The Anglican Communion Schools' Network (ACSN) held its inaugural symposium from 30 September to 2 October in London. The symposium brought together Anglican school, education and church leaders from across the Communion for learning, discussion, worship, fellowship and to explore the theme ‘Anglican Schools as Places of Mission and Ministry’.

Following the meeting, the network has released a communiqué.

Communiqué from the Inaugural Symposium of the Anglican Communion Schools' Network (ACSN) 

Gathered in London

From 30 September to 2 October 2026, leaders of Anglican schools and education systems from across the Communion met in London for the inaugural symposium of the Anglican Communion Schools' Network (ACSN). We came from 11 Provinces and 12 countries and gathered under the theme Anglican Schools as Places of Mission and Ministry. The symposium was graciously hosted by the Anglican Communion Office and the National Society for Education. It was facilitated by the Most Revd Kay Goldsworthy AO DD, Archbishop of Perth and Chair of the Network, and the Revd Peter Laurence OAM, its Convenor. 

Worship, study and conversation

Our days were shaped by prayer. The Revd Canon Dr Stephen Spencer, Director of Theology and Implementation at the Anglican Communion Office and Link Director for the Network, led daily Bible study focusing on the role of young people in sacred text. Scripture set the tone of our symposium. 

The Rt Revd Dr Jo Wells, Deputy Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, spoke to us about school education and the Anglican calling across differing cultures and contexts. Her address framed a question we returned to throughout: what makes a school Anglican when settings, languages, and contexts differ so widely? Each participant also reported on the state of education and Anglican schooling in their Province. Together, these reports began to explore Bishop Wells’ question, revealing the remarkable range of contexts in which our schools serve and the common challenges and convictions that bind us together. 

At Lambeth Palace we were received by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, for conversation, fellowship and worship. Together we recognized and celebrated the diverse ways that Anglican schools across the Communion express their Anglican identity. The archbishop challenged us to confidently embrace the mission and ministry of our schools. She also emphasized the importance of networking in our various roles. We are grateful for her encouragement and affirmation of the central place of Anglican schools in the Church’s mission.  

The Revd Dr Jamie Hawkey, Canon Theologian for Westminster Abbey, addressed the gathering on topics ranging from the Rule of St Benedict in creating communities of hospitality and education to the role of artificial intelligence in the lives of schools and students today.

Next steps

Moving forward, we will continue to gather regularly online as we discern the role of this network in celebrating the mission and ministry of Anglican schools and continue to learn from each other.  The next symposium will take place in New York in November 2027, hosted by the National Association of Episcopal Schools.  We return to our schools carrying the prayers of colleagues across the world. We ask the prayers of the Communion for the children and young people in our care, and for all who teach, lead, and serve them. 

Published: October 2026 

 More information

Download the communiqué here. 

See a recent article about the first in-person meeting of the Anglican Communion Schools' Network.