Growing numbers of Church of England schools are failing to appoint heads of the same faith, according to a study.
A new Church of England report into the training needs of its schools reveals “a significant shortage of leaders [nationally] which is felt even more acutely” by church schools.
“There was clear consensus across school leaders and diocesan officials that recruitment of school leaders with the necessary understanding and commitment is proving increasingly difficult and sometimes impossible,” says the report.
There are ample candidates available, if the Church of England is prepared to look at conservative evangelical and anglo-catholic candidates. But they don’t want that.
The non-CofE Anglican movement is in its infancy in England, and there is much work to be done. But when they get a chance, Anglican leaders should look at establishing their own schools – many people (by no means just practicing Christians) will want to send their children to them.