Church of England schools are part of the maintained (state) system
of education and their Trust Deeds require them, for the most part,
to serve their local communities. There is a great lack of understanding
in the world of education, despite high profile debates nationally
(for example The Way Ahead report by Lord Dearing 2001), about the
role of church schools.

The Way Ahead outlines the contribution made to education by Church of England Schools. They were born from a desire to offer education more widely and imbue it with spiritual values. Encapsulated in their vision is a respect for all, including those on the margins. Such a vision of inclusiveness builds rather than divides a community. It offers hope amidst uncertainty, love in the face of fragmentation: partnership rather than segregation.

Many church schools were founded in the 19th century. They tend
to be situated in the villages and the older towns and cities. There
are fewer in the more modern suburbs. They all tend to be quite different
depending on the communities in which they are found.

It was not
until 1870 that the national government became involved in education
for all. The 1944 Education Act created two broad types of church
school: voluntary aided and the voluntary controlled. In the Diocese
we treat all our church schools as one family.

What then are the
differences in law?

In voluntary aided schools the:

School is owned by Trustees, as part of a church educational
trust.

Foundation (church) governors are in the majority on the governing
body.

Staff are employed by the governing body.

Governing body is responsible for the maintenance of the building
and for funding improvements. For this they receive a grant of
90% from the Department for Education and Skills (DCSF). The governing
body must fund the other 10%.

RE is taught in accordance with the
provision of the Trust Deed.

Worship is conducted according to
the provisions of the Trust Deed.

Governing body is responsible
for the admissions to the school.

In voluntary controlled schools
the:

School is owned by Trustees, as part of a Church educational
trust.

Foundation (church) governors are in the minority on
the governing body.

Staff are employed by the local authority.

Local authority is responsible for the maintenance of
the building and for funding improvements, although most of
its responsibilities may be delegated to the governing body.

RE is taught
in accordance with the local agreed syllabus, unless
parents request teaching in accordance with the Trust Deed.