The most famous work of our newest Doctor of the Church is, of course, The Idea of a University—a collection that explores the essence of a Catholic university education. But fewer people know about St. John Henry Newman’s extensive efforts in primary and secondary education:
Newman’s part was not just as an educational theorist, but a school founder, who played every nitty-gritty role from fundraising to parent relations, from essay grading to student mentoring, even processing repair orders and playing second violin to fill out the little school’s orchestra.
Dr. Paul Shrimpton has spent decades studying Newman’s interest in education, from theory to practice. Today on HeightsCast, he invites us into Newman’s vision for younger students, their teachers, and grammar schools as places of “grounding” and “a really liberal education.”
Chapters:
5:18 Co-patron of the Church’s educational mission
7:50 Timeline of Newman as educator
20:25 Different models of student freedom
27:39 Methods of study for young people
34:11 Newman: a personal, hands-on educator
39:26 The role of a teacher
48:23 Partnership with parents
57:39 Forthcoming book on Newman: education and practice
Links:
“Drawing New Maps of Hope” apostolic letter by Pope Leo XIV, October 2025
The Idea of a University by John Henry Newman
Historical Sketches, especially vol. 3, by John Henry Newman
“Personal Influence: The Means of Propagating Truth” by John Henry Newman
The Adeodatus Series on Catholic Education & Culture by The Catholic University of America Press (publisher for Dr. Shrimpton’s forthcoming book, St. John Henry Newman and his Idea of a School, spring 2027)
A Catholic Eton?: Newman’s Oratory School by Paul Shrimpton
The Making of Men: Idea and Reality of Newman’s University in Oxford and Dublin by Paul Shrimpton
The Most Dangerous Man in England: Newman and the Laity by Paul Shrimpton
Also on the Forum:
A Whole Education: Teaching Persons, Not Just Subjects featuring Michael Moynihan
The Idea of a Catholic University featuring Dr. Peter Kilpatrick
Featured Opportunities:
Fall Open House at The Heights School (October 24, 2026)
Convivium Conference for Teaching Men at The Heights School (November 11-13, 2026)