DIOCESE OF ST ALBANS

Schools Team 

Working for Church Schools

Introduction

The Diocese has 134 schools in Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Hertfordshire and part of the London Borough of Barnet.  Of these 134 schools, 122 are primary schools, seven are middle deemed secondary and four are 11-18 or 13-18 secondaries.  From 1 September 2009 we welcome All Saints Academy Dunstable into our church school family. 

In Central Bedfordshire there are four middle schools:  Edward Peake VC in Biggleswade, Holywell VA in Cranfield, Ashton VA in Dunstable and Henlow VC.  Bedford Borough has Alban VA in Great Barford.  In Hertfordshire there are two middle schools: Edwinstree VC in Buntingford and The Thomas Coram VA in Berkhamsted.  

• For links to schools in Hertfordshire, click here.

• For links to schools in Bedford Borough, click here.

• For links to schools in Central Bedfordshire, click here.

• For a summary of the Dearing Report, click here.

• For an answer to the question What is a Church school? click here.

• To read (or download) a speech from the Archbishop of Canterbury on church schools, click here.

• For dates of current school terms, click here.

Religious Education in Church Schools

We are often asked questions about RE in Church Schools and what the legal position is on the subject.

In Voluntary Controlled (VC) schools, the religious education should be according to the Local Authority Agreed Syllabus.  VC schools should follow what is laid down in this document, including all the work on world religions.  The only exception to this is if parents request denominational religious education for their children.  This must be delivered by “reserved teachers”.  If you do receive a request for such teaching, please contact Jane Chipperton on 01727 818175.

In Voluntary Aided (VA) schools, the religious education does not have to be according to the Agreed Syllabus, but it may.  The decision as to what teaching does take place rests with the governing body.  It should be in line with the teaching and practices of the Church of England and with the Trust Deed of the school.  Not every school knows where to find their Trust Deed, if you do not, please contact Jon Reynolds on 01727 818170. 

The Diocesan Director of Education and the Diocesan RE Adviser suggest that 66% of RE time is spent on Christianity and biblical work.  It is important that children in church schools have some introduction to religions other than Christianity as they are growing up in a multi-cultural world where they will meet people of other faiths.  Church schools can follow parts of the local Agreed Syllabus and also write extra units designed for their own circumstances and pupils.

Collective Worship resource

click here

Board of Education

E-mail: schools@stalbans.anglican.org 

Tel:  01727 818170;  Fax: 01727 844469

Schools Team, Diocesan Office, Holywell Lodge, 41 Holywell Hill, St Albans  AL1 1HE

Last modified: Friday, 31 July 2009