Section 2: The Distinctiveness of Church Schools

Church schools offer a distinctively Christian approach to education. Individual school distinctiveness will depend to a degree upon the role of the school in its community, its category (aided, controlled, foundation or academy) and the traditions of the local church. Some core principles and values are common to all Church schools. Most dioceses state that these are ‘the gospel values of loving God and one’s neighbour’ and how this operates in practice within a school setting. The link with the parish church, and in secondary schools access to a chaplaincy, will also add to the distinctiveness. A strong relationship will exist where the school and local church support each other in their work.

Distinctiveness covers a range of aspects of the school:

• It's Ethos and Christian approach

• Collective worship

• Teaching of Religious Education

• Links to the Church community and activities