Schools & academies
Church schools are schools with a religious designation. The religious authority for Church of England schools is the Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) for the diocese in which the school is located. The work of the DBE is governed by the Diocesan Board of Education Measure 2021. The Measure provides the legal framework within which the DBEs engage and work with Church schools.
Schools we work with
Here is an overview of the types of schools we work with:
| Voluntary Aided | Voluntary Controlled | Foundation | Academy | |
| Governance | Foundation Governors in the majority | Foundation governors are in the minority (up to 25%) | Foundation Governors are in the minority | Structure established in the Articles of Association will include DBE representation |
| Admissions | Governing body is the admissions authority | LA is the admissions authority | Governing body is the admissions authority | Academy Company is the admissions authority |
| Religious Education | Governors are responsible for decisions on which RE syllabus should be followed | Locally agreed syllabus | Locally agreed syllabus | Academy Company is responsible for decisions on which RE syllabus should be followed |
| Employment & Faith | Governing body is the employer | LA is the employer | Governing body is the employer | Academy Company is the employer |
| Buildings | Governing body is responsible for capital works | LA is responsible for capital works | LA is responsible for capital works | Academy company is responsible for capital works |
Staff contracts for schools and academies
The Church of England Education Office have worked with Winckworth Sherwood LLP to provide helpful template model employment documents and further guidance for use by VA Church of England Schools and Academies. The template model employment contracts are provided in the form of a template central master terms and conditions document, with an accompanying offer letter that is amended to fit the individual role/circumstances. The Offer Letter and Terms & Conditions together constitute the written statement of particulars of employment. Note that this suite of model employment documents is intended to be adapted to reflect the context of the particular educational establishment and its local circumstances, ensuring proper consultation with trade unions and staff, as appropriate.