Celebrating the 200th anniversary of Church schools

Published: 27 December 2011

2011 was the 200th anniversary of the founding of Church of England schools. Here are some facts you may not know about Church of England schools. 

  • CofE schools serve the local community offering an inclusive education with a distinctive Christian ethos
  • CofE schools consistently maintain high academic standards as shown in the 2011 Department for Education league tables
  • CofE schools welcome people of all faiths and none
  • CofE schools help pass on our cultural identity and Christian heritage
  • CofE schools educate nearly one million pupils (55,000 in the Diocese of Manchester)
  • The CofE has set up 45 academies in the First Phase, taking over failing or struggling schools in deprived areas
  • CofE schools are committed to the care of their environment and community with a huge range of innovative local projects
  • CofE schools are the first choice for parents of all faiths and none.

In the news from our anniversary year


New admission guidelines for dioceses from the Board of Education/National Society were published in June 2011.

Manchester Cathedral hosted a Bicentenary Celebration with participation from Church schools across the diocese.

BBC’s Songs of Praise in May dedicated part of a programme on collective worship to the continuing importance of Church schools.


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