f. Links with the Church and Diocese

At Aston Rowant School, strong and meaningful partnerships with the local church and the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education (ODBE) play a vital role in shaping our identity as a Church of England school. These relationships support our Christian vision, strengthen leadership, and enrich the spiritual and educational life of the school community. 

Partnership with the Diocese (ODBE) 

We enjoy an excellent and well‑established relationship with the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education (ODBE), which supports and challenges us to live out our Christian vision with integrity and clarity. 

• The school works closely with our Link Adviser, whose guidance supports leadership, curriculum development, and reflective practice 
• Staff and governors regularly engage with ODBE training and development opportunities, strengthening understanding of:  

1. Christian distinctiveness 
2. Values‑Based Education 
3. Collective Worship 
4. RE and SIAMS expectations 

• Diocesan support plays a key role in strategic planning and continuous improvement 

This partnership has been recognised externally, with inspectors noting: 

“Leaders have utilised well the help of the local authority and diocese.” Ofsted, 2022 

Our relationship with the diocese ensures that our Christian vision remains theologically rooted, outward‑looking, and lived across all aspects of school life. 

Relationship with the Local Church 

We benefit from a close, thriving relationship with our local church, built on trust, shared values, and mutual commitment. 

• The local vicar is a school governor, providing consistent spiritual leadership and insight 
• The Open the Book team leads Collective Worship weekly, bringing Bible stories to life through drama and pupil participation 
• A church team delivers RE Inspired sessions half‑termly, working with different classes across the school 
• Weekly prayer meetings are held with clergy, staff, and governors, strengthening spiritual leadership and shared purpose 

Worship, Festivals, and Community Life 

Our connections with the church enrich the rhythm of the school year and strengthen pupils’ understanding of belonging and tradition. 

• The local church is used for termly services, including key festivals and Remembrance 
• Pupils visit the church regularly as part of RE learning, helping faith become tangible and meaningful 
• Each year, the school decorates a tree for the church’s Tree Festival and sings at the associated service 
• Pupils and staff join local churches annually for the World Day of Prayer 
• The PTA supports the church in hosting the patronal festival, reinforcing strong community links 
• The Headteacher reads a lesson at Nine Lessons and Carols each year, symbolising the close partnership between school and church 

Shared Commitment 

Together with the church and diocese, we work to ensure that pupils experience a school where: 

• Christian faith is lived authentically 
• Community relationships are strong and nurturing 
• Spiritual growth is valued alongside academic development 

These partnerships help us to grow together, rooted in God, and to support our pupils in enjoying life in all its fullness.