The Education Department aims to empower schools and their community through up-to-date support and training. We offer a range of training designed to meet the needs of our church schools, including equipping them with the tools to identify and develop their Christian distinctiveness. This includes a clear focus on supporting schools to live out their school’s distinctive and unique Christian vision and ethos.
For this year, our training is brought to you through a mix of face-to-face and online opportunities. Please take a look in the attached brochure and in the drop-down sections below where you find links to book online.
If you cannot find what you are looking for or would like bespoke training for your school please complete the Online Training Request Event Form below with as much information as possible so that we can then discuss next steps for you.
We look forward to welcoming you to our training events this year. If you any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team ku.gr1695640788o.coi1695640788dsolg1695640788@noit1695640788acude1695640788
Our education and training brochure for the 2023/2024 academic year can be found by clicking: 2023-2024 Education Training Brochure
To book onto the confirmed training courses and events for 2023/2024, please click on the ‘Book in here’ links below. The first 4 courses, which will be in Term 1 are listed in the Autumn Term Training & Education Events 2023 below, ready to book. The other booking links will be added by the 1 September at the latest.
As well as our own training, we signpost training from other providers through the Diocesan Education Newsletter. Please click on the link for information about the wide range of Professional Qualifications that are available including NPQH for aspiring or early career headteachers through the Church of England Foundation for Educational Leadership (CEFEL).
Leavers’ Services 2024
We are looking forward to welcoming our family of schools to Gloucester Cathedral for the Leavers Services on 11, 12 and 13 June 2024.
Please make sure that you record in your school diaries the date you have booked and let all relevant people know in your school. We know that many schools are booking their residentials and other special events already so we hope that this will help you with your plans and remember to save the date and make your booking for Leavers’ Services 2024.
Tuesday 11 June 2024
LS1 at 10:30-11:30am – Book in here
LS2 at 1:30-2:30pm – Book in here
Wednesday 12 June 2024
LS3 at 10:30-11:30am – Book in here
LS4 at 1:30-2:30pm – Book in here
Thursday 13 June 2024
LS5 at 10:30-11:30am – Book in here
LS6 at 1:30-2:30pm – Book in here
To make specific in school training requests from our menu of options, please enter the details in the attached request form. A member of the team will be in touch with you within 10 working days after receipt of the form.
MOTs are an exploration and discussion of a particular aspect within the school and include discussion, identifying gaps and suggesting ideas for improvement for that subject area or SIAMS focus or inspection question (IQ). A written report will be provided.
This could then lead to additional requests for bespoke in-school support.
Collective Worship
Exploring the ways in which collective worship is an expression of the school’s Christian vision. How effective the school is in ensuring the collective worship reflects the Church of England Guidance Document for Collective Worship.
Up to 3 hours
For collective worship lead, children, staff, attend CW
Spirituality
An opportunity for support or training to help school communities talk about spirituality. The diocesan language of spirituality uses simple metaphors grounded in the Christian faith but with relevance for people of all worldviews. It’s also possible to explore how this language and approach will work throughout the school day from individual curricular subjects through to playtime and lunchtime.
Up to 3 hours
For SLT, whole staff bodies, governors
RE
How effective the school is in ensuring pupils flourish through the provision of high quality religious education reflecting the Church of England Statement of Entitlement. How effective the school is in ensuring that religious education expresses the school’s Christian vision.
Up to 3 hours
For RE lead, children, pupils’ books
Vision and Leadership
How well the school has developed and implemented an inclusive and distinctive Christian vision, monitoring its impact to ensure the school’s original foundation is maintained. How well the school lives out that Christian vision in relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders.
Up to 3 hours
For the Leadership team, governors, staff, learning walk
Courageous Advocacy
Develop an understanding of courageous advocacy in school, understand how children can become courageous advocates, look at some key resources for courageous advocacy including Christian Aid’s Global Neighbours scheme and the Archbishop of York’s Youth Trust’s (ABYYT) Youth Leadership scheme.
Up to 3 hours
For Headteachers, leaders and governors
Governance MOT
How well established and effective are the governing board’s systems and processes to enable governors to effectively monitor and maintain strategic oversight of the school’s distinctive Christian vision, ensuring the vision is unique, inclusive of all and embedded in all areas of school life. Exploration of governance documentation and curious conversations.
Up to 3 hours
For All Governors: Chair of Governors, Foundation Governors, Ex-officio
Leadership
Vision Workshop – Is your theologically rooted Christian vision firmly grounded in your school’s understanding of its mission and purpose? Does it serve the needs of your community? This workshop seeks to enable you to answer these questions and review your school’s distinctive Christian Vision.
Up to 3 hours
For small group or whole staff/governors
Pre-inspection focused SIAMS review and report (recommended at least 12 weeks prior to inspection)
Up to 3 hours
For headteacher, learning walk
Website check for Church Schools
Your school website is the way in which most people will form their first impression of your school. It is really important that your website clearly shows that you are a Church of England School, through what is included and celebrated, with your school’s Christian vision central and highly visible. A SIAMS inspector will use your website as part of the pre-inspection information gathering.
This website review will provide you with a detailed report with suggestions for improvement—seen through the eyes of a SIAMS inspector.
NB: this will not cover the statutory website requirements covered by the LA website checks
Cost: £100
Completed remotely
Induction and Lunch for new Headteachers
For headteachers new to a Church school. This essential induction is held centrally with other new colleagues and will provide you with an overview of the people and resources available to support you in your work. You will be welcomed by the Bishop, meet the Education team and develop your understanding of what it means to lead a Church school. The course is repeated 3 times across the year to ensure all headteachers new to Church schools can attend.
Tuesday 5 September 2023 11.45am for a 12noon start –4.15pm BOOKING IS NOW CLOSED FOR THIS SESSION. Please book in to the January session via the Spring Term Training and Education Events 2023 on this page
Help! A new SIAMS framework for 2023
For Headteachers, Senior Leaders, CEOs, and Governors. This is an extended half-day course, with lunch, for headteachers, governors and those who lead on the Christian character of the school or aspects of the SIAMS framework. The focus of this day will be to update you on the new 2023 SIAMS framework. We will provide plenty of opportunity for you to practice talking about your Christian vision in line with the approach taken by inspectors.
Thursday 21 September 2023 9.45am-3.00pm
Booking deadline: Thursday 7 September 2023
BOOKING HAS NOW CLOSED FOR THIS SESSION. Please book in to the January session via the Spring Term Training and Education Events 2023 on this page
A Good Home for all Church Schools
For all maintained Church School headteachers and governing board representatives and all SAT headteachers and trustees representatives. Have you started conversations about becoming an academy and joining a multi-academy trust (MAT)? Do you have questions about the options available to your school and finding a suitable home for the future? Come and join the Diocesan Education Team at this follow up event. We will provide updates and information to support you, including:
· New for this year: opportunity to hear from the Church School MATs from across the Diocese of Gloucester
· the current options for Church schools considering joining a MAT
· the DBE Policy on the academisation of Church schools and process for requesting conditional consent to join a MAT
· helpful resources to support you in your conversations and decision-making
There will be an opportunity for questions, or to arrange a follow-up conversation with a member of the Education Team following this free event.
Thursday 21 September 2023 5.00-7.30pm
Venue: Holiday Inn, Crest Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3RX
Booking deadline: Wednesday 13 September 2023
Cost: FREE
Booking has now closed for this session
Introduction to Governance in a Church School
For Governors and Trustees of CofE Schools. This is an introduction to the unique and privileged role governors and trustees hold in Church schools. We will explore the different types of Church schools, identify the different governance structures and the key documents that support and direct governance in Church schools. You will discover the importance of the role of governors and trustees in upholding the school’s or academy’s trust deed lived out through the school’s distinctive Christian vision. New this year: an A-Z of land and buildings. There will be opportunity for questions and networking. This is essential free training for all new to governance in a Church School and those who would welcome a refresher.
Wednesday 4 October 2023 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Booking deadline: Wednesday 20 September 2023 BOOKING HAS NOW CLOSED FOR THIS SESSION. Please book into the Spring Term session using the link in the Spring Term menu.
Net Zero Carbon School
Ideas that won’t cost the earth. By the end of the session participants should expect to learn ways to reduce their carbon footprint as well as understanding the responsibilities for headteacher, governors and the whole school community. We will cover:
- Quick wins including behavioural changes
- Future proofing your school
- Latest news on funding
- Understanding your energy use including a review of the Display Energy Certificate (DEC)
- Latest resources available
Friday 10 November 2023 1.30pm-3.30pm
Booking deadline: Friday 27 October 2023
Venue: Jerusalem Room, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
Cost: £75.00 per delegate
Book in here
Illuminate
For Headteachers and guest. Our Autumn, Spring and Summer termly training and update sessions called Illuminate for Church school leaders will take place via Zoom. These accessible afternoon sessions will present the latest news, information and updates that are important for church school leaders, along with the opportunity for discussions on key issues. A guest may also register to attend with the headteacher eg RE subject leader, Deputy Headteacher or Senior Leader. Please book separately for each individual who will be attending the course.
Please book in at the beginning of the year to ensure that you, or a representative from your school, keeps up to date and your school does not miss out.
Wednesday 15 November 2023 1.15pm-2.45pm Online via Zoom
Booking deadline: Wednesday 1 November 2023
Zoom links will be sent out 1 week prior to the course
Cost: FREE
Book in here
Bereavement in Schools : Guidance & Support
For Headteachers, school leaders, clergy, governors, class teachers. Following an increased demand for support with bereavement from our family of church schools, we have spent time developing a policy to help schools navigate these challenging times; along with interactive ways to encourage adults to understand and reflect on stages of grief and reflection activities to help both children and adults process tragedy and loss following a death. This training will provide time to explore the policy and have first hand experiences of these support processes and activities.
Wednesday 22 November 2023 10.00am-2.30pm
Venue: Parliament Room, Church House, College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
Booking deadline: Wednesday 8 November 2023
Cost: £95.00 per delegate
Book in here
Governor Clarity
For ALL Governors of Church Schools. Governor Clarity presents the latest news, information and updates along with the opportunity for discussions on key issues. Open to all governors and trustees of Church of England Schools. Please book in at the beginning of the year to ensure that you, or a representative from your school, keeps up to date and your school does not miss out.
Wednesday 29 November 2023 6.00pm-7.30pm
Booking deadline: Wednesday 15 November 2023
Online via Zoom. Zoom links will be sent out one week prior to the course
Cost: FREE
Book in here
Induction and Lunch for new Headteachers
For headteachers new to a Church school. This essential induction is held centrally with other new colleagues and will provide you with an overview of the people and resources available to support you in your work. You will be welcomed by the Bishop, meet the Education team and develop your understanding of what it means to lead a Church school. The course is repeated 3 times across the year to ensure all headteachers new to Church schools can attend.
Monday 15 January 2024 10.00am – 2.30pm
Venue: Jerusalem Room, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
Booking deadline: Friday 15 December 2023
Cost: FREE
Book in here
Help! A new SIAMS framework for 2023
For Headteachers, Senior Leaders, CEOs, and Governors. This is an extended half-day course, with lunch, for headteachers, governors and those who lead on the Christian character of the school or aspects of the SIAMS framework. The focus of this day will be to update you on the new 2023 SIAMS framework. We will provide plenty of opportunity for you to practice talking about your Christian vision in line with the approach taken by inspectors.
Friday 26 January 2024 9.45am-3.00pm
Booking deadline: Friday 12 January 2024
Venue: Holiday Inn, Crest Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3RX
Cost: £95.00 per delegate
Book in here
Introduction to Governance in a Church School
For Governors and Trustees of CofE Schools. This is an introduction to the unique and privileged role governors and trustees hold in Church schools. We will explore the different types of Church schools, identify the different governance structures and the key documents that support and direct governance in Church schools. You will discover the importance of the role of governors and trustees in upholding the school’s or academy’s trust deed lived out through the school’s distinctive Christian vision. New this year: an A-Z of land and buildings. There will be opportunity for questions and networking. This is essential free training for all new to governance in a Church School and those who would welcome a refresher.
Wednesday 31 January 2024 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Booking deadline: Wednesday 17 January 2024
Venue: Jerusalem Room, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
Cost: FREE
Book in here
ECT – Welcome & Introduction to Working in a Church School
For Early Career Teachers and teachers new to church schools. This is an opportunity to meet with Early Career Teachers (previously known as NQTs) from other Church schools as well as other teachers who are new to working in Church Schools. You will be welcomed into the Church school family and meet the Education Team. The day will provide you with an understanding of what it means to work in a Church school and will signpost you to a range of support that is available to you.
Friday 23 February 2024 11.00am –3.00pm
Venue: Jerusalem Room, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
Including lunch and a tour of the Cathedral
Booking deadline: Friday 9 February 2024
Cost: £75.00 per delegate
Book in here
Illuminate
For Headteachers and guest. Our Autumn, Spring and Summer termly training and update sessions called Illuminate for Church school leaders will take place via Zoom. These accessible afternoon sessions will present the latest news, information and updates that are important for church school leaders, along with the opportunity for discussions on key issues. A guest may also register to attend with the headteacher eg RE subject leader, Deputy Headteacher or Senior Leader. Please book separately for each individual who will be attending the course.
Please book in at the beginning of the year to ensure that you, or a representative from your school, keeps up to date and your school does not miss out.
Wednesday 28 February 2024 1.15pm –2.45pm Online via Zoom
Booking deadline: Wednesday 14 February 2024
Zoom links will be sent out 1 week prior to the course
Cost: FREE
Book in here
Collective Worship and the new SIAMS framework
For Headteachers, school leaders, clergy, governors. This course has been designed to answer many of the questions raised about collective worship in the new SIAMS framework, such as: How is collective worship in your school enabling pupils and adults to flourish spiritually? How does your theologically rooted Christian vision and the Anglican foundation shape the worship and spirituality in your school? In what ways is the worship life of your school inclusive, invitational, and inspirational? In the context of your Church school, what do pupils and adults understand to be the meaning of spirituality? How does this enhance and enrich collective worship and individuals’ spiritual development? Includes lunch
Wednesday 6 March 2024 10.00am -2.30pm
Venue: Holiday Inn, Crest Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3RX
Booking deadline: Wednesday 21 February 2024
Cost: £95.00
Book in here
Governor Clarity
For ALL Governors of Church Schools. Governor Clarity presents the latest news, information and updates along with the opportunity for discussions on key issues. Open to all governors and trustees of Church of England Schools. Please book in at the beginning of the year to ensure that you, or a representative from your school, keeps up to date and your school does not miss out.
Wednesday 13 March 2024 6.00pm-7.30pm
Booking deadline: Wednesday 28 February 2024
Online via Zoom. Zoom links will be sent out one week prior to the course
Cost: FREE
Book in here
Net Zero Carbon School
Ideas that won’t cost the earth. By the end of the session participants should expect to learn ways to reduce their carbon footprint as well as understanding the responsibilities for headteacher, governors and the whole school community. We will cover:
- Quick wins including behavioural changes
- Future proofing your school
- Latest news on funding
- Understanding your energy use including a review of the Display Energy Certificate (DEC)
- Latest resources available
Thursday 14 March 2024 1.30pm-3.30pm
Booking deadline: Thursday 29 February 2024
Venue: Jerusalem Room, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
Cost: £75.00 per delegate
Book in here
DFC energy efficiency grant
For school leaders, trustees and governors. Following the DfE’s announcement in December for each school to receive an additional Devolved Formula Capital (DFC) grant for energy efficiencies, this Zoom session gives an opportunity for schools to learn about:
- The purpose of DFC energy efficiencies grant
- Funding available for each school
- How long each school has to spend this money
- Examples of projects the money could be spent on highlighting potential costs for each and energy savings
- Your heat decarbonisation plan
- Time for questions
Wednesday 20 March 2024 9.30am –11.00am
Online via Zoom
Booking deadline: Wednesday 6 March 2024
Cost: FREE
Book in here
Induction and Lunch for new Headteachers
For headteachers new to a Church school. This essential induction is held centrally with other new colleagues and will provide you with an overview of the people and resources available to support you in your work. You will be welcomed by the Bishop, meet the Education team and develop your understanding of what it means to lead a Church school. The course is repeated 3 times across the year to ensure all headteachers new to Church schools can attend.
Friday 26 April 2024 10.00am – 2.30pm
Venue: Jerusalem Rm, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
Booking deadline: Friday 12 April 2024
Cost: FREE
Book in here
Help! A new SIAMS framework for 2023
For Headteachers, Senior Leaders, CEOs, and Governors. This is an extended half-day course, with lunch, for headteachers, governors and those who lead on the Christian character of the school or aspects of the SIAMS framework. The focus of this day will be to update you on the new 2023 SIAMS framework. We will provide plenty of opportunity for you to practice talking about your Christian vision in line with the approach taken by inspectors.
Thursday 2 May 2024 9.45am-3.00pm
Booking deadline: Thursday 18 April 2024
Venue: Holiday Inn, Crest Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3RX
Cost: £95.00 per delegate
Book in here
Introduction to Governance in a Church School
For Governors and Trustees of CofE Schools. This is an introduction to the unique and privileged role governors and trustees hold in Church schools. We will explore the different types of Church schools, identify the different governance structures and the key documents that support and direct governance in Church schools. You will discover the importance of the role of governors and trustees in upholding the school’s or academy’s trust deed lived out through the school’s distinctive Christian vision. New this year: an A-Z of land and buildings. There will be opportunity for questions and networking. This is essential free training for all new to governance in a Church School and those who would welcome a refresher.
Wednesday 8 May 2024 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Booking deadline: Wednesday 24 April 2024
Venue: Jerusalem Room, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
Cost: FREE
Book in here
Illuminate
For Headteachers and guest. Our Autumn, Spring and Summer termly training and update sessions called Illuminate for Church school leaders will take place via Zoom. These accessible afternoon sessions will present the latest news, information and updates that are important for church school leaders, along with the opportunity for discussions on key issues. A guest may also register to attend with the headteacher eg RE subject leader, Deputy Headteacher or Senior Leader. Please book separately for each individual who will be attending the course.
Please book in at the beginning of the year to ensure that you, or a representative from your school, keeps up to date and your school does not miss out.
Monday 20 May 2024 1.15pm –2.45pm Online via Zoom
Booking deadline: Tuesday 7 May 2024
Zoom links will be sent out 1 week prior to the course
Cost: FREE
Book in here
Religious Education and the new SIAMS framework
For RE Subject Leaders, class teachers, Early Career Teachers. In the changing world of RE, this new central training course has been designed to answer the following questions:
- How can you be sure your Religious Education Curriculum is effective?
- How does your school ensure that the provision, profile, and priority of religious education in all key stages reflect its place on the curriculum of a Church school?
- Is RE in your school challenging, accurate, well-sequenced, well-balanced, relevant, and diverse?
- Is your school prepared for the new agreed syllabus for Religious Education?
This is course is ideal for VA and VC schools, maintained schools and academies. Includes lunch.
Wednesday 26 June 2024 10.00am -2.30pm
Booking deadline: Wednesday 12 June 2024
Venue: Holiday Inn, Crest Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3RX
Cost: £95.00
Book in here
Governor Clarity
For ALL Governors of Church Schools. Governor Clarity presents the latest news, information and updates along with the opportunity for discussions on key issues. Open to all governors and trustees of Church of England Schools. Please book in at the beginning of the year to ensure that you, or a representative from your school, keeps up to date and your school does not miss out.
Wednesday 19 June 2024 6.00pm –7.30pm
Booking deadline: Wednesday 5 June 2024
Online via Zoom. Zoom links will be sent out one week prior to the course
Cost: FREE
Book in here
Bishop’s Garden Party for Headteachers – Save the Date
Save the Date for this year’s Bishop’s Garden Party which is planned for Tuesday 16 July 2024 at 3.00pm-5.00pm, for Headteachers of Gloucester Diocesan Church of England schools (including substantive, acting, interim and executive) and CEOs of trusts with Church of England schools. More information and a formal invitation will follow later in the year.
