The Education Department aims to empower schools and their community through up-to-date support and training.
Our education and training brochure for the 2025-2026 academic year can be found here: 2025-26 Education 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.gr1776720015o.coi1776720015dsolg1776720015@noit1776720015acude1776720015
As well as our own training, we signpost training from other providers through the Diocesan Education Newsletter.
Leavers’ Services 2026
Please ensure that the person responsible for bringing the children on the day is signed up to the DEN – Diocesan Education News (subscribe above), from which we will send out regular updates. Please check if you have any staffing changes that may affect who needs to receive the information.
We are delighted to say that bookings are now open for 2026 Cathedral Leavers Services on the following dates:
Tuesday 9 June 2026 10.30-11:30am and 1.30-2:30pm
Wednesday 10 June 2026 10.30-11:30am and 1.30-2:30pm
Thursday 11 June 2026 10.30-11:30am and 1.30-2:30pm
The next Leavers’ Services can now be booked through Gloucester Cathedral booking form here: https://gloucestercathedral.artsvp.com/ec77b1/link/cathedraleaversservices
Please ensure that you enter the school name, as well as the name of the person who made the booking in the ‘name’ field of the booking form. Please note that the adults you are asked to book for are the staff and volunteers accompanying the children. We do not have the seating capacity for additional adults such as parents to attend as guests.
As part of ensuring administrative efficiency for the reasons detailed above and to ensure that we help you by bringing forward the dates at which more detailed information to help you prepare for Leavers’ Services are available, we set a firm deadline for 2026 bookings. This deadline is Friday 19 December 2025.
In School Training
Led by Principal Advisors, our In School Training for 2025-26 is detailed below:
Supporting Spiritual Flourishing in Schools
Designed for any school who would benefit from developing a shared understanding of spiritual flourishing, with opportunities to develop ideas to use across the curriculum and school day.
Exploring Academisation
An opportunity for governing bodies to find out more about the DBE strategy for schools considering joining a school trust, advice on how to explore your options and to obtain practical advice about the process of finding a good home in a school trust. We will provide updates and information to support you, including:
- the current options for Church schools considering joining a school trust
- the DBE Policy on the Academisation of Church Schools and process for requesting conditional consent to join a school trust
- helpful resources to support you in your conversations and decision-making
Getting to grips with the new RE syllabus
There has been a seismic change in the way that RE is being viewed and taught. This is reflected in the new Gloucestershire Agreed Syllabus for RE which will be rolled out from September 2026. This session is available to schools who would like to look closely at these changes and prepare for them together as a staff team.
Vision Workshop
Struggling to articulate and share your Christian vision? Then this workshop is for you. Aimed at governors, school leadership and staff teams, it will help you as a community, understand your bespoke Christian vision and help you to collectively explore how it can be lived out through all aspects of school life, enabling all stakeholders to explain how it is deeply Christian, serving the common good and helping all to flourish.
Developing a Culture of Justice and Responsibility
This training session is for schools wishing to find out how to develop their understanding of justice and responsibility and how to start equipping pupils to become courageous advocates. It will explore key resources such as Christian Aid’s Global Neighbours Scheme and the Archbishop of York’s Young Leaders Award.
SIAMS for Governors
This session, led in school by one of our Principal Advisors will develop your Governing Body’s understanding of SIAMS, exploring expectations for ongoing monitoring and evaluation and the expectations of governors during an inspection.
Booking and Costs for In School Staff Training
Sessions of up to 2 hours, completed by 6pm £200
Sessions of up to 2 hours, completed after 6pm £300
Small School Discount
Schools with less than 100 pupils, may request to invite another partner school, that also has less than 100 pupils, to in-school training. Each school will receive a 25% discount, please confirm which schools are attending when booking.
In School Staff Meetings and INSET Booking
Please use the form via the link below to request a session. We will then contact you to agree a date and time for the session.
2025-2026 Review & in school training request (google.com)
Bespoke Training for MATs and Schools
If you require any other training for your school or MAT, beyond what is listed above, please do not hesitate to contact us for a discussion of what could be offered and costings. Please send all enquiries of this nature to ku.gr1776720015o.coi1776720015dsolg1776720015@noit1776720015acude1776720015
Additional Consultancy Services
SIAMS SEF Review £100
A review of your SIAMS SEF, offering written feedback and guidance on the clarity of the format and content, its relevance to the SIAMS framework and suitability for the audience and purpose of a SIAMS SEF. There is the option of a telephone conversation to provide further clarification if required.
Please use the link below to request a SIAMS SEF Review and we will then be in touch to agree timescales for the review and obtain a copy of your SEF.
2024-2025 Review & in school training request (google.com)
Church School Website Review £400
Your school website is the way in which most people will form their first impression of your school. It is 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 to ensure your website is SIAMS inspection ready. There is the option of a telephone conversation to provide further clarification if required. (N.B. this will not cover the statutory website requirements covered by the LA website checks)
2024-2025 Review & in school training request (google.com)
Church School Review £400
We provide all our Church Schools with a fully funded programme of mid-cycle SIAMS monitoring visits and pre-SIAMS visits at no cost to the school. There may be particular circumstances where a school wishes to receive an additional monitoring visit outside the normal timescales for these visits. This could be, for example, where a monitoring visit has indicated significant areas of development where they would value additional feedback on progress, or where the school has experienced significant leadership turnover. These additional visits are called ‘Church School Reviews’. Please contact the Diocesan Director of Education (ku.gr1776720015o.coi1776720015dsolg1776720015@duae1776720015grobj1776720015) in the first instance if you would like to discuss the suitability and cost of this option for your school at the current time.
Bespoke Consultancy for MATs and Schools
If you require any other consultancy for your school or MAT, beyond what is listed above and elsewhere in this brochure, please do not hesitate to contact us for a discussion of what could be offered and costings. Please send all enquiries of this nature to ku.gr1776720015o.coi1776720015dsolg1776720015@noit1776720015acude1776720015
Please see courses and training in the next terms. Courses in Autumn Term 2026 will be here at the end of Summer Term 2026.
Welcome to the Diocesan Church School Family – Online drop in discussion sessions
Thursday 26 February 2026 4.00pm-5.00pm
For Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and teachers new to Church schools. Enabling you to explore the ideas in online materials with Education Team colleagues and peers from other schools. Cost of full programme: £25.00 per participant, including access to asynchronous materials for ECT mentors whose ECTs participate
Climate Action Plans
Thursday 19 March 2026– Session 2 3.30pm-5.00pm Online
No cost to schools – for headteachers and school sustainability leads. Please book a session 1 and a session 2 from the same term on the booking form. The government has stated for over 2 years that all schools will have a climate action plan by 2025. This is a very strong steer from the DfE. By attending this free training, it will support you to write an action plan, save you money through energy efficiencies, support courageous advocacy in SIAMS and allow your school to support the sustainability agenda. Hosted by the Diocesan Education team and led by Climate Advisors, these sessions are to support schools with climate action planning. Learn how to baseline your carbon in the first session and by the end of the second session we will ensure you have a fantastic Climate Action Plan. Let’s Go Zero can also deliver Carbon Literacy training and can help to signpost funding. All sessions will be held online.
Online RE Support Meetings
Monday 9 March 2026 4.00pm-5.00pm
For RE subject leaders, RE teachers. During this academic year the new Gloucestershire Agreed Syllabus for RE is being rolled out. These online meetings will support subject leaders and class teachers as they begin to use the new religion and worldwide approach. Cost per school for access to all 6 sessions: £50.00
Introduction to Church School Leadership
Wednesday 25 February 2026 2.00pm-5.00pm
For new & aspiring deputy headteachers and aspiring headteachers. This is an opportunity to meet with other new and aspiring Church school leaders in the diocese. You will be welcomed into the Church school family and receive practical and thought-provoking training on distinctive aspects of working in a Church school, helping you better understand the rationale for key characteristics of Church schools and how they support their pupils and communities to flourish. 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 further support and training that is available to you. The day includes an optional invitation to join us at evensong or evening prayer. Venue: tbc. Cost per delegate: £50.00 Including refreshments and a tour of the Cathedral.
Booking closes on 10 February
Governor CLARITY
Wednesday 4 March 2026 6.00pm-7.30pm Online
No cost to schools – for ALL governors and trustees 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.
Net Zero Carbon School – Ideas that won’t cost the earth
Wednesday 25 March 2026 3.00pm-4.30pm
For school leaders, governors and trustees. 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 to work towards the 2030 carbon net zero target. 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
Venue: Chapter Room, Church House, 5 Denmark Road, Gloucester, GL1 3HW. Cost per delegate: £50.00
SIAMS IQ 4&5 – Creating an Active Culture of Dignity, Justice and Responsibility
Wednesday 25 March 2026 4.00pm-5.30pm Online
For Headteachers, Senior Leaders & Equality Diversity Justice Inclusion (EDJI or equivalent) Lead. This training session focuses on IQ 4 and IQ5 and considers how a theologically rooted vision should underpin an active culture of justice and responsibility based on dignity and respect for all. In particular, the session explores what is meant by social action and courageous advocacy. Participants will have the opportunity to consider how to evaluate impact and the type of evidence they might present for an inspection. Cost per delegate: tbc
Summer 2026 Booking forms are now open – Book early to avoid disappointment
ILLUMINATE
Wednesday 22 April 2026 1.15pm-2.45pm Online
No cost to schools – for Headteachers and guest. Our termly training and update sessions called ILLUMINATE for Church school leaders will take place via Zoom. As well as the latest news, information and updates that are important for Church school leaders, each ILLUMINATE includes a longer training item or discussion on a specific area of current interest, often including examples of good practice from our schools. 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 at the beginning of the year to ensure dates are in your diary and your school is kept up to date with crucial updates.
Induction & Lunch for new Headteachers
Friday 1 May 2026 12.30pm-5.00pm
No cost to schools – for Headteachers new to headship in a Church school. This essential induction session is held centrally. It will give you an overview of the distinctive nature of Church school leadership and what it means to lead a Church school. You will be introduced to the people and resources available to support you in your work. You will be welcomed by the Bishop and Education Team and will also get the opportunity to make valuable supportive connections with other colleagues new to headship in our schools. The course is repeated three times across the year to ensure all headteachers (including interim heads, acting heads and heads of school) new to Church schools in the diocese can attend. Feedback from previous attendees strongly highlights the value of attending on the first available date as you take up your new role. Venue: Chapter Room, Church House, 5 Denmark Road, Gloucester, GL1 3HW
Governors Introduction to a Church School
Wednesday 6 May 2026 1.00pm – 4.00pm
No cost to schools – 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 and 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. Venue: Chapter Room, Church House, 5 Denmark Road, Gloucester, GL1 3HW
Welcome to the Diocesan Church School Family – Online drop-in discussion sessions
Wednesday 6 May 2026 and Thursday 18 June 2026 4.00pm-5.00pm
For Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and teachers new to Church schools. Enabling you to explore the ideas in online materials with Education Team colleagues and peers from other schools. Cost of full programme: £25.00 per participant, including access to asynchronous materials for ECT mentors whose ECTs participate
Online RE Support Meetings
Monday 11 May 2026 4.00pm-5.00pm
Monday 29 June 2026 4.00pm-5.00pm
For RE subject leaders, RE teachers. During this academic year the new Gloucestershire Agreed Syllabus for RE is being rolled out. These online meetings will support subject leaders and class teachers as they begin to use the new religion and worldwide approach. Cost per school for access to all 6 sessions: £50.00
SIAMS, are you ready?
Wednesday 20 May 2026 9.45am-2.30pm
For headteachers, governors and those who lead on the Christian character of the school including trust leaders & clergy. This is a one-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 current SIAMS inspection framework. We will explore what is meant by a theologically rooted Christian vision. We will unpick each of the inspection questions and look in more detail at the judgements and the self-evaluation process (SEF). This training works best when a small team from your school attends and works through the material together. This could include the headteacher, SLT members, governor representation and any clergy from your school. (Maximum 4 per school). Venue: Holiday Inn, Crest Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3RX. The day includes lunch and refreshments. Cost per delegate: £120.00. Discount – second place half price, if head and chair of governors attend together on the same date.
Governor CLARITY
Wednesday 17 June 2026 6.00pm-7.30pm Online
No cost to schools – or ALL governors and trustees 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.
Chair of Governors: Leading with Confidence and Purpose
Wednesday 8 July 2026 2.00pm-5.30pm
For new and experienced Chairs of Governors in C of E schools. This practical and empowering session is designed to support both new and existing Chairs in their pivotal leadership role. Together, we’ll explore how to set the tone and strategic direction of the governing body, build a strong and effective relationship with the headteacher, and work in partnership with your clerk to ensure governance runs smoothly. Learn how to lead with clarity, organise your work with confidence, and make the best use of agendas, induction, and preparation to focus the board’s attention where it matters most. Whether you’re stepping into the role for the first time or seeking a fresh perspective, this session will equip you with tools, ideas, and space for reflection. There will be opportunities for questions, shared experiences, and networking with fellow chairs. Venue: Chapter Room, Church House, 5 Denmark Road, Gloucester, GL1 3HW. Cost per delegate: £50.00
