Provider Diocese of Paisley Venue: Diocesan Cente Paisley Date & […]

Do Something Amazing….with NET

Are you 18-30? Do you love God? Do you desire to learn more about your faith? Do you want to live the “joy of the Gospel”? Do something amazing! Come […]

Breaking Open the Sacraments

Target: Catholic Secondary R.E. Teachers Aims Exploring key themes from the Senior Phase of TIOF Presenter Barbara Coupar Provider Diocese of Motherwell Venue: Conforti Institute, Calder Avenue, Coatbridge ML5 4JS […]

CONSCIENCE MATTERS – deanery twilight sessions

Target group: Teachers in cluster groups of Primary schools of Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh Aims: To explore understanding about the formation of conscience which appears as an important issue throughout […]