In this autumn update, our Common Good Schools Project Leader Jo Stow welcomes new partner schools, shares news of our growing team and reports on recent activities with school leaders. She also highlights an opportunity for Church of England primary schools to pilot our KS2 resource, and invites schools to join the next cohort of Common Good Schools.
A new school year, new opportunities
The autumn term is well underway, and it’s been encouraging to see Common Good Schools taking root in more schools across the country. Following a busy summer of inductions and preparations, a number of our newest partner schools are now introducing the programme to their pupils through lessons, assemblies and opportunities for reflection.
Of course, the real purpose of Common Good Schools goes beyond the classroom. We want to help children and young people understand what it means to take responsibility for the places where they live, and to discover how relationships with neighbours and local organisations can help build the common good. As our schools begin a new academic year, I’m looking forward to seeing how this learning translates into practical action in their communities.
We welcomed 14 new partner schools during the last academic year, and this term another secondary school and 3 primary schools are beginning the programme. We’re also delighted to welcome a new colleague to the team, while continuing to work with school leaders across the country to explore the distinctive vocation of church schools in this cultural moment.
Welcoming Denstone College
On 2 September, I travelled to Denstone College, near Uttoxeter, to deliver induction training for our newest partner school.
Set within the beautiful and historic surroundings of the College, the morning brought together Revd Darren Edge, the College Chaplain, and Jordan Lambert, a local Schools Worker funded by churches in nearby Uttoxeter (header image above). Together we explored the vision and practical approach of Common Good Schools, with a particular focus on how the programme can strengthen relationships within the school and with the wider community.
Darren brings considerable pastoral experience to his role, supporting the spiritual and personal development of the College community. Jordan will be helping to deliver the lesson material and develop connections between the schools he works with, creating opportunities for pupils to put what they learn into practice.
It was a very encouraging morning, with thoughtful questions and a shared enthusiasm for what might be possible. We’re particularly pleased by the opportunity to strengthen relationships between the College, local churches and the wider community, and look forward to seeing how the partnership develops.
Welcoming Abby Chapman to the team
I’m delighted to share that Abby Chapman has been appointed as our new Common Good Schools Coordinator and will be working alongside me as we continue to develop and grow the programme.
Following a successful recruitment process, Abby joins us at an exciting time. Thanks to generous funding from the Assumption Legacy Fund, we are building our capacity to support more primary and secondary schools across the country over the next three years. Her appointment is an important step in this work, helping us strengthen relationships with our existing partner schools while welcoming new schools into the programme. We look forward to introducing Abby more fully in due course, and I hope you will join me in giving her a very warm welcome.
Working with school leaders
An important part of our work is helping school leaders explore what it means to bring Catholic Social Teaching and the common good more deeply into every aspect of school life.
Jenny Sinclair recently led a half day session for the latest EducareM Christ the Teacher Retreat at Coombe Abbey (pictured, below) for headteachers from across England. The session addressed the vocation of Catholic schools at this cultural moment. Jenny described how they can become part of the antidote to the malaise our country faces. The session explored how the wisdom of Catholic social teaching can empower schools at every level, equipping young people to build relationships and take responsibility, enabling the whole school community to contribute to the common good of their neighbourhoods.
Jenny also addressed headteachers, governors and trustees at the St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust “Building the Family Together” mission day at the St Helen’s Brewdog Stadium. Jenny (pictured, below) led a session exploring the charism of St Joseph, describing the operating context of the cultural moment, and introducing how the principles and insights of Catholic social teaching adopted at strategic level across the trust can help to strengthen local communities.
We’re pleased to be contributing to this work of formation, helping senior leaders think about the mission of their schools, and how they can strengthen relationships, foster responsibility and make a tangible contribution to civic renewal.
An invitation to Church of England primary schools
Following the successful launch of our new KS2 programme earlier this year, we’re delighted to be extending an invitation to Church of England primary schools to help us pilot the resource.
Originally developed with Catholic primary schools, the six-week programme introduces children to the principles of the common good and encourages them to think about their relationships with others, their responsibilities and the contribution they can make to their communities.
We believe the resource has considerable potential for Church of England schools, particularly in helping pupils explore questions of justice and responsibility, including those raised in SIAMS Inspection Question 5.
Two Church of England primary schools have already signed up for the pilot, and we’d love others to join too. We’re suggesting a donation of just £25 to cover administration costs for participating schools.
Induction training will take place later in the autumn term, preparing schools to begin the programme in January 2027. If you work in a Church of England primary school, or know someone who does, please do consider getting involved.
Apply for the Church of England KS2 pilot
Getting involved
We’re always delighted to hear from schools interested in becoming part of Common Good Schools. Our programmes for primary and secondary schools provide a practical way of helping children and young people develop the habits, relationships and sense of responsibility needed to contribute to the common good.
Schools, academies and multi academy trusts are welcome to apply, and discounts are available for schools joining together across a trust, diocese or local area.
If you’d like to explore whether Common Good Schools could be right for your school, you can find out more through our website and request a free sample pack.
Applications for our next cohort close on Friday 23 October 2026. Induction training will take place during the autumn term, preparing schools to begin the programme in January 2027.
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Activity and events, autumn term 2026
It’s been a busy start to the term, with new school partnerships, induction training and opportunities to work with school leaders.
- 23 October: Deadline for applications to join the next Common Good Schools cohort
- Later in the autumn: Induction training for new partner schools, including Church of England primary schools joining our KS2 pilot
- January 2027: The next cohort of partner schools begins the programme
Prayers please
We would greatly appreciate your prayers for our work in the coming months:
- For all our partner schools, particularly those introducing Common Good Schools to their pupils for the first time this term.
- For Abby as she joins the team, and for wisdom as we develop the programme and welcome more schools.
- For the Church of England primary school pilot, that it will help us learn how best to support schools from different Christian traditions.
- For teachers, chaplains and school leaders, that they will find encouragement and inspiration in helping young people build the common good.
- For further donations to our bursary fund, enabling schools facing financial challenges to take part.
Thank you, as always, for your interest, encouragement and support. It’s a privilege to work alongside schools that are committed not only to the education of their pupils, but also to strengthening the relationships and communities of which they are part.
Jo Stow
Project Leader, Common Good Schools
T4CG’s Common Good Schools programme equips schools to enable children and young people develop skills around building relationships and taking responsibility. Schools acting as good neighbours in their communities not only strengthen their own students but make a tangible contribution to the shared life of their neighbourhood. Find out more and arrange a conversation with Jo here
