Small Schools. BIG Impact

Over the recent months, I’ve had the privilege of inspecting a number of small Church of England schools—many of them rooted in rural villages—and I’ve come away with a renewed appreciation for what these schools offer.

While small schools may face challenges—being financially viable, mixed-age classes, fewer peers of the same age—their strengths are both profound and often overlooked.

🟣 Children and families are REALLY known.

🟣 Relationships are close, personal and deeply rooted in trust.

🟣 There’s a palpable ‘family feel’—a genuine sense of belonging.

🟣 Staff speak of looking out for one another: “We’ve got each other’s back.”

🟣 Schools are woven into the life of the village—often with access to local woodland, village halls, local churches, and nature reserves.

This connectedness brings huge benefits—not just to children, but to the adults too. Many staff carry wide-ranging roles and responsibilities, and yet they speak with love and pride for their schools. Retention is high. Wellbeing, often strong. Culture, often cohesive.

There’s something very special about the way these schools hold the community, and how in turn, the community holds them.

🤔 Do we talk enough about the value of small schools—not just as places to learn, but as life-affirming places to work?

🤔 Have you seen the 'NPQ Small' professional development courses offered by the Church of England? Click here for more information: https://www.cefel.org.uk/npqsmall/

🤔 What have you noticed about the strengths of small schools?