A new strategy to recruit senior leaders to schools with a religious character has been launched by the National College for Leadership in Schools and Colleges.

Targeted support for dioceses, governors, aspiring leaders and experienced heads will include dedicated web resources and opportunities to share knowledge and experience with colleagues around the country.

Mark Pattison, Executive Director for Succession Planning at the National College, said:

“Recruiting headteachers to schools with a religious character can be challenging. Last year, 37 per cent of Church of England schools and 49 per cent of Catholic schools had to re-advertise at least once because they were unable to appoint first time round. This strategy is needed because we can’t leave the identification and development of tomorrow’s school leaders to chance.”

Nick McKemey, Deputy General Secretary of the Church of England’s National Society (NS), said:

"Identifying the next generation of high calibre leaders is essential to ensure the distinctiveness and effectiveness of our schools in an increasingly demanding and complex educational environment.

“This joint strategy is based on the understanding that nurturing leadership is about encouraging and supporting individuals to become great school leaders. I am keen to support the dioceses of the two Churches to achieve this aim.”

Oona Stannard, Director of the Catholic Education Service for England and Wales (CESEW), said:

“The development of this strategy is a very significant step forward. It recognises that schools with a religious character are part of the national family of schools while actively acknowledging our distinctive characteristics. Our shared goal is to have a sufficient number of appropriate, well qualified people stepping up to headship so they can continue to make their contribution to the well being of society.”

Notes to editors

1.  Developed in partnership with the Church of England’s National Society (NS) and the Catholic Education Service for England and Wales (CESEW), the Succession Planning Strategy for Schools with a Religious Character aims to ensure there is a sufficient supply of high quality leaders at all levels in these schools.

2.  The strategy can be accessed online at: www.nationalcollege.org.uk/headship-schools-religious-character.htm

3.   Additional supporting statements:

Margaret Buck, Director of Schools, Diocesan Schools Commission, Birmingham, said:

“I welcome this opportunity for dioceses to support leaders in offering their leadership skills to lead schools of a religious character. This is a valued opportunity for us to work together to benefit the children in our schools, their families and the wider community.”

Colin Hopkins, Chair of the Association of Anglican Directors of Education (AADE), said:

“We welcome this partnership with the National College. Headteachers are critical to the success of our schools if we are to secure future generations of leaders who are able to maintain and develop outstanding practice within the distinctive Christian character at school.”

Susan Bowyer, Deputy Headteacher, Our Lady and St. Benedict Catholic Primary School, Stoke-on-Trent, said:

"I would recommend any aspiring leader of a faith school to work with others to access the leadership skills that the Diocese and National College are providing to develop their individual needs.”

Steve Dobson, Headteacher, Harris School (a Church of England Sport College), Rugby, said:

“It is essential that all those involved in governance and senior leadership have a well developed understanding of the church school context. This initiative will provide opportunities to develop effective leaders within a Christian context.”

For further information about the National College, please contact Anna Zachariassen on 020 7023 4870 / 07970 529326 anna.zachariassen@nationalcollege.org.uk

For further information about the Church of England’s National Society, please contact Ben Wilson on 020 7898 1464 ben.wilson@c-of-e.org.uk

For further information about the Catholic Education Service for England and Wales, please contact Maeve McCormack on 020 7901 1914 mmccormack@cesew.org.uk