Deputy Director of Education

Church Schools & Academies in the Diocese of Guildford

Education in schools, colleges and universities is absolutely central to the work of the Diocese. What could be more important than to serve upwards of 22,000 children and young people daily in our 86 Church of England schools! Through contact with diocesan chaplains in colleges and universities many thousands of young people from many nations are welcomed and influenced.

Our schools are open to all and welcome local children regardless of their families’ faith or background. Our dedicated head teachers, staff teams and governors strive for high quality teaching that is rooted in an approach to learning and living derived from the Christian understanding of God’s love.

Christian values are central to the life and work of our schools and creative approaches to worship, prayer and service create an atmosphere that so impressed one Secretary of State for Education that he famously wished ‘it could be bottled’! Links with local parishes are strong and there is a natural bond of friendship between church and school.

The central diocesan Education team knows its schools well. We provide guidance and support for every aspect of the schools’ work, from governance to leadership and from the quality of teaching to the quality of buildings. Our school effectiveness courses, consultants and conferences are highly valued by church and non-church schools alike. Our multi academy trust, the Good Shepherd Trust has an impressive track record of school improvement and innovation. Our buildings team has been successful in attracting funding grants resulting in multi-million pound rebuilds and countless significant projects. Worship and prayer are also central to the work of the diocesan education team and all are committed to serving Christ in the high calling of Christian Education. We know that as we welcome the ‘little child in God’s name, we welcome Him’.