The Education Department aims to empower schools and their community through up-to-date support and training.
Our education and training brochure for the Autumn Term 2026 can be found here: Autumn Term 2026 Course Brochure
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.
Our training is brought to you through a mix of face-to-face and online opportunities. For more information and to book onto the training courses and events, please click on the ‘Book here’ links in the dropdown menus for each term below, or using the QR codes at the bottom of the course page in the brochure.
We look forward to welcoming you to our training events this coming year. If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team ku.gro.coidsolg@noitacude
As well as our own training, we signpost training from other providers through the Diocesan Education Newsletter.
If your school wants some training in a specific area, please communicate with us by email using ku.gro.coidsolg@noitacude and entitle the email ‘Bespoke training for (your school name)’.
Induction & Lunch for new Headteachers
For Headteachers new to headship in a Church school. An essential introduction (or re-introduction for those returning to our family of schools) to Church School Leadership in the Diocese of Gloucester. You will be welcomed by the Archdeacon and GDBE Education Team and have the opportunity to make valuable supportive connections with fellow headteachers. The course will introduce key people and resources available to support your work and offer you the opportunity to seek answers to any current questions (no such thing as a daft question!) Feedback from previous attendees strongly highlights the value of attending on the first available date as you take up your new role. Please book separately for each individual who will be attending the course.
“A really good, insightful and informative introduction to headship in a C of E school – the sense of ‘family’ and support that is available to us”
Monday 19 October 2026 at 11.45am-4.00pm
Venue: Chapter, Church House, 5 Denmark Road, Gloucester, GL1 3HW
No cost to schools / participants
Governor Clarity
For ALL governors and trustees of church schools. Governance does not stand still. New guidance, changing expectations and emerging issues can all affect the work of governing boards and trust boards. Governor Clarity is the Diocese of Gloucester’s regular briefing and discussion session, designed to help governors and trustees remain informed, confident and connected. Roland Roberts will explain the latest developments affecting church-school governance, identify what boards need to know and consider what these developments mean in practice. Alongside concise and accessible updates, there will be opportunities to ask questions, discuss current issues and learn from the experience of governors and trustees serving in other Church of England schools. Schools are encouraged to book at the beginning of the year and ensure that at least one governor or trustee attends each session. This will help your board keep abreast of important developments and avoid missing information that may affect the school.
“Very knowledgeable trainer. Informative content. “
Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 6.00pm-7.30pm
Venue: Online
No cost to schools / participants
Chair of Governors: Leading with Confidence and Purpose
For new and experienced chairs of governors in C of E schools. The chair has a pivotal role in creating an effective governing board. Good chairing is about providing leadership, establishing the right culture and helping the board remain focused on the school’s Christian vision, strategic priorities and the interests of its pupils. A practical and empowering course, new and experienced chairs can look at how to lead with clarity, confidence and purpose, explore how chairs can set the tone, develop a strong and constructive relationship with the headteacher and work effectively with the governance professional or clerk. Consider how to organise the board’s work, shape purposeful agendas, support the induction and development of governors and ensure that meetings concentrate on the matters requiring the board’s strategic attention.
Whatever stage you are at, we will provide practical tools, useful ideas, space for reflection, opportunities to ask questions, share experiences and build relationships with chairs from other CofE schools.
“Good session with a massive amount of information – well presented with salient points highlighted”.
Tuesday 3 November 2026 at 5.00pm-7.30pm
Venue: Chapter, Church House, 5 Denmark Road, Gloucester, GL1 3HW
Cost: £50.00
Introduction to Church School Leadership
For new & aspiring deputy headteachers and aspiring headteachers. This course is intended for those currently holding, aspiring to or tentatively considering senior leadership roles in Diocese of Gloucester Church Schools. You will receive practical and thought-provoking training on distinctive aspects of these vital leadership roles and their contribution to pupil, staff and community flourishing.
The day will provide you with an understanding of distinctively Christian flourishing and what it means to work in a church school, as well as signposting you to a range of further support and training that is available to you.
“Thank you for an inspiring and enthusing afternoon. I feel newly excited about my place in school”.
Thursday 12 November 2026 at 1.00pm-4.00pm
Venue: Chapter, Church House, 5 Denmark Road, Gloucester, GL1 3HW
Cost: £50.00
Governors Introduction to a Church School
Essential introductory training for governors and trustees of CofE schools. Becoming a governor or trustee of a Church of England school/trust brings a distinctive and important responsibility. This welcoming and accessible course will help you understand how you can contribute confidently and effectively. Explore different types of CofE schools and academies, governance arrangements and key documents. Look at the significance of the trust deed and the responsibilities of foundation governors and trustees. Examine the governing board’s role in ensuring that the school’s distinctive Christian vision is understood, protected and lived out. Place these responsibilities within the strategic role of governance. Learn how showing the Christian character, educational standards, inclusion, service to the community and the flourishing of children and adults belong together. A valuable refresher for experienced governors and trustees wanting to renew their understanding of the foundations of church-school governance, there’s also opportunity to ask questions, meet governors from other schools and share experiences.
“Excellent, incredibly clear and informative. Great overview suitable for wide-ranging types of church schools and academy trusts”.
Tuesday 17 November 2026 at 5.00pm-7.30pm
Venue: Chapter, Church House, 5 Denmark Road, Gloucester, GL1 3HW
No cost to schools / participants
We will update training opportunities for Spring term during the Autumn term.
We will update training opportunities for Summer term during the Spring term.
