A Vision for Education
Long before the government provided education for all, the Church of England was committed to ensuring that every child had access to learning. Its vision was for every parish to have a school, particularly for the education of poorer children, reflecting a belief that education should be available to all.
The Sunday School Movement
The Church's first large-scale contribution to education came through the Sunday School Movement in the late 18th century. Robert Raikes, an Anglican layman and publisher, championed the idea of providing education to working children from factories where they worked six days a week. Sunday schools taught literacy alongside knowledge of the Bible and the Christian faith, and quickly became a significant part of childhood across the country.
The National Society and Church Schools
In 1811, Joshua Watson founded the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. At a time when there was no state education system, the Society set out with an ambitious goal: to establish a Church school in every parish.
Through fundraising and grants, schools were built across England and Wales. By 1861, over 12,000 schools were working in partnership with the National Society. These schools provided education rooted in Christian teaching, with a strong emphasis on moral, spiritual and academic development.
Partnership with the State
The 1870 Education Act marked the beginning of a formal partnership between the Church and the State in providing education. While the government expanded access to schooling, Church schools continued to play a major role in educating children across the country.
The 1944 Education Act further strengthened this partnership by giving schools the option of increased State funding and control as ‘Voluntary Controlled' schools or lesser State support and greater independence as ‘Voluntary Aided' schools. The Act also required daily collective worship and religious instruction in all schools.
Church Schools Today
Since 2010, many Church schools have become academies, adopting new governance arrangements while continuing to uphold their distinctive Christian character. Being an academy makes no difference to the way in which the foundation ethos of the school is lived out on a day-today basis.
Today, there are approximately 4,630 Church of England schools and around 200 Church schools in Wales. Around a quarter of all primary schools in England have a Church of England foundation, serving millions of children and young people.
A Distinctive Christian Vision
Church schools continue to combine academic excellence with a commitment to the spiritual, moral, social and emotional development of every child. Rooted in Christian values, they are welcoming communities where people of all faiths and none are encouraged to explore life's big questions, develop their talents and flourish. Church schools continue to provide high-quality education while celebrating the Christian heritage that has shaped them for over 200 years.