Statistics

In the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham:-

We have 71 Church Schools
65 are primary
6 are secondary
1 new Academy
3 newly Affiliated Schools

We have 16,900 pupils
We have approximately 1,000 teachers and 250 teaching assistants
We have around 410 governors (foundation governors appointed by the DBE, PCC and trustees). 

The schools are spread across the local authorities of Nottinghamshire, Nottingham City and Doncaster

What is a Church School?

Aided Schools (VA)

The Church appointed Foundation Governors form the majority of the Governing body.  The Governors decide on the nature of the religious education to be given – usually following the Diocesan Syllabus.

The governors are technically the employers of the staff and have responsibility for deciding on the entire curriculum (within the constraints of the National Curriculum).  The Church must take seriously its responsibility to find, appoint and train suitable people as Foundation Governors.

In Aided Schools the responsibility for the buildings is shared between the LEA and the Governors.

Controlled Schools (VC)

The nature of a Controlled School may vary greatly.  A Controlled school may be almost indistinguishable from a County School and have little contact with the Church.  At the other extreme a Controlled school may appear to be little different to an Aided School.

In Controlled schools the LEA is responsible for all aspects of maintenance of the building.

Affiliated Schools

We have currently started a scheme whereby community schools are affiliated to the Church of England. They do not change their legal status, but formalize, celebrate and enhance their links with Church. If you would like to know more, contact the DDE or CaSLO.                                                

Role of Clergy in the Church Schools

The role of clergy on governing bodies is controlled by the Instrument of Government of each school.  In most cases the “The Principal Officiating Minister” of the Parish is an ex-officio governor.  Other Governors are appointed by the PCC or the DBE (Diocesan Board of Education), to the number specified by the Instruments of Government.

Governors in the Church Schools

Foundation Governors are appointed by the PCC or the DBE (Diocesan Board of Education), to the number specified by the Instruments of Government. This is an important role in maintaining the Christian distinctiveness of a church school. Christians may, of course, also stand as community or parent governors too.

Building links with all schools
We would hope that clergy and church members will build positive links with their local schools in every way that they can, and encourage members of their congregation to get involved too. If you need ideas on what you can do, please contact our Church & School Links Officer