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Education in the United Kingdom was, until the beginning of the nineteenth century, the province of the wealthy or the clergy. Those who had money would pay for the education of their children. Things were to change, however, in 1811 when The National Society for the Education of the Poor in the Principles of the Established Church throughout England and Wales was founded. The aim was to plant a Church school in every parish of the land in order that the pupils may learn the Scriptures and be given moral education. During the 19th century thousands of schools were established.

The State has taken over responsibility for education, since that time, but there are still nearly 5,000 Church of England and Church in Wales schools in the UK. There are also about 2,000 Roman Catholic schools. Almost one million children attend state-maintained Anglican schools in England and Wales.

What does The National Society do today?

It continues to be an educational charity supported by contributions from schools and individuals. It provides resources for all those involved in Anglican schools and Christians and teachers in all areas of education. The Society funds two 16 Religious Education centres in London and York; organises and oversees the inspection of the denominational aspects of Church schools through the training of inspectors and the production of an Inspection training manual; provides legal advice to Church schools as well as guidance on curricular matters.

The Council of Church Colleges in collaboration with The National Society run a Master of Arts degree, a Post-graduate Diploma and Certificates in Church School Education and Religious Education for teachers in Church schools, those moving into Church schools, chaplains, clergy, governors and Education advisers. Learning is offered through taught courses, distance learning and mixed mode courses. Assessment is normally through assigned and elective essays and dissertation.

The National Society meets the new challenge of the third millennium in ways which would be beyond the vision of its founders in 1811. The National Society's website provides free access to materials and resources for different acts of worship, providing teachers with excellent help for their collective worship in both primary and secondary schools. A second website is a vital resource for all teachers, headteachers and governors. Church Schools offers up-to-date information, excellent resources and vital networks to all those involved in the Church school system.

The Society's archive is a remarkable collection documenting the foundation and history of over 15,000 Anglican schools. It is a priceless resource for students of the history of education in England and Wales.

The Society publishes a wide range of support material for schools and parishes and has recently created an annual fellowship to support those teaching pupils with special educational needs.

A Popular fallacy

Church of England and Church in Wales schools are state schools. The state contributes to them significantly, paying teachers; providing books and resources etc. The Churches contribute 15% of the building costs as they own the buildings. This arrangement is unique in Western Europe and of course, other churches and religions receive the same state support.

There are also private or independent Church schools which receive no state funding. The National Society is involved with these independent schools in the development of their Anglican ethos; they are not state schools.

Who attends the state-supported schools?

Anglican primary schools, usually for 4-11 years olds, are normally local parish schools. They accept children from Anglican and Christian families but, in the main, all children who live near are willingly received. In some areas this will mean the vast majority of pupils may be from another religion, usually Muslim. This will be the case in many inner city schools.

There are relatively few Anglican secondary schools and generally speaking their pupils come from Christian backgrounds. Some of these schools will have a high percentage of African and Afro-Caribbean pupils who attend Pentecostal churches. A few secondary schools, however, have a very 16 number of pupils from other religious traditions 16ly but not entirely, Muslim with substantial numbers of Sikhs and Hindus.

The current concern in the Church of England / Church in Wales is that many pupils in Church primary schools are unable to continue their education in Church secondary schools because there are so few in number. The churches are considering ways in which the numbers of secondary schools can be increased.

Why have Church schools?

The Church of England and Church in Wales show the same commitment to education that underpinned the founding of The National Society nearly 200 years ago.

Education and the provision of schools is regarded by the Churches as part of their commitment to the nation. To be a partner in the provision of schooling is to demonstrate the importance of education in the life and health of the country.

The other reason is to ensure that pupils and parents have every opportunity to choose a Church school education. Nearly 25% of pupils attend a Church of England / Church in Wales school at some time during their education.

The Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches have a 16 stake in the education system. For this reason the Government consults closely with them on broad areas of concern including the teaching of Religious Education in all schools, the compulsory daily act of Collective Worship in all schools and the shared concern for the spiritual and moral development of pupils.

Conclusion

The National Society exists to promote and support Religious and Christian education in schools and parishes. It has been a constant force in Religious and Christian Education for nearly 200 hundred years. It has earned and continues to earn the respect of all those involved in and with Church schools whatever role they have, teacher, governor, parent, headteacher and pupil.

For further details contact:

The National Society,
Church House,
Great Smith Street,
London
SW1P 3AZ.

Telephone: (+44) 20 7898 1518
Email: enquiries@natsoc.c-of-e.org.uk
Web address http://www.natsoc.org.uk

Author:

Alan Brown
Deputy General Secretary

Katie Lowe
Membership and Promotions Officer