Changes to a school’s structure, age range, buildings, governance or identity can have a big impact on pupils and the wider community.
As a Diocese, we want to support you from the very beginning so that any change is well-planned, legally sound and continues to protect the Christian foundation of your school.
Talk to us early
If you're thinking about making a change, even if it’s only an early idea, please get in touch with your named adviser. A short conversation at the start often makes the whole process clearer and much easier later on.
What You Need to Do
There are just two steps: Making Changes Guidance
- Read the Diocesan Guidance Our guidance explains which changes need diocesan involvement and why, and sets out the process in plain English.
- Complete the Request for Formal Advice and/or Consent Form
If you wish to proceed after reading the guidance, please complete the form so we can provide formal advice or consent.
Request for Formal Advice and/or Consent Form
Additional guidance for maintained schools
Alongside the general guidance above, we have also produced further documents which apply only to maintained church schools:
- Federations – guidance for governing boards considering forming or joining a federation
- Changing the Instrument of Government – guidance on the statutory process and diocesan considerations
These documents sit within the same principles of early discussion, careful planning and protecting the school’s Christian foundation.
Where to find related guidance
Some changes are covered in more detail elsewhere on our website:
- If you are considering academisation, please refer to our Academy Strategy page
- If you are making changes to admissions arrangements, including oversubscription criteria, please refer to our Admissions page
Your named adviser can help you decide which guidance is most relevant to your situation.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re unsure whether your plans count as a ‘significant change’, requires Diocesan permissions or you’d just value a conversation, please contact the Education Team.
We’re always happy to support schools, governors and MATs through the process.
For further information, please contact Helen Shelley helen.shelley@leeds.anglican.org