Diocese of Chichester Education Department
The Board of Education, based at Church House, Hove, works closely with Church schools which currently educate more than 37,000 children across Sussex. The Board is committed to nurturing the Christian ethos whilst extending a warm welcome to all.
Faith in Action Launch
Tuesday 8 September 2026
This award is designed to recognise the active faith and service of young people in our schools. It is a way of rewarding their dedication and commitment and to celebrate their contributions to the community.
Find out about the four levels of award from pin to gold and how your school can be involved.
Diocese of Chichester
Headteacher Induction Day 1
Thursday 10 September 2026
This is a compulsory course for all new heads of Church schools in the Diocese.
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Church House. You will meet the team and find out what is on offer to support you.
Each day is packed with essential information and invaluable materials to set you up for success in your new Church school headship. You will be informed about your Diocesan context and matters that are bespoke to Church schools so that you can be confident as the leader of your school.
It is an opportunity to meet future friends from across all three LAs in the Diocese.
Diocese of Chichester
Preparing for SIAMS
Thursday 17 September 2026
Led by an experienced inspector, this course will increase your confidence and familiarity with the SIAMS framework, inspection process and self-evaluation. We will consider how preparing for inspection and developing your school to be the best church school it can go hand in hand. There will be time in the afternoon to reflect on your own school’s preparation and self-evaluation with support on hand. Suitable for Headteachers, senior leaders and Governors who are encouraged to attend together if possible.
Diocese of Chichester
Faith in Action launch
Tuesday 22 September 2026
This award is designed to recognise the active faith and service of young people in our schools. It is a way of rewarding their dedication and commitment and to celebrate their contributions to the community.
Find out about the four levels of award from pin to gold and how your school can be involved.
RE Leadership in a Church School
Thursday 24 September 2026
This course will help you understand the different roles of the RE subject leader including curriculum design, monitoring, review and evaluation, assessment and supporting colleagues. We will consider key aspects such as the statement of entitlement, locally agreed syllabi and the latest changes to RE and its unique place in the curriculum. Bring your questions and be ready build connections with colleagues from across the Diocese.
Diocese of Chichester
Land and Building Management for CE Schools
Thursday 24 September 2026
For headteachers, school business managers and governors of Church schools focussing on
• Permissions required for capital works/ nurseries/ wrap around care
• Bidding for SCA capital funding for SCA for VA schools and the DfE Education Estate Strategy
• Energy Saving and Net Zero in Church schools
Energy Saving and Climate Action Seminar
Thursday 24 September 2026
Learn ways to reduce energy costs, improve comfort, and create climate action plans that will help future proof your school.
Aspiring Head of a Church School
Thursday 1 October 2026
Alongside the opportunities to take the National Professional Qualifications, this course is designed to support those seeking to soon secure a headship in a Church school. Expectations of leading a Church school will be discussed and what to expect in the process of headship interviews explored from application to interview.
Diocese of Chichester
RE Subject Leaders Network East
Tuesday 6 October 2026
An opportunity to meet with fellow RE subject leaders, to hear the latest news around RE and to be supported with the challenges facing schools currently. These meetings will take place in geographical localities to help reduce travelling for delegates and to build communities of support for subject leaders. Please do feed in your questions and challenges in advance.
Offers of venues to host meetings are most welcome!
Netherfield Church of England Primary School
Admissions Surgery for Governors
Thursday 8 October 2026
A one-stop-shop for all your Admissions questions and for clarification for those in Voluntary Aided Church schools. It would be helpful if you could supply us with your Admissions Policy and SIF a week in advance of the meeting.
RE Subject Leaders Network West
Tuesday 13 October 2026
An opportunity to meet with fellow RE subject leaders, to hear the latest news around RE and to be supported with the challenges facing schools currently. These meetings will take place in geographical localities to help reduce travelling for delegates and to build communities of support for subject leaders. Please do feed in your questions and challenges in advance.
Offers of venues to host meetings are most welcome!
St Mary's Pulborough
Energy Saving and Climate Action Workshop
Thursday 15 October 2026
With the support the of the team behind the 'Let's Go Zero' campaign, we will help you identify energy savings and provide practical tips on how to meet the Department for Education expectation to have a Climate Action Plan.
RE Subject Leaders Network Central
Tuesday 20 October 2026
An opportunity to meet with fellow RE subject leaders, to hear the latest news around RE and to be supported with the challenges facing schools currently. These meetings will take place in geographical localities to help reduce travelling for delegates and to build communities of support for subject leaders. Please do feed in your questions and challenges in advance.
Offers of venues to host meetings are most welcome!
Albourne Church of England Primary School
Heads' and Governors' Briefing
Thursday 22 October 2026
A magazine style presentation will ensure you are kept up to date on recent changes in education and information that will be helpful to you in leading your Church school. A range of short inputs from a range of speakers will enable you to keep up to speed with the ever- changing world of education in a Church school.
Governance of a Church School
Thursday 5 November 2026
This course will give you the opportunity to take a close look at the expectations and role of governors in a Church school. You will have the opportunity to unravel the mysteries and differences of being either a Voluntary Controlled Church school or a Voluntary Aided Church school, and if you are an academy what that means for you as a governor. As we seek to ensure our schools are places where everyone flourishes, time will be taken to also explore various school structures which may be of interest to your own governing board.
Collective Worship and Spirituality
Thursday 12 November 2026
A day to consider the big questions around collective worship; what is it, what should it look like, what impact should it have and how can you make it the heartbeat of your school for the benefit of pupils, adults and the wider community. Come and be inspired and leave with practical ideas and resources you can draw on to support with planning, delivery and evaluation of worship. We’ll consider the links between worship and spirituality and how you can build spiritual development into the daily life of your school. Suitable for Headteachers, senior leaders, governors and clergy who are encouraged to attend together if possible.
Diocese of Chichester
SIAMS for Governors
Tuesday 17 November 2026
Led by an experienced inspector, this course will help increase your confidence and familiarity with the SIAMS framework, inspection process and self-evaluation. We’ll focus on Governor responsibilities and how you can be prepared for meeting with the SIAMS inspector and how to demonstrate the role of Governors in considering the effectiveness of the school and impact of its theologically rooted Christian vision.
Diocese of Chichester
God and The Big Bang
Wednesday 25 November 2026
Research shows that 43% of Y6 pupils and 56% of Year 11 students think that Science makes it hard to believe in God. During this day we will consider how our approach to curriculum and collective worship can be developed in order to harmonise science and theology. Led by the team from God and the Big Bang, which is run by Christians seeking to demonstrate a creative, thought-provoking, and highly engaging approach to questions of science and faith, delegates will have a taste of two of their workshops - evolution and theology and Big Bang and Beyond.
Diocese of Chichester
SIAMS for Governors
Thursday 7 January 2027
Led by an experienced inspector, this course will help increase your confidence and familiarity with the SIAMS framework, inspection process and self-evaluation. We’ll focus on Governor responsibilities and how you can be prepared for meeting with the SIAMS inspector and how to demonstrate the role of Governors in considering the effectiveness of the school and impact of its theologically rooted Christian vision.
Diocese of Chichester
Headteacher Induction Day 2
Friday 15 January 2027
This is a compulsory course for all new heads of Church schools in the Diocese.
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Church House. You will meet the team and find out what is on offer to support you.
Each day is packed with essential information and invaluable materials to set you up for success in your new Church school headship. You will be informed about your Diocesan context and matters that are bespoke to Church schools so that you can be confident as the leader of your school.
It is an opportunity to meet future friends from across all three LAs in the Diocese.
Diocese of Chichester
Preparing for SIAMS
Thursday 21 January 2027
Led by an experienced inspector, this course will increase your confidence and familiarity with the SIAMS framework, inspection process and self-evaluation. We will consider how preparing for inspection and developing your school to be the best church school it can go hand in hand. There will be time in the afternoon to reflect on your own school’s preparation and self-evaluation with support on hand. Suitable for Headteachers, senior leaders and Governors who are encouraged to attend together if possible.
Diocese of Chichester
Quiet Reflection Day
Thursday 28 January 2027
An opportunity for Headteachers and Senior Leaders to have some valuable time away from school to be nourished spiritually and have time to consider the issues you currently face and be inspired, nurtured and sustained by scripture, reflections and space and time for your own thoughts. Led by experienced retreat leaders, come and be refreshed spiritually, physically and mentally. These events are taking place in three venues across the Diocese – please choose the venue most appropriate for your location.
Crowhurst Healing Centre
Governance of a Church School
Thursday 4 February 2027
This course will give you the opportunity to take a close look at the expectations and role of governors in a Church school. You will have the opportunity to unravel the mysteries and differences of being either a Voluntary Controlled Church school or a Voluntary Aided Church school, and if you are an academy what that means for you as a governor. As we seek to ensure our schools are places where everyone flourishes, time will be taken to also explore various school structures which may be of interest to your own governing board.
Heads' and Governors' Briefing
Thursday 11 February 2027
A magazine style presentation will ensure you are kept up to date on recent changes in education and information that will be helpful to you in leading your Church school. A range of short inputs from a range of speakers will enable you to keep up to speed with the ever- changing world of education in a Church school.
Vision and Values
Thursday 25 February 2027
Your school’s theologically rooted Christian vision is fundamental to leading your school forward and aligning your whole school community. SIAMS inspections place your vision at its centre of each inspection question, and Ofsted judges your leadership on how your community is aligned to your vision to enable children succeed. We will also consider ways to build, embed and monitor the vision’s impact.
Diocese of Chichester
Headteachers' Conference
Friday 5 March 2027
A beautiful setting and lunch to join with other Church school leaders from across the Diocese for a day to refresh and think. Be inspired by a range of inspiring speakers and have time to meet with other heads and the Diocesan Education team.
Ashdown Park Hotel
Care for the family - Bereavement
Tuesday 9 March 2027
Did you know that, on average, at least one child in every classroom has been bereaved of a parent? Grief is something many children bring with them into school each day, often affecting their wellbeing, learning, and behaviour.
Schools are uniquely placed to provide stability and support during these difficult times but knowing how to respond can feel challenging.
This training is designed to build confidence and equip staff with practical skills to support bereaved children and families with compassion and understanding. Whether you are experienced in this area or new to it, the training will better equip as you offer support to those suffering the pain and heartache of loss.
Diocese of Chichester
RE Leadership in a Church School
Thursday 11 March 2027
This course will help you understand the different roles of the RE subject leader including curriculum design, monitoring, review and evaluation, assessment and supporting colleagues. We will consider key aspects such as the statement of entitlement, locally agreed syllabi and the latest changes to RE and its unique place in the curriculum. Bring your questions and be ready build connections with colleagues from across the Diocese.
Diocese of Chichester
Collective Worship and Spirituality
Thursday 18 March 2027
A day to consider the big questions around collective worship; what is it, what should it look like, what impact should it have and how can you make it the heartbeat of your school for the benefit of pupils, adults and the wider community. Come and be inspired and leave with practical ideas and resources you can draw on to support with planning, delivery and evaluation of worship. We’ll consider the links between worship and spirituality and how you can build spiritual development into the daily life of your school. Suitable for Headteachers, senior leaders, governors and clergy who are encouraged to attend together if possible.
Diocese of Chichester
Energy Saving and Climate Action Seminar
Tuesday 23 March 2027
Learn ways to reduce energy costs, improve comfort, and create climate action plans that will help future proof your school.
Energy Saving and Climate Action Workshop
Tuesday 13 April 2027
With the support the of the team behind the 'Let's Go Zero' campaign, we will help you identify energy savings and provide practical tips on how to meet the Department for Education expectation to have a Climate Action Plan.
Collective Worship and Spirituality
Thursday 15 April 2027
A day to consider the big questions around collective worship; what is it, what should it look like, what impact should it have and how can you make it the heartbeat of your school for the benefit of pupils, adults and the wider community. Come and be inspired and leave with practical ideas and resources you can draw on to support with planning, delivery and evaluation of worship. We’ll consider the links between worship and spirituality and how you can build spiritual development into the daily life of your school. Suitable for Headteachers, senior leaders, governors and clergy who are encouraged to attend together if possible.
Diocese of Chichester
SIAMS for Governors
Tuesday 11 May 2027
Led by an experienced inspector, this course will help increase your confidence and familiarity with the SIAMS framework, inspection process and self-evaluation. We’ll focus on Governor responsibilities and how you can be prepared for meeting with the SIAMS inspector and how to demonstrate the role of Governors in considering the effectiveness of the school and impact of its theologically rooted Christian vision.
Preparing for SIAMS
Thursday 20 May 2027
Led by an experienced inspector, this course will increase your confidence and familiarity with the SIAMS framework, inspection process and self-evaluation. We will consider how preparing for inspection and developing your school to be the best church school it can go hand in hand. There will be time in the afternoon to reflect on your own school’s preparation and self-evaluation with support on hand. Suitable for Headteachers, senior leaders and Governors who are encouraged to attend together if possible.
Diocese of Chichester
Headteacher Induction Day 3
Thursday 10 June 2027
This is a compulsory course for all new heads of Church schools in the Diocese.
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Church House. You will meet the team and find out what is on offer to support you.
Each day is packed with essential information and invaluable materials to set you up for success in your new Church school headship. You will be informed about your Diocesan context and matters that are bespoke to Church schools so that you can be confident as the leader of your school.
It is an opportunity to meet future friends from across all three LAs in the Diocese.
Diocese of Chichester
Energy Saving and Climate Action Seminar
Thursday 17 June 2027
Learn ways to reduce energy costs, improve comfort, and create climate action plans that will help future proof your school.
Governance of a Church School
Thursday 1 July 2027
This course will give you the opportunity to take a close look at the expectations and role of governors in a Church school. You will have the opportunity to unravel the mysteries and differences of being either a Voluntary Controlled Church school or a Voluntary Aided Church school, and if you are an academy what that means for you as a governor. As we seek to ensure our schools are places where everyone flourishes, time will be taken to also explore various school structures which may be of interest to your own governing board.
Energy Saving and Climate Action Workshop
Thursday 1 July 2027
With the support the of the team behind the 'Let's Go Zero' campaign, we will help you identify energy savings and provide practical tips on how to meet the Department for Education expectation to have a Climate Action Plan.
Heads and Governors Briefing
Thursday 8 July 2027
A magazine style presentation will ensure you are kept up to date on recent changes in education and information that will be helpful to you in leading your Church school. A range of short inputs from a range of speakers will enable you to keep up to speed with the ever- changing world of education in a Church school.
St Andrew's Church Crawley
RE Leadership 2025-26
Between Thursday 5 February 2026 and Thursday 4 June 2026
RE is considered to be a core subject in a Church school. This course will ensure you are aware of the legal expectations in leading in a Church schools and inform you of key documentation to be considered. Best practice in RE will be discussed including planning, curriculum content, schemes of work, pedagogy and assessment.
Diocese of Chichester
SIAMS Ready 2025-26
Between Thursday 15 January 2026 and Thursday 21 May 2026
Ensure you are well informed regarding the expectations of a SIAMS inspection. Review the quality of the evidence in your SIAMS SEF and consider the various aspects of school life that demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the Inspection Questions (IQs). We will discuss having a ‘theologically rooted’ vision and how to know that Christian spirituality pervades your school.
Bring your SEF and at the end of the course there will be an opportunity to specifically discuss and review.
Diocese of Chichester
Headteachers' Quiet Day 2026
Thursday 7 May 2026
Book in a day as a well-deserved treat for you.
As Jesus said in Mark’s gospel, ‘‘Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.’ For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.’ Does that resonate with you?
This is an opportunity to take some Dedicated Headship time and find some stillness and peace. Reflections will be led by Rev'd Dr Earl Collins and there will be time to walk and sit in the setting of our Cathedral and its gardens, and join others for a lunch.
Dresden Room,
SIAMS for Governors (in person) Summer 2026
Thursday 30 April 2026
Ensure you are properly prepared for your SIAMS inspection. Review the quality of the evidence in your SIAMS SEF and consider the various aspects of the school life that will demonstrate how you are assured through monitoring and meetings that the school is able to meet the expectations of the Inspection Questions (IQs) in your next inspection.
Diocese of Chichester
Collective Worship and Spirituality 2025-26
Between Thursday 22 January 2026 and Thursday 23 April 2026
Collective Worship can be the ‘heartbeat ‘of your school. Discover how to make worship the best part of every school day for all members of your school. From planning inspirational and invitational worship times, to selecting hymns. There will be ideas on delivering exciting transformational concepts in worship with your school. Ideas on how to use feedback and evaluation to continually improve worship and keep it fresh!
Diocese of Chichester
RE Subject Leaders network (in person) Summer 2026
Thursday 16 April 2026
An opportunity for RE Subject Leaders to meet with one another and the Diocesan RE Officer to update on the current trends and challenges for the leadership of RE in a Church school. Keep up to date with research and feedback from recent SIAMS inspections to inform your own leadership decisions.
Diocese of Chichester
Headteachers' Conference 2026
Friday 6 March 2026
Join with other Church school leaders from across the Diocese for a day to consider topical issues and be refreshed in a beautiful setting with 2 course lunch. Be inspired by a range of speakers and have time to meet with other heads and the whole Diocesan Education team.
We are looking forward to welcoming our speakers:
• The Bishop of Chichester, Rt Revd Dr Martin Warner
• Patrick Regan, OBE is founder and director of Brighter Days which provides wellbeing and resilience training to address the evolving demands of the modern workplace
• Philip Jinadu is a director of Care for the Family which is a national charity promoting strong family life and supporting those facing family difficulties
• Sheridan Voysey is a writer, speaker and broadcaster with a keen interest on what makes life deeply worthwhile. He is the founder of the Friendship Lab which is the first non-profit organisation dedicated to helping adults to make their friendships thrive. He will considering How to Make Our Friendships Flourish - the research is startling: people with close friends have lower levels of anxiety and depression, higher levels of meaning and happiness, greater resilience, and even extended lifespans. And yet 20% of British adults and 32% of senior leaders have no close friends. Through story, discussion, and reflective exercises, this session will explore what friendship is, isn’t, and practical ways to form and deepen it in life and work.
Ashdown Park Hotel
Governance of a Church School (online) 2025-26
Between Thursday 6 November 2025 and Tuesday 3 March 2026
This course will give you the opportunity to take a close look at the expectations and role of governors in a Church school. You will have the opportunity to unravel the mysteries and differences of being either a Voluntary Controlled Church school or a Voluntary Aided Church school, and if you are an academy what that means for you as a governor. As we seek to ensure our schools are places where everyone flourishes, time will be taken to also explore various school structures which may be of interest to your own governing board.
We are delighted this session is to be led by Jenny Barnard-Langston who has a rich breadth of experience in governance of Church schools from working with high performing schools to supporting schools as a member of an Interim Executive Board.
Climate Action Plan Workshop (online) Spring 2026
Tuesday 3 February 2026
Following the introductory seminars on Climate Action Plans provided by the team at the Let’s Go Zero campaign, we are pleased to invite you to join a workshop on building your climate action plan.
To build your school Climate Action Plan (a DfE expectation this year), you will find it most helpful if you come with data on your carbon emissions. If you need help completing the 'Count your Carbon' template, please contact our Net Zero Officer, Brian Kilkelly at brian.kilkelly@chichester.anglican.org
The workshop will take about 90 minutes. By the end you will have a working climate action plan!
Climate Action Plan Seminar (online) 2026
Between Monday 19 January 2026 and Wednesday 28 January 2026
Award winning charity Ashden, are continuing to support our schools via their 'Let's Go Zero' campaign to help build climate action plans. We are co-hosting this seminar with them followed up with a workshop. Over twenty of our schools are already on this journey, come join us to start yours.
For the opening session, you have the option of two dates to choose from.
SIAMS for governors (online) 2025-26
Between Thursday 25 September 2025 and Monday 26 January 2026
Ensure you are properly prepared for your SIAMS inspection. Review the quality of the evidence in your SIAMS SEF and consider the various aspects of the school life that will demonstrate how you are assured through monitoring and meetings that the school is able to meet the expectations of the Inspection Questions (IQs) in your next inspection.
RE Subject Leaders' network (online) 2025/26
Thursday 20 November 2025
An opportunity for RE Subject Leaders to meet with one another and the Diocesan RE Officer to update on the current trends and challenges for the leadership of RE in a Church school. Keep up to date with research and feedback from recent SIAMS inspections to inform your own leadership decisions.
Faith In Action Awards Launch 2025
Wednesday 19 November 2025
FAITH IN ACTION AWARDS LAUNCH
We are delighted to invite you to the official launch of the Faith in Action Awards, a celebration of individuals and communities who are making a meaningful difference through their faith-inspired work. This special event will mark the beginning of an exciting journey to recognise and honour those who put their beliefs into practice to serve others and promote positive change. Join us and be inspired by the vision behind the awards and share how you can get involved.
Diocese of Chichester
Faith In Action Awards launch (online) 2025
Friday 7 November 2025
FAITH IN ACTION AWARDS LAUNCH
We are delighted to invite you to the official launch of the Faith in Action Awards, a celebration of individuals and communities who are making a meaningful difference through their faith-inspired work. This special event will mark the beginning of an exciting journey to recognise and honour those who put their beliefs into practice to serve others and promote positive change. Join us and be inspired by the vision behind the awards and share how you can get involved.
Land & Building Management for CofE schools (online) 2025
Thursday 23 October 2025
For headteachers, school business managers and governors of Church schools focussing on:
• permissions required for capital works;
• bidding for SCA capital funding for SCA for VA schools;
• and Net Zero in Church schools
Climate Action Plan Workshop (online) Autumn 2025
Monday 20 October 2025
Following the introductory seminars on Climate Action Plans provided by the team at the Let’s Go Zero campaign, we are pleased to invite you to join a workshop on building your climate action plan.
To build your school Climate Action Plan (a DfE expectation this year), you will find it most helpful if you come with data on your carbon emissions. If you need help completing the 'Count your Carbon' template, please contact our Net Zero Officer, Brian Kilkelly at brian.kilkelly@chichester.anglican.org
The workshop will take about 90 minutes. By the end you will have a working climate action plan!
Heads & Governors' Briefing (online) 2025
Thursday 16 October 2025
This on-line Briefing is a magazine style presentation to ensure you are kept up to date on recent changes in education and information that will be helpful to you in leading your Church school. A range of short inputs from a range of people will enable you to keep up to speed with the ever- changing world of education in a Church school!
Climate Action Plan Seminar (online) Autumn 2025
Between Wednesday 24 September 2025 and Thursday 2 October 2025
Award winning charity Ashden, are continuing to support our schools via their 'Let's Go Zero' campaign to help build climate action plans. We are co-hosting this seminar with them followed up with a workshop on October 20th. Over twenty of our schools are already on this journey, come join us to start yours.
Engaging Worship 2025
Between Tuesday 10 June 2025 and Thursday 25 September 2025
Engaging Worship
FOR: Headteachers, RE Leads & Collective Worship co-ordinators
What would it look like for your children and staff to have a “walk around faith” in the school? How can the worshipping environment you create shape and inspire the ethos of the whole school (especially in relation to SIAMS) . . .
Come and get practical ideas and top tips for creative and engaging worship for whole school and classroom - with proven tools that will inspire and encourage and give you confidence. Come with a willingness to join in.
Schools Diocese of Chichester