The Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education, formed in 1830, is one of the oldest formal diocesan bodies. Many of our schools were founded before that date, and the Board, or Council as it was called then, was formed to support their work and to promote new schools.

A press report of the 'Foundation of the Dorset School Society' in Dorchester on April 13th 1812, noted 'That a Society be instituted for the purpose of promoting the Education of the Poor of the County of Dorset, by instructing them in suitable learning and in the principles of the Established Church of England... That the Lord Bishop of the Diocese be the President... and that an account of the state and progress of the Society be sent annually to his Lordship...' All this as Napoleon marched on Moscow, and the nation was locked in a seemingly endless European war.

The history of the Church's involvement with education is long and distinguished, and the Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education is proud to continue that mission into another century. In both Dorset and Wiltshire, more than half of all primary schools have a Church foundation.

Each year SDBE provides support and resources for celebrating Education Sunday as a sign of witness to its commitment to education. This occasion draws together churches and schools in worship and action to dedicate all those serving young people.

The Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education was the first to establish a dedicated educational website www.saled.org and has the endorsement of The Bishop of Salisbury:

"I am pleased to commend the website of SDBE and the work carried out by the Board to encourage an innovative approach to learning" - The Rt Rev David Stancliffe

The website supports the work of all the officers of the Board of Education and allows accessibility to ALL our services over a very wide area.

Robert Key MP stated: "I am impressed by the practical advice, help and guidance for teachers on difficult issues such as faith, relationships, gender and a whole selection of material on spiritual, moral, social and cultural development for our young people."

The Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education is a company limited by guarantee (No. 464306) and is registered as a charity (No. 1059195). It is funded largely by Parish Share given freely by parishioners right across the diocese.  We also benefit from several Educational Trusts but are always pleased to receive donations to help us further our work, for instance, this website has been generously funded by The Mercers Company.

If you wish to contribute to the work of the board financially by legacy or donation please contact the Director of Education on chris.shepperd@salisbury.anglican.org