Transforming the lives of children and young people through distinctive, rooted and inclusive education
Supporting a Church School Family of 97 schools and academies across the Diocese of Leicester — providing guidance, training, and resources for Head Teachers, Governors, Staff, and Clergy.
Contact the DBE
"A leader must also have faith in the people she is to lead — to see good in them and raise them to higher achievement through praise not condemnation, encouragement not criticism."
— The Rt Rev'd Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester
Rooted in Faith, Serving Education
The Leicester Diocesan Board of Education works alongside schools, clergy, and communities to nurture distinctive Christian education. Our vision is to see every child and young person flourish through effective, inclusive, and spiritually grounded learning.
Training & Events
Continuing Professional Development for Head Teachers, RE Coordinators, Governors, and staff. Browse our CPD brochures, conference details, and the New Headteacher Induction Programme.
View Training →Resources
Religious Education materials, Collective Worship guidelines, SMSC resources, and RSHE support — all designed to help schools deliver rich, thoughtful, and inclusive provision.
Browse Resources →Supporting Every Church School
From Appleby Magna to Lutterworth College, our 97 schools and academies form a vibrant family across the diocese. We provide regular newsletters, updated guidance, and direct contact with our team at St Martins House in Leicester.
Whether you need RE curriculum support, help with Collective Worship planning, or advice on governance, the DBE team is here to serve.
The Leicester Diocesan Board of Education serves a vibrant family of church schools and academies across the diocese, offering dedicated guidance to head teachers, governors, staff, and clergy. Rooted in a vision of distinctive and inclusive education, the board helps schools nurture children and young people in environments where faith, learning, and personal growth can flourish together. Through regular training, updated resources, and collaborative networks, the DBE supports school communities in their shared mission to provide an education that transforms lives and builds hopeful futures for every child.
At the heart of the board's work lies a commitment to distinctive Christian education that is both deeply rooted in tradition and fully inclusive of all. Church schools across Leicester and the surrounding region embrace a vision where every child is valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their potential. This approach draws on the belief that education should uplift the whole person — academically, spiritually, and socially — creating school communities where praise and encouragement replace criticism, and where every young person can discover a sense of purpose and belonging.
Collective worship and spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development form essential pillars of life in the diocese's church schools. The board provides thoughtful resources and training to help schools design worship that is engaging, relevant, and meaningful for children of all backgrounds. Through regular gatherings, seasonal celebrations, and reflective practice, pupils are invited to explore big questions, develop empathy, and grow in understanding of themselves and others. This emphasis on SMSC enriches the wider curriculum and strengthens the caring ethos of each school community.
The DBE offers a comprehensive programme of training and events designed to equip school leaders, teachers, and governors with the skills and confidence they need to thrive. From leadership development and governance workshops to curriculum guidance and collective worship planning, these sessions draw on the expertise of experienced practitioners and diocesan advisers. Whether held in person or through virtual platforms, the training opportunities foster a spirit of shared learning and mutual support across the network of church schools and academies.
Religious education lies at the core of the curriculum in church schools, inviting pupils to explore faith, belief, and the rich traditions of Christianity alongside other world religions. The board supports schools in delivering RE that is academically rigorous, spiritually enriching, and inclusive of all learners. By encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and respectful dialogue, church schools help children develop religious literacy and a deeper appreciation of the diverse beliefs and values that shape our communities and our world.
The diocese's network spans a wide geographical area, encompassing primary schools, junior schools, and infant schools in towns and villages from Market Harborough and Lutterworth to Hinckley, Earl Shilton, and beyond. Each school within this family brings its own unique character and local identity, yet all share a common commitment to the values and vision that unite the diocesan community. The board celebrates this diversity while fostering strong connections between schools, enabling them to learn from one another and grow together.
Governance is a vital ministry within the life of church schools, and the board provides dedicated support to help governing bodies fulfil their roles with confidence and clarity. Through guidance documents, training sessions, and one-to-one advice, governors are equipped to oversee school improvement, shape strategic direction, and preserve the distinctive Christian character of their schools. This partnership between the diocese and local governing bodies ensures that every school remains well led, accountable, and true to its founding vision.
The board's work is animated by a hopeful vision of education that sees the potential in every child and believes in the power of encouragement to raise achievement. Inspired by the message that leadership involves faith in people and a commitment to lifting others up, the DBE strives to be a source of support, inspiration, and practical help for all who serve in church schools. Together, the diocesan family works to create learning communities where children and young people truly flourish.
