It has been my privilege over many years to visit schools in many different places. This has been across England but also in some of the very poorest countries in the world, like Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda. It does not matter where I see schools at work, I am always impressed by the dedication of teachers and the longing of parents to want the very best for their children. As a parent I know you want the very best for your child. The Church of England is engaged in schools because it too wants the very best for every child. Every child matters because every child is special. Naturally they are special to you, their parent or carer, and to grandparents. They are also very special to the school. This is particularly true for us in church schools because of what we believe about the value God places on every child. Jesus’ friends were arguing one day about who was the greatest in God’s kingdom. Jesus took a small child, stood him or her amongst the group and told all the adults that unless they became like this child they could never enter God’s kingdom. I often wonder just how very special that child felt that day. We want that sense of being loved, accepted and valued to be at the very heart of our schools, and of your child’s education.
Education matters because it provides building blocks for life now and into the future. We seek to offer the very best education we can in every school. This is not simply about the important matters of reading, writing, numbers and the like. It is also about the values by which we behave, and the kind of people we want to be. We believe our church schools offer great all round education for every child. I love being able to visit schools and meet children. They are always enthusiastic, welcoming and brilliant at asking tough questions. Their zeal for learning is inspiring. So welcome to one of our wonderful church schools. I trust your child will find they grow and develop well throughout their time here.
Bishop Paul Butler
