Vicariate for Education

Professional Development and Formation

Overview

Opportunities for Professional Development and Formation are listed here. These include those in the DDfE PD&F programme, the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies programme (CCRS), and external courses.

 

Professional Development and Formation Programme

The Professional Development and Formation Programme provides a range of opportunities for those leading, working in and governing our Diocesan schools.

To download the 2026-27 Professional Development and Formation Programme, please click here

 

Course Booking

The DDfE aims to provide professional development that will enable staff and governors to better serve the mission of the Church through their role in education. Opportunities for personal formation are an integral part of this

To find out more about our courses and training opportunities please click here.

Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS)

The Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) is managed and awarded by the Board of Religious Studies on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. It was introduced in 1991 to replace its predecessors, the Catholic Teachers’ Certificate and the Certificate in Religious Education.

The course seeks to ensure that participants have at least a basic knowledge and understanding of the beliefs of the Catholic faith. It also provides a basis for further study.

Should you have any queries please email: education@diocesehn.org.uk.

Who is the CCRS for?

  • Catechists, lay leaders and other adults wishing to deepen their understanding of the Catholic Faith and Catholic Education
  • Serving teachers in Catholic and other schools
  • Teachers in training preparing to take up posts in Catholic schools.

Resources

External Courses

Opportunities for external courses will be listed below once they are available.