Small Church Schools
There is no national definition for what classes as a small school. The National Association of Small Schools (NASS) suggests it is schools of 100 pupils or less, the Church of England describes a small school as having under 150 pupils. Regardless of the definition, small schools are a wonderful asset to our diocese and offer unique environments where pupils flourish. However, this is not achieved without significant challenge. This page is dedicated to sharing useful information, links and networking opportunities for leaders of diocesan small schools.
If you would like to contribute to the content of this page please contact our Diocesan Deputy Director of Education, Rob Sanders: robert.sanders@portsmouth.anglican.org
Small School Networks & Professional Organisations
Small church schools often benefit significantly from collaboration through national and regional networks focused on leadership, governance, curriculum and sustainability in small-school contexts.
National Association of Small Schools (NASS)
The National Association of Small Schools champions the distinctive value of small schools and provides networking, advocacy and professional support for school leaders and governors across the UK. NASS particularly promotes the educational and community benefits of small-scale learning environments.
National Association of Small Schools (NASS)
Key areas of support include:
- Advocacy for small schools nationally
- Leadership networking
- Research and best practice
- Rural education issues
- Mixed-age pedagogy
- Community sustainability
NASS defines small schools as those with approximately 100 pupils or fewer and highlights the strong relational and community-centred nature of small-school education.
Research Schools Network – Small Schools Evidence Network
The Small Schools Evidence Network provides evidence-informed professional development specifically tailored to the realities of small-school leadership and teaching. The network supports collaboration around mixed-age teaching, curriculum leadership and school improvement.
Small Schools Evidence Network
Church of England Foundation for Educational Leadership (CEFEL)
CEFEL supports leadership development across Church of England schools, including programmes relevant to headteachers, executive leaders and governors working within small-school settings.
Church of England Foundation for Educational Leadership (CEFEL)
National Governance Association (NGA)
The NGA provides governance guidance, training and strategic resources highly relevant to governing boards overseeing small and rural church schools.
National Governance Association
PiXL Primary
Many small primary schools engage with PiXL Primary networks for curriculum support, assessment resources, leadership development and collaboration opportunities.
Rural & Community School Support
Small church schools frequently serve rural and geographically isolated communities. National discussions around rural education, sustainability and community provision continue to be highly relevant for governors and trust leaders considering long-term strategic planning.
Useful background reading and advocacy resources include:
Progressive Education – Small Schools Resources
These resources highlight research and discussion around:
- Human-scale education
- Community cohesion
- Mixed-age learning
- Rural sustainability
- Small-school leadership models
Networking – contacts
The following Headteachers and Chairs of Governors have offered support and expertise for small school leaders:
Portsmouth Diocese
| Name | Role | Location | Offers support with….. |
| Julie Kelly | Member of the DBE | West Meon | Effective use of teaching assistants, finance, working with organisations such as NASS, NAHT |
| Vickie Farrow | Headteacher | Froxfield | Small school leadership, OFSTED inspections |
| Rebecca Lennon | Headteacher | Isle of Wight | Safeguarding, Christian ethos, English, phonics |
| Carla Bradshaw | Chair of Governors (Federation) | Isle of Wight | Governance, finance, admissions, policy framework, HT recruitment, complaints, grievances |
Winchester Diocese
| Name | Role | Location | Offers support with….. |
| Simon Croutear | Headteacher | Christchurch | Small school leadership |
| Jo Ayres | Headteacher | Bentworth, Alton | Mental health and well-being, inclusion, mixed age classes |
| Charlotte Baker | Deputy Headteacher | Bentworth, Alton | RE, EYFS, inclusion, mixed age classes |
| Philip Baylis | Chair of Governors | Dogmersfield, NE Hants | Small school governance |
| Caroline Horrill | Chair of Governors | Sparsholt, Winchester | Marketing, LA perspectives as a councillor, small school governance |
| Ian Hickman | Executive Headteacher | Andover | Federations, executive leadership |
| Peter Christie | Chair of Governors (Federation) | Andover | Federation process, federation governance |
| Anne Moir | Headteacher | New Forest, South | Curriculum design, mixed-age classes, inclusivity |
Useful links and research
Schools week article 13 March 2024 – What schools gain from supportive SIAMS inspections
National Association of Small Schools (NASS) - look out for their national conference 3rd and 4th October 2024
NAHT article - Under pressure: the financial squeeze on small schools in England January 2023
For those that subscribe to The Key, there is a useful publication, ‘The Challenges of Leading a Rural School’, that is worth a read.
OFSTED and SIAMS Inspections
Schools week article 13 March 2024 – What schools gain from supportive SIAMS inspections
Ofsted inspectors to complete training on small schools – at the beginning of February 2024, it was announced that OFSTED inspectors would have to undergo have to undergo new training on understanding small schools before being able to inspect settings with 150 or fewer pupils. The watchdog has said it has developed the training to ensure that its inspectors “make adaptions to their thinking and practice” when visiting smaller schools. Inspectors are also being trained on how to spot signs of distress in headteachers, and have been provided with written guidance on how to pause an inspection if it is thought that a headteacher needs additional support. See TES full article on this subject (February 2024).