The Affiliated Schools Scheme

The Affiliated Schools Scheme


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Published: 09 January 2012

A new scheme has been launched by the Education Department to extend the number of schools where the Church can influence the education of our young people.

We are rightly proud of our 191 VA and VC Church schools and academies – we have more Church of England school places than any other diocese in the country. However, there is not a CE school in every parish, and this new initiative offers an opportunity to ‘grow the church’ further while serving communities.

Many thriving, productive relationships already exist between our parish churches and their local community schools. We had been asked if provision might be made for a more public way of recognising these strong links, and so the Affiliated Schools Scheme has been developed.

Essentially this is a three-way, non-statutory relationship where school, parish and the Diocesan Education Department enter in to an agreement to work together for the benefit of children and families. The agreement is based on trust, shared Christian values and the common aspiration of enriching the community.

Practically speaking, Affiliated Schools:

  • receive information on training, support, resources and activities provided through the diocesan education officers and advisors;
  • have access to training opportunities to strengthen RE, collective worship, spiritual, moral, social and cultural education;
  • may wish to be included in the visits made by the Chairman of the Board of Education, Bishop Mark, and the Diocesan Director of Education, Maurice Smith;
  • with Year 6 pupils, are invited to an annual Leavers’ Service at Manchester Cathedral;
  • receive an invitation to attend the diocesan annual Schools’ Conference and regular local meetings for headteachers and Chairs of Governors.

The initial suggestion to explore the possibilities offered by the Affiliated Schools Scheme may come from either the school or the parish. Download an information brochure outlining the scheme below.

Contact Malcolm Finney for details malcolmfinney@manchester.anglican.org  


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