Training institutions

We want to ensure all students have the best possible foundation for future ministry, lay and ordained. Theological education institutions play a vital role in this formational process, and we have provided resources below to support you in your work.
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Naturally not every student is the same, and the Church’s ministry and training needs continue to develop, so in addition to the standard pathways we also offer a means by which dioceses and TEIs can apply for a new pathway to be accredited.

Take a look at the guidance below to find out more.

General requirements

New formation frameworks (from Autumn 2022)

TEIs and dioceses are expected to use these for all ordinands beginning training in or after autumn 2022, and for new LLM / Reader candidates no later than autumn 2023. Existing candidates may be moved to the new frameworks or remain under the current formation criteria (found above). Some further documents, e.g. more detailed suggestions for curriculum, are available from the National Ministry Team. Guidance on reporting and assessment, especially for ordinands, will be produced by Summer 2022. The updated LLM / Reader framework was produced in light of the Central Readers’ Council’s renewed vision, ‘Resourcing Sunday to Saturday Faith’.

Introducing a new pathway

We welcome applications for new training provision which contribute to entrepreneurial vision and fresh thinking.

New pathways might mean cohorts of students pursuing a new pathway within an existing formational programme, an entirely new pathway for a cohort of students within a TEI, or a pathway which is effectively part of a new form of institution.

Formal guidance and an application form are available to download below:

Ecumenical placements

As part of preparing for ordination, you may decide to send an ordinand to take part in an ecumenical placement. Often these involve travelling abroad to spend time learning alongside other ordinands in a different context.

Such placements are a valuable way to widen horizons and deepen understanding of faith, theology, and ministry.

Find out more about the placements available:

The Hub: A virtual learning environment

The Hub, separate to the Church Support Hub, is a new virtual learning environment designed to produce a go-to set of online shared resources, such as books and journals, for students studying theology, ministry or mission.

Information will be provided to you by your training institution.

Contact our VLE/Blended Learning Officer, Ken Farrimond if you have any questions.

Quality assurance

Our quality assurance framework covers training for ordained and nationally recognised lay ministries authorised by canon. It applies to all our recognised training institutions, colleges, and regional and local courses.

Formal guidance on our quality assurance framework is available to download below:

You can read our most recent inspection reports below:

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Related

Supporting ordinands through initial training

A diocesan guide to finance and pathways

After Ordination

Curacy and the deployment of deacons.