The one million pupils who attend CofE schools will play their part in this year's celebrations to mark the founding of the Church of England's National Society in 1811  offering education to the poor in every parish - 50 years before the state joined in.

More than 15 million people alive today had the benefit of a church school education in England and Wales, including celebrities and leading figures in public life.

The work of the National Society received the royal seal of approval in the Queen's speech to General Synod in November when Her Majesty spoke of its "impact on the life of the Church and the nation".

Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, President of the National Society, said: "Universal free education in England began when the Church of England introduced schools in every parish - more than 50 years before the provision of state education. Two hundred years later, church schools continue to serve their communities, providing an inclusive education with a distinctive Christian ethos. I am immensely appreciative of the National Society's history and its continuing role in supporting Church of England schools."

Today, more than 1,000 of the CofE's 4,700 primaries are small schools providing vital educational provision in isolated rural areas and working closely with their parish church to serve the local community.

The CofE, through its dioceses, is also the largest sponsor or co-sponsor of academies under the first wave - the majority replacing vulnerable or failing schools and already showing a marked increase in academic achievement (latest DofE figures).

At a CofE Academy Family Conference at Lambeth Palace in November Schools Minister Lord Hill said: "We very much value the contribution that Church of England schools and academies make to our education system."

This year's celebrations will be marked by events in schools and dioceses across the country culminating in a special service at Westminster Abbey on October 14 (Full details are on the anniversary website www.natsoc200.org.uk). 

Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu said: "Before the state had even considered offering free schooling, the National Society had the wisdom and the determination to make education for all a reality in this country. Building on this heritage we have an opportunity to celebrate all that is good in our Church Schools today. This year also gives us the opportunity to dream, to imagine possibilities as to what the future of our schools might look like. Working together we can make those dreams a reality as we look forward to the next two hundred years of enabling our young people to flourish."

The Bishop of Lincoln the Rt Revd John Saxbee, current Chair of the National Society, added: "Church of England Schools have a special character which has matured over 200 years, and which we now celebrate and seek to consolidate in the years ahead".

Notes

The National Society's full title is The National Society for the Promotion of the Education of the Poor in the Principles of the Established Church

FAQs on church schools www.churchofengland.org/education/faqs.aspx

National Society anniversary website www.natsoc200.org.uk

Academy Family Day conference with schools minister Lord Hill http://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2010/11/schools-minister-praises-'excellent'-cofe-academies.aspx