About Church of England Schools.
Church schools pride themselves in providing an educational environment that enables both children and adults to flourish. They seek to ensure that all children and young people achieve the best of which they are capable in a loving environment that recognises the special gifts of each individual. Founded on a distinctive theologically rooted Christian vision they seek to provide education that allows every individual to experience life in all its fullness.
In the Diocese of Chester they are especially communities that are LOVING in relationships, AMBITIOUS in aspirations and BOLD in action.
The types of church school within the state education sector are voluntary controlled, voluntary aided, foundation schools (all maintained by the Local Authority) and academies. The categories, aided or controlled, refer to a schools' association with the LA.
All types of church school are highly regarded by the Church and are seen as an important part of its work. They provide a secure Christian education for children throughout the country. Across the country, one quarter of all primary schools are Church of England schools.
Types of Church School
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Voluntary Controlled
In a controlled school, the Church appoints some of the governors, and the collective worship is in accordance with the teachings of the Church of England. Religious Education follows the same syllabus as for community schools, although parents can request teaching in accordance with the teachings of the Church of England. Church trustees normally own the buildings, but the LA is responsible for maintaining them. The LA employs the staff and controls admissions.
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Voluntary Aided
In an aided school, the Church appoints the majority of the governors, the collective worship and Religious Education is in accordance with the teachings of the Church of England. The Governing Body of the school is responsible for the buildings (which are normally owned by Church trustees), they employ the staff and are responsible for setting the admissions criteria.
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Academies
In academies and free schools, the arrangements for the school are determined by documents individually agreed with the Secretary of State for Education. The Governing Body and Academy Trust of the school are responsible for the buildings, they employ the staff and are responsible for setting the admissions criteria. In Church academies, the collective worship is in accordance with the teachings of the Church of England.
