A recent independent review has found that the training on offer from the Diocese of Oxford is strong, improving, and well placed for the future.
We offer courses training people for lay and ordained ministry as part of the South Central Theological Education Institution (SCTEI) - a theological education partnership with the diocese of Guildford Local Ministry Programme and Winchester School of Mission.
The SCTEI was reviewed by the Church of England in 2025. At the time, inspectors praised the team for being creative, collaborative and focused on helping people prepare for real-life ministry. As always, the inspection team made recommendations for improving our training further.
Recently, the inspectors checked our responses to their recommendations and concluded that review has been taken seriously and acted on. Changes have been made, improvements put in place, and the result is a training programme that is now in a much stronger position.
Revd Dr Andy Angel, Director of Formation for Ministry in the Diocese of Oxford, said: “We were delighted with their very positive assessment of us. We listened carefully to their recommendations, implemented them, and are very pleased that they can see how we have strengthened our programmes and that we are delivering quality programmes that train people effectively for real-life ministry.”
So what does this mean in practice?
- Training for lay (non-ordained) ministry was already rated highly and continues to be strong
- Training for ordination has improved following changes and is now more firmly established
- There is a clear commitment to supporting people well, whether they are at the start of their journey or further along
There are also some wider changes happening. Alongside our partnership with the diocese of Guildford, the diocese of Oxford is exploring working more closely with all the theological colleges in Oxford.
If you are exploring a call to ministry, whether ordained or lay, the Diocese of Oxford offers training that is well-supported, and focused on helping you make a real difference.