Catholic schools are often on the front lines of the fight against child poverty, providing crucial support to families facing hardship.

This report, published by the CES and Catholic Bishops' Conference, draws on insights from more than 2,000 Catholic schools in England and Wales provided during November and December, 2024. It presents a comprehensive analysis of the challenges posed by child poverty and measures implemented to address them.

It reveals how 94% of Catholic schools provide support for the cost of school uniforms, and 77% operate breakfast clubs, to make sure no child starts the school day hungry, having had no breakfast.    

Further findings include:

• Barriers to learning: over 90% of Catholic schools reported encountering families struggling with the cost of living, and 70% noted worsening conditions over the past year.

• Mental health challenges: 88% of Catholic schools observed a strong connection between poverty and poor mental health, with financial instability exacerbating stress, anxiety, and depression among pupils and their families.

• School-based support: Catholic schools are implementing a wide range of initiatives, including breakfast clubs, uniform support, food bank referrals, and the provision of essential supplies.

The survey report is available to download below.