The Education Department aims to empower schools and their community through up-to-date support and training. 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.
For this year, our training is brought to you through a mix of face-to-face and online opportunities. Please take a look in the attached brochure and in the drop-down sections below where you find links to book online.
If you cannot find what you are looking for or would like bespoke training for your school please complete the Online Training Request Event Form below with as much information as possible so that we can then discuss next steps for you.
We look forward to welcoming you to our training events this year. If you any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team
Our education and training brochure for the 2022/2023 academic year can be found by clicking: 2022-2023 Education training brochure
To book onto the confirmed training courses and events for 2022/2023, please click on the ‘Book in here’ links below (coming soon for academic year 2022-23).
As well as our own training, we signpost training from other providers through the Diocesan Education Newsletter. Please click on the link for information about the wide range of Professional Qualifications that are available including NPQH for aspiring or early career headteachers through the Church of England Foundation for Educational Leadership (CEFEL).
To make specific in school training requests from our menu of options, please enter the details in the attached request form. A member of the team will be in touch with you within 10 working days after receipt of the form.
MOTs are an exploration and discussion of a particular aspect within the school and include discussion, identifying gaps and suggesting ideas for improvement for that subject, area or SIAMS strand. A written report will be provided.
This could then lead to additional requests for bespoke in-school support.
Strand 1: Vision and Leadership:
How well the school has developed and implemented an inclusive and distinctive Christian vision, monitoring its impact to ensure the school’s original foundation is maintained. How well the school lives out that Christian vision in relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders.
Available now. Up to 3 hours
For the Leadership team, governors, staff, learning walk
Strand 6: Collective Worship
Exploring the ways in which collective worship is an expression of the school’s Christian vision. How effective the school is in ensuring the collective worship reflects the Church of England Guidance Document for Collective Worship.
Available now. Up to 3 hours
For collective worship lead, children, staff, attend CW
Strand 7: RE:
How effective the school is in ensuring pupils flourish through the provision of high quality religious education reflecting the Church of England Statement of Entitlement. How effective the school is in ensuring that religious education expresses the school’s Christian vision.
Available now. Up to 3 hours
For RE lead, children, pupils’ books
Governance MOT
How well established and effective are the governing board’s systems and processes to enable governors to effectively monitor and maintain strategic oversight of the school’s distinctive Christian vision, ensuring the vision is unique, inclusive of all and embedded in all areas of school life.
Available now. Up to 3 hours
For Governors, Clerk to Governors, Leadership team. Exploration of governance documentation and curious conversations.
Induction for new Headteachers
For Headteachers new to a Church school
Tuesday 6 September 2022 at 1.30pm –4.00pm
Venue: Jerusalem Rm, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
Booking deadline: Tuesday 23 August 2022
This essential induction takes place over two sessions. The first session is held centrally with other new colleagues and will provide you with an overview of the people and resources available to support you in your work. You will be welcomed by the Bishop, meet the Education team and develop your understanding of what it means to lead a Church school. The second session is a bespoke session and will be held at your school on a mutually convenient date.
The course is repeated 3 times across the year to ensure all headteachers new to Church schools can attend.
Cost: FREE
A Home for All Church Schools
For all maintained Church School headteachers and governing board representatives and all SAT headteachers and trustees representatives
Option 1
Tuesday 13 September 2022 at 5.00-6.30pm
Venue: Woodchester Endowed CofE (Aided) Primary School, Church Road, Woodchester, Stroud GL5 5PD
Option 2
Wednesday 21 September 2022 at 5.00-6.30pm
Venue: Holiday Inn, Crest Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3RX
Have you started conversations about what the recent White Paper may mean for you as a Church School in the Diocese of Gloucester?
Do you have questions about the options available to your school and finding a suitable home for the future?
Come and join the Education Team who will provide updates and information to support you, including:
Updates on the current options for Church schools considering joining a MAT; the DBE Policy on the academisation of Church schools and process for requesting conditional consent to join a MAT. Also helpful resources to support you in your conversations and decision-making.
There will be an opportunity for questions, or to arrange a follow-up conversation with a member of the Education Team following this free event.
FREE – please book in at least two weeks prior to the course date.
Help! My SIAMS Inspection is Due
For Headteachers, RE leaders, Collective Worship leads, governors and those who lead on the Christian character of the school
Autumn Term – Invitation only – Spring and Summer Terms can be booked further down the page
Wednesday 21 September 2022 at 10.00am-2.30pm
Venue: Holiday Inn, Crest Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3RX PLUS
Thursday 29, Friday 30 September 2022 –free SEF follow up for attendees
Venue: Jerusalem Room, No. 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
Booking deadline: Wednesday 7 September 2022 (schools likely to be on the list for inspection will have been sent an invitation with the booking link)
Cost: £95.00 per delegate
This is an extended half-day course, with lunch, for headteachers, governors and those who lead on the Christian character of the school or aspects of the SIAMS schedule who are likely to be inspected in the next 12 months. We will update you on the amended SIAMS schedule and the approach of inspectors post-Covid. There will also be the opportunity to select 2 workshops which will focus on particular aspects of inspection and the schedule including an opportunity for governors to evaluate and develop their strategic monitoring of SIAMS. Taking the spectre out of inspection!
Foundation Governor Welcome Session
For newly appointed Foundation Governors and Trustees
Wednesday 5 October 2022 at 1.30 pm -4.00pm
Venue: Discover DeCrypt, Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1TP
Following your appointment as a Foundation Governor or Trustee you will have been sent an information pack welcoming you to your new role. Join our Strategic Leads for Governance to be welcomed to your new role and for the opportunity to ask any questions you may have as you embark on your role. There will also be an opportunity to meet and network with other Foundation Governors who are new to the role.
Booking deadline: Wednesday 21 September 2022
Cost: FREE
The Role of the Clerk in a Church School
For those new to the role of clerk in a Church school, or clerks who would welcome a refresher.
Friday 21 October 2022 at 10.00 am—12.00pm
Venue: Jerusalem Rm, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
This course is for those new to the role of clerk in a Church school, or clerks who would welcome a refresher. The session will focus on identifying the clerk’s role and responsibilities, governing board structures and types of governors and the appointment processes for Foundation Governors.
Booking deadline: Friday 7 October 2022
Cost: £75.00 per delegate
Managing your buildings and site in a VA school
For those responsible for buildings in VA schools.
Thursday 3 November 2022 at 1.30pm-3.30pm
Venue: Jerusalem Rm, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
By the end of the session participants should expect to have a greater understanding of their responsibilities in terms of managing the building and site ensuring that it is maintained well and supports the children to learn in a safe and secure environment.
There will be an opportunity for schools to discuss the GDBE Premises Development plan Health and Safety Audit and the Church of England 2030 Net Zero Carbon target. We will also look at the importance of the school’s trust document, trustees, DBE measure and how these impact on any land or buildings work.
Booking deadline: Thursday 20 October 2022
Cost: £75.00 per delegate
An Introduction to Governance in a Church School
For Governors and Trustees of CofE Schools.
Wednesday 9 November 2022 at 10.00 am —12.30 pm
Online via Zoom
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, 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.
Booking deadline: Wednesday 26 October 2022
Cost: £45.00 per delegate
Illuminate
Headteachers may also register a guest to attend with them eg RE subject leader, Deputy Headteacher or Senior Leader.
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.
Wednesday 16 November 2022 at 1.15-2.45pm
Online via Zoom
Our Autumn, Spring and Summer termly training and update sessions called Illuminate for Church school leaders will take place via Zoom, in response to requests from leaders. These accessible afternoon sessions will present the latest news, information and updates that are important for church school leaders, along with the opportunity for discussions on key issues.
Booking deadline: Wednesday 2 November 2022
Cost: FREE
Governor Clarity
For ALL Governors of Church Schools
Saturday 26 November 2022 at 10.00-12.30pm
Venue: Jerusalem Rm, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
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.
Booking deadline: Saturday 12 November 2022
Cost: FREE
Bereavement in Schools : Guidance & Support
For Headteachers, school leaders, clergy, governors, class teachers.
Wednesday 30 November 2022 at 10.00am-2.30pm
Venue: Discover DeCrypt, Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1TP
Following an increased demand for support with bereavement from our family of church schools, we have spent time developing a policy to help schools navigate these challenging times; along with interactive ways to encourage adults to understand and reflect on stages of grief and reflection activities to help both children and adults process tragedy and loss following a death. This training will provide time to explore the policy and have first hand experiences of these support processes and activities.
Booking deadline: Wednesday 16 November 2022
Cost: £75.00 per delegate
Strategic Monitoring of Christian Vision in a Church School
Any governor or trustee from Church schools.
Wednesday 7 December 2022 at 1.30pm – 4.00pm
Venue: Discover DeCrypt , Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1TP
Join us to discover the specific role and responsibility of all governors and trustees in Church schools and academy trusts in maintaining strategic oversight of the school’s distinctive Christian vision. You will take away practical ideas of how to develop monitoring of your school’s distinctive Christian vision and embed this throughout governance practices.
Booking deadline: Wednesday 23 November 2022
Cost: £75.00 per delegate
Induction for new Headteachers
For Headteachers new to a Church school
Wednesday 4 January 2023 at 1.30pm –4.00pm
Venue: Committee Room, Church House, College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
Booking deadline: Wednesday 14 December 2022
This essential induction takes place over two sessions. The first session is held centrally with other new colleagues and will provide you with an overview of the people and resources available to support you in your work. You will be welcomed by the Bishop, meet the Education team and develop your understanding of what it means to lead a Church school. The second session is a bespoke session and will be held at your school on a mutually convenient date.
The course is repeated 3 times across the year to ensure all headteachers new to Church schools can attend.
Cost: FREE
Welcome and Introduction to Working in a Church School – ECT
For Early Career Teachers and teachers new to church schools. Mentors are welcome to attend with you. If a mentor is attending, please make sure they complete a booking form.
Friday 13 January 2023 at 11.00am –3.00pm
Venue: Jerusalem Room, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
Including lunch and a tour of the Cathedral
This is an opportunity to meet with Early Career Teachers (previously known as NQTs) from other Church schools as well as other teachers who are new to working in Church Schools. You will be welcomed into the Church school family and meet the Education Team. 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 support that is available to you.
Booking deadline: Monday 13 December 2022
Cost: £75.00 per delegate or Free mentor place
Help! My SIAMS Inspection is Due
For Headteachers, RE leaders, Collective Worship leads, governors and those who lead on the Christian character of the school
Wednesday 18 January 2023 at 10.00am to 2.30pm
Open to all ready for inspection from autumn 2023
This is an extended half-day course, with lunch, for headteachers, governors and those who lead on the Christian character of the school or aspects of the SIAMS schedule who are likely to be inspected in the next 12 months. We will update you on the amended SIAMS schedule and the approach of inspectors post-Covid. There will also be the opportunity to select 2 workshops which will focus on particular aspects of inspection and the schedule including an opportunity for governors to evaluate and develop their strategic monitoring of SIAMS. Taking the spectre out of inspection!
Booking deadline: Wednesday 4 January 2023
Foundation Governor Welcome Session
For newly appointed Foundation Governors and Trustees
Wednesday 1 February 2023 at 10.30pm – 1.00pm
Venue: Jerusalem Rm, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
Following your appointment as a Foundation Governor or Trustee you will have been sent an information pack welcoming you to your new role. Join our Strategic Leads for Governance to be welcomed to your new role and for the opportunity to ask any questions you may have as you embark on your role. There will also be an opportunity to meet and network with other Foundation Governors who are new to the role.
Booking deadline: Wednesday 18 January 2023
Cost: FREE
Illuminate
Headteachers may also register a guest to attend with them eg RE subject leader, Deputy Headteacher or Senior Leader.
Wednesday 1 March 2023 at 1.15 –2.45pm
Online via Zoom
Our Autumn, Spring and Summer termly training and update sessions called Illuminate for Church school leaders will take place via Zoom, in response to requests from leaders. These accessible afternoon sessions will present the latest news, information and updates that are important for church school leaders, along with the opportunity for discussions on key issues.
Booking deadline: Wednesday 15 February 2023
Cost: FREE
Courageous Advocacy
For headteachers, leaders and governors.
Tuesday 7 March 2023 at 1.30—4.00pm
Venue: Jerusalem Rm, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
What exactly is courageous advocacy and how can we promote it in our schools?
This course will look at what courageous advocacy is and is not in our schools. We will also look at some supporting resources. This session aims to:
· develop an understanding of courageous advocacy in school
· understand how children can become courageous advocates
· look at some key resources for courageous advocacy including Christian Aid’s Global Neighbours scheme and the Archbishop of York’s Youth Trust’s (ABYYT) Youth Leadership scheme.
Booking deadline: Tuesday 21 February 2023
Cost: £75.00 per delegate
Governor Clarity
For ALL Governors of Church Schools
Wednesday 8 March 2023 at 6.00-8.00pm
Online via Zoom
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.
Booking deadline: Wednesday 22 February 2023
Cost: FREE
Fresh Ideas for Collective Worship & Spirituality
For Headteachers, school leaders, clergy, governors.
Tuesday 14 March 2023 at 10.00am-2.30pm
Venue: Discover DeCrypt, Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1TP
Drawing on experience from across our family of schools, this training will provide fresh ideas for your collective worship. From tips to help children lead and evaluate worship through to celebrating spirituality—we hope there will be something fresh for everyone!
Booking deadline: Tuesday 28 February 2023
Cost: £75.00 per delegate
Managing your buildings and site in a VA school
For those responsible for buildings in VA schools.
Thursday 16 March 2023 at 1.30pm-3.30pm
Venue: Jerusalem Rm, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
By the end of the session participants should expect to have a greater understanding of their responsibilities in terms of managing the building and site ensuring that it is maintained well and supports the children to learn in a safe and secure environment.
There will be an opportunity for schools to discuss the GDBE Premises Development plan Health and Safety Audit and the Church of England 2030 Net Zero Carbon target. We will also look at the importance of the school’s trust document, trustees, DBE measure and how these impact on any land or buildings work.
Booking deadline: Thursday 2 March 2023
Cost: £75.00 per delegate
An Introduction to Governance in a Church School
For Governors and Trustees of CofE Schools.
Monday 27 March 2023 at 1.30 —4.30 pm
Venue: Jerusalem Room, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
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, 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.
Booking deadline: Monday 13 March 2023
Cost: £75.00 per delegate
Understanding Christianity Refresher
For RE Subject Leaders, class teachers, Early Career Teachers
Thursday 30 March 2023 at 1.30pm– 4.00pm
Venue: Jerusalem Room, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
This training session offers an opportunity for teachers new to the RE Gloucestershire Syllabus to get to grips with it and its relationship to Understanding Christianity, as well as a chance for experienced teachers to be refreshed in how to maximise the Understanding Christianity resource. The session will include ideas for how to make the most of the icons and big frieze in lessons, how to handle individual Understanding Christianity units and it will unpack some of the other gems from the handbook often missed by busy teachers!
Face to face training is recommended so teachers can interact with and handle the resources.
Booking deadline: Thursday 16 March 2023
Cost: £75.00 per delegate
Induction for new Headteachers
For Headteachers new to a Church school
Thursday 27 April 2023 at 1.30pm –4.00pm
Venue: Jerusalem Rm, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
This essential induction takes place over two sessions. The first session is held centrally with other new colleagues and will provide you with an overview of the people and resources available to support you in your work. You will be welcomed by the Bishop, meet the Education team and develop your understanding of what it means to lead a Church school. The second session is a bespoke session and will be held at your school on a mutually convenient date.
The course is repeated 3 times across the year to ensure all headteachers new to Church schools can attend.
Booking deadline: Thursday 13 April 2022
Cost: FREE
The Role of the Clerk in a Church School
For those new to the role of clerk in a Church school, or clerks who would welcome a refresher.
Friday 28 April 2023 at 10.00am– 12.00pm
Online via Zoom
This course is for those new to the role of clerk in a Church school, or clerks who would welcome a refresher. The session will focus on identifying the clerk’s role and responsibilities, governing board structures and types of governors and the appointment processes for Foundation Governors.
Booking deadline: Friday 14 April 2023
Cost: £45.00 per person
Help! My SIAMS Inspection is Due
For Headteachers, RE leaders, Collective Worship leads, governors and those who lead on the Christian character of the school
Wednesday 3 May 2023 at 10.00am to 2.30pm
Open to all ready for inspection from autumn 2023
This is an extended half-day course, with lunch, for headteachers, governors and those who lead on the Christian character of the school or aspects of the SIAMS schedule who are likely to be inspected in the next 12 months. We will update you on the amended SIAMS schedule and the approach of inspectors post-Covid. There will also be the opportunity to select 2 workshops which will focus on particular aspects of inspection and the schedule including an opportunity for governors to evaluate and develop their strategic monitoring of SIAMS. Taking the spectre out of inspection!
Booking deadline: Wednesday 19 April 2023
Illuminate
Headteachers may also register a guest to attend with them eg RE subject leader, Deputy Headteacher or Senior Leader.
Wednesday 17 May 2023 at 1.15 –2.45pm
Online via Zoom
Our Autumn, Spring and Summer termly training and update sessions called Illuminate for Church school leaders will take place via Zoom, in response to requests from leaders. These accessible afternoon sessions will present the latest news, information and updates that are important for church school leaders, along with the opportunity for discussions on key issues.
Booking deadline: Wednesday 3 May 2023
Cost: FREE
Valuing All God’s Children & Mental Health & Wellbeing
For headteachers, leaders and governors.
Tuesday 23 May 2023 1.30pm—4.00pm
Venue: Jerusalem Rm, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
This session enables delegates to explore the guidance and tools given to Church schools in two Church of England publications, Valuing All God’s Children (2019) and Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Whole School approach (2018).
Booking deadline: Tuesday 9 May 2023
Cost: £75.00 per delegate
Governor Clarity
For ALL Governors of Church Schools
Wednesday 24 May 2023 at 6.00-8.00pm
Online via Zoom
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.
Booking deadline: Wednesday 10 May 2023
Cost: FREE
Strategic Monitoring of Christian Vision in a Church School
Any governor or trustee from Church schools.
Friday 26 May 2023 at 10.00 am – 12.30 pm
Venue: Jerusalem Rm, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
Join us to discover the specific role and responsibility of all governors and trustees in Church schools and academy trusts in maintaining strategic oversight of the school’s distinctive Christian vision. You will take away practical ideas of how to develop monitoring of your school’s distinctive Christian vision and embed this throughout governance practices.
Booking deadline: Wednesday 12 May 2023
Cost: £75.00 per delegate
An Introduction to Governance in a Church School
For Governors and Trustees of CofE Schools.
Wednesday 7 June 2023 at 4.00 –6.30 pm
Online via Zoom
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, 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.
Booking deadline: Wednesday 24 May 2023
Cost: £45.00 per delegate
Foundation Governor Welcome Session
For newly appointed Foundation Governors and Trustees
Wednesday 21 June 2023 at 10.30am – 1.00pm
Venue: Jerusalem Rm, 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR
Following your appointment as a Foundation Governor or Trustee you will have been sent an information pack welcoming you to your new role. Join our Strategic Leads for Governance to be welcomed to your new role and for the opportunity to ask any questions you may have as you embark on your role. There will also be an opportunity to meet and network with other Foundation Governors who are new to the role.
Booking deadline: Wednesday 7 June 2023
Cost: FREE
