Welcome to the Catholic Schools Office Website

The Catholic Schools Office (CSO), is responsible for the leadership, efficient operation and management of systemic schools which educate 18,000 students in 44 Primary and 11 Secondary schools in the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

The CSO employs more than 1200 teachers and around 550 support staff. Our main focus is providing support for schools to ensure each student receives a quality education and has the opportunity to grow academically, spiritually, physically and emotionally.

Catholic schools seek to develop spirit, mind, body and character and to cultivate Gospel values that support lives filled with joy, endeavour and hope in the future. 

As a Catholic Schools Office, we model ourselves on the person of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Gospels and through the teachings of the Catholic Church. 

We invite you to look around our new website, become familiar with the uniqueness of Catholic education, your local Catholic school, the many initiatives offered and why we believe Catholic education is the right choice to make.