A Shared Vision for Flourishing Schools: New report unites faith and education leaders to transform England's education system

The National Society for Education (Church of England) has partnered with the Catholic Education Service (CES), and Confederation of School Trusts (CST) to launch the Flourishing Together report, a long-term vision aimed at transforming the educational landscape of England. The initiative, founded on partnership, calls on leaders and educators to reimagine schools as places where every child and adult can truly flourish.

Rooted in the concept of “flourishing,” the report outlines ten transformative shifts essential for creating an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative education system. This vision is not confined to faith-based schools; it is designed as a universal approach that invites the entire sector to build a system grounded in respect, mutuality, and shared responsibility.

Key principles of the flourishing vision

In an education context, flourishing means nurturing the holistic growth of every child and adult—academically, socially, and emotionally—within a supportive, inclusive community.

The Flourishing Together report builds on shared values of dignity, inclusion, and holistic development, drawing from the traditions of virtue ethics, Christian teaching, and the African concept of “ubuntu”—“I am because we are.” The report’s vision identifies ten “seeds” of flourishing, calling for shifts across various domains that include:

1. Eradicating Childhood Poverty – Prioritising resources and support to ensure that no child is left behind due to socio-economic circumstances.
2. Elevating Student Voices – Developing systems to genuinely listen to, and act on, the perspectives of young people.
3. Reshaping Accountability – Creating a system that values trust and professional accountability, reducing fear and enabling teachers and schools to focus on what truly matters.

These principles align with the Church of England’s commitment to serving the common good and supporting human flourishing, encapsulated in its Vision for Education. Flourishing Together seeks to bridge the divide between different educational philosophies, inviting schools, trusts, dioceses, local authorities, policymakers, and communities to collaborate.

In recent years, the education sector has faced challenges ranging from funding constraints to recruitment and retention difficulties. These strains, compounded by a demand to do “more with less,” have placed considerable pressure on schools. Flourishing Together argues that these issues can only be addressed through a vision of flourishing that encompasses both children and adults.

The report also addresses the need for systemic reform in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), improvements in the well-being of students and educators, and the prioritisation of social justice. Each of these aims supports a broader vision of flourishing, providing a roadmap to an education system that actively nurtures children and adults alike.

As the report is launched, the three partner organisations are calling on stakeholders across the education sector to join them in this journey. From policymakers to teachers, from school leaders to parents, the invitation is to embrace a vision of education that goes beyond immediate targets, focusing instead on sustainable, collective growth.

The Church of England, Catholic Education Service, and CST are committed to supporting this vision through ongoing research, professional development, and partnerships across the education sector. The report is intended as both a blueprint and a call to action, one that speaks to the urgent need for collaboration in building an education system where all can flourish.

Andy Wolfe, Executive Director of Education for the National Society (Church of England), said: “Flourishing Together urges us all to take the long view, shaping decisions today that will nurture lives well beyond the typical political cycle. This report is about building a narrative of hope and opportunity for every student in England’s schools, a narrative that invites every community and educator to the table.”

The CST’s Chief Executive Officer, Leora Cruddas, said: “Flourishing is about creating a culture where every child and adult can develop their potential. But this isn’t something we can accomplish alone. Flourishing Together invites leaders across the sector to come together around this shared goal, for the good of all.”