22/01/2025

Educators and young leaders gathered in London for the Church of England’s 7th annual Education Conference, which saw the launch of a bold new vision for the sector, the Flourishing Leaders Programmes, aimed at transforming schools into places where both students and teachers can thrive.
Delegates heard how the Flourishing Leaders Programmes could be a transformative step for the education sector. The programmes will build on the Flourishing Together document which sets out a bold, hope-filled vision for flourishing children, educators, and school communities. The document offers a vision for addressing systemic challenges through a focus on purpose, relationships, resources, learning, and wellbeing.
The day included workshops on a range of topics and featured memorable contributions from children and young people of the Twyford CofE Academies Trust, whose leading of sung worship received a standing ovation.
Delegates – including teachers, heads, clergy, governors, and those in education and diocesan leadership – gathered at St John’s Church, Hackney. The venue has special significance as the parish in which the National Society for Education was founded by Joshua Watson in 1811.
Launching the Flourishing Leaders Programmes, Andy Wolfe, Executive Director of Education for the Church of England, emphasised the vital importance of creating environments where both students and educators can thrive. Drawing on research and long-term vision, he said:
“Flourishing educators are essential for flourishing students. A system where teachers and leaders flourish creates the conditions for young people to achieve their full potential.”
He said that the Flourishing Leaders and Teachers Programmes could positively address teacher retention and leadership development:
“These programmes will support educators at every level, from early career teachers to system leaders, focusing on purpose, relationships, and wellbeing. Already, 900 schools and colleges have committed to piloting these courses, which will commence in autumn 2025.”
In an article published in Tes earlier on the morning of the conference, Andy wrote:
“Focusing on the wellbeing and professional growth of teachers is not just a retention strategy; it is a moral imperative. By presenting teaching as a career where individuals can expect to flourish, we can inspire a new generation of educators.”
Leora Cruddas, CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts, spoke of a shared vision:
“This work is about what intrinsically motivates us as educators. For me, it is rooted in a political and historical journey; for others, it is grounded in deep faith. Together, we see the potential of human flourishing as a unifying concept for education.”
She called for a fundamental shift in how the system addresses inequities, particularly for children with SEND and those in poverty.
“We must stop seeing these issues as separate from the core of schooling. Placing the most vulnerable at the centre of systems design is not just the right thing to do; it’s essential for building a truly great education system,” she said.
During the morning session, a panel featuring Haili Hughes (Director of Education at IRIS Connect), Sam Gibbs (Trust Lead for Curriculum & Development at GMET), Amjad Ali (Trust Training and Inclusion Lead at Chiltern Learning Trust), and Charlotte Tudway (Diocesan Director of Education for the Diocese of Carlisle) delved into the ‘10 Seeds of Flourishing’. The discussion highlighted the importance of reshaping education to support both student and teacher well-being, emphasising professional development, inclusivity, and the need for systemic change to foster a more supportive and effective educational environment.
The Church’s Chief Education Officer, Nigel Genders, opened the conference by recognising the immense challenges faced by the education sector over the past year, including global and national upheavals. He called for a renewed focus on enabling leaders and teachers to flourish, drawing on the themes of wisdom, knowledge, and joy outlined in the Church of England’s vision for education. He also celebrated the involvement of children and young people in leading the day’s music and hosting, which left a lasting impression on attendees.
Sir Hamid Patel, giving the day’s first keynote speech, reflected on the historical role of church schools in transforming lives through education. He highlighted their legacy of social justice and commitment to providing opportunities for all children, regardless of background.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by schools today - from poverty and mental health to teacher recruitment and social media’s impact - he urged leaders to act with faith, passion, and purpose. He emphasised the need for schools to be centres of community, fostering belonging, and equipping young people to overcome disadvantage and discover their full potential.
“Faith provides us with fertile ground for growth, offering a framework informed by the successes of the past and hope for the future,” he said.
“We don't need permission to improve people's lives. We need faith, passion, and the will to translate ideas into meaningful action.
“Church schools have long been a powerful force for good, contributing to social justice, literacy, and character formation.
“Leadership requires us to shine light in the darkness, creating possibilities and brighter futures for young people.
“Flourishing is the result of well-considered activity in the right conditions, with faithful intentions.”
In the afternoon session, Sufian Sadiq, Director of Teaching School at Chiltern Learning Trust, spoke about 'The Class of 2040,' an idea explored throughout the day that recognises children finishing their secondary education in 2040 are already in the system this year as reception pupils. He encouraged attendees to adopt a long-term perspective in shaping educational practices.
The conference included prayers for education leaders, led by the Bishop of Portsmouth, Jonathan Frost, who chairs the National Society.













Find out more about Flourishing Together and how it can transform educational communities.
About Church of England Schools:
The Church of England has been a cornerstone of education in England since the late 18th century, beginning with the Sunday School Movement to teach literacy and Christian values to working children. This commitment deepened with the founding of the National Society in 1811, which pioneered the establishment of church schools and universal education. Today, the Church continues to support over 4,600 schools and advances its vision for education through the Church of England Foundation for Educational Leadership, equipping inspirational leaders to provide an education that fosters 'life in all its fullness.'
There are 4,630 Church of England schools and 200 Church schools in Wales. Church schools are supported by their local Diocesan Board of Education.
- Approximately 1 million children attend Church of England schools.
- About 15 million people alive today went to a Church of England school.
- A quarter of all primary schools and 228 secondary schools are Church of England.
- There are 1,540 Church of England academies with 280 Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) holding Church of England Articles. This makes the Church of England the biggest provider of academies in England.
- Over 500 independent schools declare themselves to be Church of England in ethos.
- Across the country, Church of England clergy dedicate a million hours every year to working with children and young people in schools, often providing holiday and after-school activities.
- There are 22,500 Foundation Governors in Church schools recruited, trained and supported by dioceses.
- Each diocese runs a Diocesan Board of Education supporting Church schools, which represents an annual investment of over £15 million.