The Diocese of London has announced the appointment of a new Director of Education, a key leadership role overseeing one of the largest networks of Church of England schools in the country.The move comes at a time of continued change and challenge in the education sector,with growing pressure on school standards,wellbeing,and inclusion.Responsible for shaping the Diocese’s educational vision and supporting hundreds of headteachers, staff, and pupils across London, the new director will play a central part in guiding church schools as they navigate shifting policy, tight budgets, and evolving community needs.
Background and vision of the new Director of Education for the Diocese of London
With a career spanning parish ministry, classroom teaching and senior leadership across urban and rural contexts, the new Director brings a rare blend of theological depth and educational expertise to the Diocese of London. A former headteacher with experience in both Church of England and community schools, they have led teams through curriculum reform, safeguarding challenges and rapidly changing inspection frameworks. Their formation has been shaped by study in theology and education policy, as well as hands‑on involvement in school enhancement networks. This background has fostered a keen understanding of how faith-informed education can speak into the realities of London’s diverse communities, from inner-city estates to newly established housing developments.
Looking ahead, the Director has set out a clear, values-driven agenda that places children and young people at the center of diocesan strategy. Key priorities include:
- Deepening Christian distinctiveness in every school while respecting and welcoming pupils of all faiths and none.
- Championing inclusion and wellbeing, with particular attention to mental health, SEND provision and pupil voice.
- Investing in leaders and teachers through high-quality formation, coaching and peer-to-peer networks.
- Strengthening parish-school partnerships to anchor education in local worshipping communities.
- Harnessing innovation in digital learning, sustainability and creative arts to enrich the curriculum.
| Focus Area | Planned Impact |
| Leadership formation | More confident, theologically literate school leaders |
| Pupil wellbeing | Stronger pastoral care and sense of belonging |
| Community engagement | Deeper links between schools, parishes and families |
Strategic priorities for strengthening Church of England schools across the capital
Under the leadership of the new Director of Education, the Diocese is sharpening its focus on the distinctiveness, resilience and reach of its schools. This includes a renewed commitment to ethos-rich Christian education that serves diverse urban communities, alongside ambitious standards in curriculum, attendance and inclusion. Key to this will be closer collaboration between headteachers, clergy and governors, supported by streamlined diocesan services that help schools navigate national policy changes and the evolving academies landscape. There is also a clear emphasis on nurturing the next generation of school leaders,ensuring that every Church school in London can draw on a strong pipeline of talent rooted in the Christian vision for education.
Practical priorities are being set around three core themes:
- Flourishing pupils – strengthening pastoral care,mental health support and spiritual advancement.
- Confident leaders – expanding governance training, coaching and peer networks for senior staff.
- Sustainable schools – supporting estate planning, admissions, and long‑term financial stability.
| Priority Area | 2026 Aim |
|---|---|
| Pupil flourishing | Wellbeing embedded in every school plan |
| Leadership | Diocesan-wide mentoring for new heads |
| Collaboration | Cross-borough partnerships in all deaneries |
| Distinctiveness | Clear Christian vision articulated in every setting |
Supporting clergy teachers and governors to deliver high quality Christian education
The new Director will work closely with parish leaders, school heads and academy trusts to ensure that Christian ethos and academic rigour go hand in hand. Through tailored training, mentoring networks and collaborative planning days, clergy will be equipped to engage confidently in the classroom, while teachers and governors will gain practical tools to weave Christian values into curriculum, behavior policies and pastoral care.This joined‑up approach aims to strengthen the distinctive identity of Church of England schools across the Diocese, while remaining fully aligned with national standards and Ofsted expectations.
- Specialist training for clergy involved in school worship and RE
- Leadership development for heads and governors of church schools
- Shared resources for collective worship, festivals and prayer spaces
- Advisory visits to support curriculum design and spiritual development
| Focus Area | Support Offered |
|---|---|
| Worship & Liturgy | Model assemblies, sermon planning and pupil participation |
| Christian Vision | Vision‑setting workshops with leadership and governors |
| Curriculum | Guidance on RE schemes, SMSC and faith‑sensitive topics |
| Community Links | Parish-school partnerships and local mission projects |
By coordinating this framework of support, the Director will champion inclusive, intellectually robust Christian education that reflects the diversity of London. Clergy will be encouraged to act as critical friends to school leaders, governors will receive briefings on emerging policy and safeguarding responsibilities, and classroom practitioners will have access to subject‑expert advisers.Together, these strands are designed to cultivate schools where theological reflection, social justice and high expectations for every learner are embedded in daily practice.
Recommendations for parish engagement with the Diocese of London education strategy
Parishes across the Diocese are invited to see this new appointment as a moment to deepen their partnership with local schools and colleges. By aligning worshipping communities with the emerging priorities of the education strategy,churches can help shape a holistic vision of learning that nurtures head,heart and spirit. Practical collaboration might include clergy participation in curriculum days, governors’ forums and staff wellbeing initiatives, as well as shared projects on social justice, ecology and community cohesion. In every context, the aim is to ensure that Christian distinctiveness in education is both confident and outward-looking, rooted in prayer and responsive to the diverse needs of London’s children and young people.
To support this, parishes are encouraged to identify clear points of connection and to communicate regularly with the new Director and the Diocesan Board of Education. Simple, locally grounded actions can make a considerable difference:
- Strengthen governance: Encourage skilled parishioners to serve as school governors, especially in Church of England schools.
- Share spaces: Offer church halls and worship areas for school reflection days, concerts and community events.
- Invest in chaplaincy: Explore joint funding or volunteering to support chaplaincy and pastoral care in schools.
- Amplify pupil voice: Host youth forums where students can reflect on faith, ethics and public life.
- Pray intentionally: Include local schools, leaders and pupils by name in intercessions and parish communications.
| Parish Focus | Education Partnership Idea |
|---|---|
| Worship & Prayer | Termly school-led services in the parish church |
| Social Action | Joint pupil-parish foodbank or warm-space project |
| Faith Formation | After-school enquiry groups hosted by the parish |
| Creative Learning | Art or music residencies linking church and classroom |
Key Takeaways
As the Diocese of London embarks on this next chapter in its educational mission, the appointment of a new Director of Education underscores a renewed commitment to supporting schools, staff, pupils and communities across the capital. With strong foundations already in place and meaningful challenges and opportunities ahead, all eyes will now be on how this leadership will shape the future of Church of England education in London-ensuring that faith, learning and inclusion remain at the heart of its work in the years to come.
