Upcoming training
- Poetry and art competition award ceremony6 November 2026
- Introduction to Church School Leadership12 November 2026
- Governors Introduction to a Church School17 November 2026
View the full list →
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.
Leavers’ Services – details of our annual Leavers’ Services for Year 6 (and Year 2 where appropriate)
Our online training platform, Thinkific, has lots of courses and recordings for our schools to access, with subjects ranging from governance to spirituality. You can sign up to the platform and choose courses. Click on the Thinkific link above and set your own username and password and this will give you access to all of the free material available on our training pages. If you choose a paid-for course, you will be invoiced through your school.
Last academic year we ran Online RE Support sessions which have been added to Thinkific for you to refresh your training. The links to these are below for your ease.
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)’.
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.
