The Role of the Head Teacher in the Church of England Primary School: Leadership, Values and Ethos

Abstract

This article considers how the head teacher’s value system influences the ethos of the Church of England (C of E) Voluntary Controlled (VC) primary school. The findings were generated from a case study of six head teachers of rural primary schools in the East of England. The role of a head teacher in any school is a huge responsibility. Leading a C of E school comes with the added responsibility of providing a Christian distinctiveness, within the traditions of the school’s foundation. The head teacher has a vital role in providing this school distinctiveness through the ethos they create.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gillian Holmes

Gillian Holmes is a former head teacher of a Church of England Primary School. She currently works as a SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) inspector. She completed a Professional Doctorate in Education at Anglia Ruskin University.

Simon Pratt-Adams

Simon Pratt-Adams is Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care and Acting Director of the Centre for Innovation in Higher Education in Anglia Learning and Teaching at Anglia Ruskin University.