Diocese of Chichester Education

The Diocese Education Safeguarding Youth & Children
The four Archdeaconaries in the Diocese of Chichester

The Diocese of Chichester

The Diocese of Chichester covers almost exactly the whole of the county of Sussex, relating in educational terms to three local authorities: West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton and Hove. It covers approximately 1,459 square miles and has a population of 1,492,000; there are 391 parishes. The Bishop of Chichester is assisted by two area bishops and four archdeacons. More details of the diocese can be found on the diocesan website: www.chichester.anglican.org

Church Schools in the Diocese

The Diocese of Chichester Board of Education (DBE) is charged under the 2021 DBE Measure to oversee the work of all Church of England state funded schools in the Diocese.  Currently there are 155 Church of England schools in the diocese – 43 have voluntary aided status, 80 have voluntary controlled status, 32 are academies. In addition to this there are two further schools who have decided to affiliate to the diocese. We educate c.37,000 pupils and have extended contact with their families, a demographic that is often missing in our churches.

Education Department

The Education Department, based at Church House in Hove offers a range of services to governors, headteachers and clergy. These services include:

  • support and training in RE and Collective Worship more information can be found on the Training Page of the Website:
  • strategic and focused training for headteachers, senior staff and clergy;
  • assistance in developing the Christian distinctiveness and character of the school;
  • advising on the appointment of headteachers and deputy heads;
  • manage inspections and provide support under Section 48 of The Education Act 2005 (SIAMS);
  • pre and post Ofsted training and support;
  • advice in maintaining, developing and funding school buildings;
  • governor appointment, training and support;
  • advice in formulating and administering pupil admissions policies;
  • Advice on structural changes including sharing headship and academies.

An annual conference and a quiet day are held for headteachers; an RE conference is held for Heads of RE and there is an annual briefing for Governors.  Year 6 Leavers Celebrations for over 4,000 pupils leaving church primary schools, are held each year in various venues across the Diocese. A strong partnership exists between the Education Department and the East Sussex, Brighton and Hove and West Sussex local authorities. All church schools in the Diocese are invited to enter into a Partnership Agreement with the Board of Education.

To Know Love and Follow Jesus - The Diocesan Mission

The Diocese of Chichester has a mission strategy under the banner of “To know, love and follow Jesus” which aims to

  • Grow in numbers and spiritual depth
  • Re-imagine ministry
  • Contribute to the common good

As an Education service we are looking to make our contribution to the missional intentions of the Diocese.