Research into parental support for children’s education

Parents’ support for their children’s learning in Catholic schools is the subject of a new university research project.

St Mary’s University (pictured) and Swansea University are exploring how parental engagement in pupils’ education is understood, supported, and enacted in Catholic schools in England and Wales.

Online surveys are being conducted of parents, school staff, including student teachers, and clergy, as well as in-depth interviews with individuals from each group. Also under way is a review of existing research into parental engagement in children’s learning.

At St Mary’s the project is being led by Professor Sara Spear, Provost and Chief Academic Officer.

She said: “How do Catholic school pupils’ parents engage in their children’s education, and how is this supported by school staff and clergy?

“We want to explore the nature of any such involvement, and if it is related to what has been referred to as the ‘distinctive ethos’ of Catholic education. We’d really appreciate parents of pupils at Catholic schools and school staff, including clergy and chaplains, participating in the survey.”

Findings will be shared after the research project is complete, including practical recommendations for enhancing parental engagement in young people’s learning.

St Mary’s is one of four Catholic universities in England, along with Birmingham Newman; Leeds Trinity; and Liverpool Hope.

Take part in the surveys for parents, school staff and clergy.