Each Church of England diocese is required by law (under the Boards of Education Measure 1991) to set up a Board of Education whose function is to look after the interests of its Church schools. The Boards work with Headteachers, Governors, Local Authorities and the Department for Education to uphold and enrich the distinctive contribution of Church schools to the state education system.
The work of the Diocesan Education Boards cover a wide range of areas: representing the dioceses on a variety of committees and statutory bodies; liaising with Local Authority and other officers; supporting schools by providing help and in-service training on a wide range of issues including RE and school worship, and by supporting and training governors. The Boards aim to facilitate the working together of governors, teachers, parents, church and other partners to ensure that the quality of education offered to the children in our Church schools is the best it can be.
The Boards seek to:
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promote education within the faith and practice of the Church of England;
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promote Religious Education and Collective Worship in schools;
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promote or assist in the promotion of Church schools and advise the governors and trustees of church educational endowments and any other body or person concerned on any matter affecting church schools;
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promote co-operation between the Boards and bodies or persons concerned in any respect with education in the diocese;
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support parishes in all aspects of their work with children and young people.
Education Board for the Future
A seminar on 3 July 2013 was attended by bishops, Diocesan Board of Education chairs and other church education leaders from across the country. It marked the launch of a new document; "A Diocesan Board of Education for the Future". You can view the document here.