Revamping Sturry Church of England Primary School Endowments: A New Chapter for Educational Funds

In a fresh turn of events for Sturry Church of England Primary School, nestled in the charming county of Kent, a significant change is underway concerning its historical endowments. The school, no longer operating as a religious institution on its former premises, has set the stage for a transformation in how its funds will be utilized, benefiting local religious education and broader educational initiatives.

The Historical Endowment: A Quick Recap

The roots of this endowment trace back to the 19th century, enshrined in two deeds from 1851 and 1895. These endowments were initially tied to the school's operations, particularly focusing on religious education aligned with the Church of England's doctrines. With the school's premises no longer in use, the endowment—amounting to £15,574.02 from the sale of the school property—has been held in deposit, awaiting a new purpose.

Entering a New Era: The 2025 Order

As of June 5, 2025, a new directive has been enacted, reshaping the future of these funds. The Secretary of State for Education, satisfied with the plans proposed by the Canterbury Diocesan Board of Education, has issued an order to reallocate the endowment into two distinct funds:

1. The School Fund: Comprising eleven-fourteenths of the trust assets, this fund will be managed by the Canterbury Diocesan Board of Finance. Its purpose aligns with supporting educational initiatives within the Diocese of Canterbury.

2. The Religious Education Fund: Making up three-fourteenths of the assets, this fund will be overseen by the rector and churchwardens of the Parish of Sturry, encompassing St Nicholas with Fordwich, St Mary the Virgin & Westbere, and All Saints with Hersden. It will focus on religious education within these parishes, potentially through Sunday schools or similar programs.

A Collaborative Future

The funds linked to the School Fund will merge with the Canterbury Diocesan Board of Education General Education Fund, enhancing the financial resources available for Church of England schools within the Diocese. This consolidation aims to bolster infrastructure, maintenance, and educational support services across various church-affiliated educational institutions.

A Community-Centric Approach

This strategic reallocation ensures that the historical endowments continue to serve educational purposes, albeit in a modern context. By channeling these resources into well-defined funds, the order maintains a focus on religious education while simultaneously supporting broader educational development within the region.

As these changes come into effect, the Diocese of Canterbury stands poised to enhance educational opportunities and uphold the traditions of religious instruction, ensuring that the legacy of Sturry Church of England Primary School endures in a meaningful way.