The National Society (Church of England)
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| The National Society (Church of England) | |
|---|---|
| Name | The National Society for Promoting Religious Education |
| Formation | 1811 |
| Founder | Archbishop of Canterbury, William Wilberforce |
| Type | Charity |
| Headquarters | London |
| Region served | England and Wales |
| Parent organisation | Church of England |
The National Society (Church of England) is a Church of England body founded in 1811 to promote Anglican education and to found schools for poor children; it has influenced the development of Elementary Education Act 1870, Education Act 1944, and subsequent statutes affecting faith schools. The Society operates within the institutional structures of the Church of England, maintaining links with diocesan bishops, parish clergy, and national church bodies such as the Archbishops' Council and the General Synod of the Church of England. Its network of schools and advisory bodies connects to civic institutions including Downing Street, the Department for Education, and local county councils.
History
The Society was created in response to social and religious debates involving figures like William Wilberforce, William Pitt the Younger, and the Clapham Sect amid the aftermath of the Industrial Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Early aims were articulated alongside institutions such as St Paul’s Cathedral, diocesan structures like the Diocese of London, and philanthropic societies inspired by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. In the 19th century the Society collaborated with schoolbuilders, parish patrons, and civic bodies including the Poor Law Commission and the National Union of Teachers as debates over the Elementary Education Act 1870 unfolded. During the 20th century it negotiated with ministries represented by ministers such as R.A. Butler and engaged with legislation including the Education Act 1944 and the Education Reform Act 1988, adapting to policies driven from Westminster and interacting with actors like the National Union of Students. In recent decades it has responded to reforms under administrations led by Tony Blair, Theresa May, and Boris Johnson, engaging with inquiries and reports from bodies such as the Education Select Committee and national charities like National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children on safeguarding.
Organisation and Governance
The Society is structured to work with diocesan and national organs: trustees and executive officers liaise with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of York, provincial offices, and diocesan bishops across sees such as Canterbury, York, Durham, Carlisle, and London. Its governance involves committees mirroring arrangements in institutions like the Charity Commission for England and Wales and the Companies House regime for non-profit bodies. It maintains advisory links with professional groups including the Association of School and College Leaders, the National Association of Head Teachers, and diocesan boards of education in partnership with clerical bodies such as the Parochial Church Council. Financial oversight engages with charities such as the Church Commissioners and interacts with funding streams administered by the Education Funding Agency and successor arms of the Department for Education.
Role in Church of England Education
The Society acts as a promoter and founder of voluntary aided schools and voluntary controlled schools historically, providing model trust deeds and assisting in establishing curricula consistent with resources like the Book of Common Prayer and theological education from institutions such as King’s College London and Ripon College Cuddesdon. It has supported teacher training links with universities including University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Durham University, and colleges such as St John’s College, Durham to form clergy and lay educators. The National Society champions admissions policies and collective worship arrangements that reflect guidance from bodies like the House of Bishops and works with inspection frameworks tied to offices such as Ofsted and the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools.
Relationships with Government and Law
From the 19th-century advocacy around the Elementary Education Act 1870 to modern engagement over the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, the Society has negotiated concordats and memoranda with governmental departments at Whitehall and ministers including Michael Gove. It participates in legal and policy forums addressing equalities law such as provisions of the Equality Act 2010 and human rights matters under the Human Rights Act 1998. The Society has brought submissions to committees including the Education Select Committee and engaged solicitors and counsel in cases touching on religious ethos, school governance, and property disputes before tribunals and courts including the High Court of Justice.
Influence and Activities
The Society convenes conferences and issues guidance for clergy, headteachers, and diocesan boards, hosting events in venues like Westminster Abbey and offering resources that influence networks including the Church Times, the Church of England Newspaper, and national educational charities. It supports school-building programmes, governance training, curriculum advice, and safeguarding policies that intersect with organizations such as Ofsted, the Disclosure and Barring Service, and the Independent Schools Council where relevant. Internationally, it has counterparts and contacts with bodies such as the Anglican Communion and overseas dioceses in provinces like Anglican Church of Australia and the Episcopal Church (United States).
Criticism and Controversies
The Society has faced critique from political actors like members of Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, and activist groups concerning admissions practices, funding of faith schools, and relationships with secular bodies such as Humanists UK and the National Secular Society. Legal challenges and parliamentary scrutiny have arisen around issues of equality under the Equality Act 2010, governance transparency scrutinized by the Charity Commission for England and Wales, and curriculum content debated in contexts involving the BBC and higher education institutions. Debates continue over the societal role of faith schools in pluralist contexts involving MPs, peers in the House of Lords, and civic movements represented by campaign groups and trade unions.