There are few issues of greater importance to parents than their children’s education. This is especially the case for Catholic parents, who are additionally the “first heralds” of the Gospel and, as such, strive to raise up the next generation of saints.
This role was easier when the ambient culture was Christian and the majority of schools were run by the Church. Today, however, the situation is more complicated. Worsening behaviour in schools, the effect of social media and technology and a secularised curriculum - in terms of both content and goals - are leading many Catholic parents to consider alternatives.
That is why the establishment of Regina Caeli Academy in Bedfordshire in 2019 is of such significance. Its offer is simple but radical: it provides a hybrid form of classical education in the Catholic tradition.
Classical education aims to give children both the best of all our current knowledge and the tools to acquire further knowledge; the curiosity and ability to learn independently. At Regina Caeli UK, tutors partner with parents; children spend two days a week on site, with parents being supported the remaining three days to teach at home.
Unlike private schools that offer full-time education and often make a profit, Regina Caeli is able to keep its fees low. These go entirely towards paying staff salaries and renting premises. There is a generous sibling discount for families with three or more children. Even so, some Catholic families are unable to afford the full fee. It is these families that the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom was able to support through a donation to the Academy’s Bursary Fund.
The number of children enrolled at Regina Caeli has risen from 17 to 88 in five years, which is significant in a country where homeschooling is often viewed with a certain amount of scepticism. This has already necessitated a move to larger premises. And given that families are either moving into the area to be closer to the school, or travelling over 100 miles to get there, it is clear that a need is being met.
The Academy has so far only offered primary-level education, but from September 2024, it will begin offering the first year of secondary education. Eventually, it is hoped that the Academy will offer education up to age 18. The staff are confident that there will be increased demand for places, mirroring what has happened in the USA where Regina Caeli - with 23 sites across the country, educating over 1,800 students - was founded in 2003.
“Joining RCA has blessed our family in ways we couldn't have imagined,” said one family. “Having such a faith-focused, warm community is indeed a great blessing. And seeing our boys grow in confidence and competence with their learning has shown us that classical education does work.”
Visit Regina Caeli Academy UK’s website.
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