Our Vision
Southwark Diocesan Board of Education (SDBE) serves a diverse and vibrant family of schools and academies, colleges and universities. Our schools educate and support over 35,000 pupils and families across the south of London and Surrey. Established in 1905, the SDBE has been supporting schools and transforming futures for over a century. Our vision builds on all we have done and seeks to respond to what we are called to do now and in the future.
Aligned with the Diocesan vision, the Board of Education also seeks to be Christ Centred Outward Focused, supporting schools in their delivery of education that is inspiring and transformational, equipping our children and young people for a life in which they thrive. This next evolution and fresh articulation of our vision comes as we take opportunities offered and meet the challenges of education in 2025 and beyond. We walk together with our schools, knowing God’s love and wisdom can inspire what a school is, does and achieves: the transforming of childrens’ and young peoples’ lives.
Through prayful consideration, this verse from Philippians resonated with the Board as it sought to capture the hope for education for the future.
‘Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you’.
Philippians 4 8-9
The SDBE seeks to be a constant for our school leaders, governors, staff and chaplains. We are called to serve and be attentive, to be a source of support and encouragement, an expert resource and to promote educational excellence for everyone. As advocates for our pupils, schools and Church of England Education, we are united by our Christian vision and distinctiveness, and, together with school leaders, we ensure that our children and young people receive the promise to thrive.
SIAMS and OFSTED inspection outcomes place us as high performing Diocesan Board of Education, with our diocesan schools’ performance consistently above national averages. We offer a vision where all belong, serve and thrive in Christian love and hope; this vision embraces excellence and academic rigour, and sets them equally with the spiritual, physical, emotional, moral and social development.
The SDBE vision is deeply Christian, loving and serving all in the community, reflecting the wider Anglican concern for the well-being of everyone entrusted to our care. There are fundamental reasons, rooted in faith, which have motivated centuries of Christian involvement in schooling in Southwark. The God of all creation is concerned with everyone: to belong, serve and thrive is to respect equity, celebrate diversity and welcome all.
When Christ is at the heart of our life together, our hope is continually renewed, our vision restored and we find ourselves re-orientated towards the people and the world that God loves.
Our vision invites all to belong, serve and thrive.