This webpage is for those who are booked in to attend a Residential Panel, and have already had their Carousel Conversations.
Funding for Theological training
Church of England Theological Training is funded in bands according to your age at the start of training. The table below outlines the block grant system which covers college fees for you. Full time residential training is only available for those under 40 at the start of their training.
Limited, means tested maintenance payments are made to those in residential training. This includes accommodation costs.
Non-residential, part time students receive a book grant (paid at the beginning of the academic year) and travel expenses.
If you already have a degree in Christian Theology, it may be that your period of training is slightly shorter. Those who have already been licensed as LLMs can usually undertake a tailored one-year pathway at St Mellitus in Chelmsford.
| Age Range | Band | Block Grant £m | Years Payable |
| <32 | 1 | 16,299 | 3 |
| 32-39 | 2 | 16,299 | 2 |
| 40-54 | 3 | 7,071 | 3 |
| 55+ | 4 | 7,071 | 2 |
Additional grants
Additional grants for those in training are available from a number of organisations:
Contact the DDO team for further details on grants.
It is important to recognise that Theological Training (even non-residentially) entails significant changes to your finances.
Where can I undertake Theological Training?
Ordination training must take place in one of the Church of England’s approved Colleges and Courses.
Will you have contact with the DDO at Theological College?
During your time in training your DDO will visit you at your college and meet with your tutor to receive updates on your progress. At the end of your penultimate and final years the college issues a report to the Bishop and DDO, which is an integral part of the appointments system for curacies.
Sickness
If you are unable to attend training because you are ill, you are subject to the Durham Awards sickness and absence policy.
An absence of 3 months or more will mean that you must attend a special panel to assess whether you are ready to return to college.
Safeguarding
At College you will undertake Safeguarding Training. The Diocese expects ordinands to conform to the Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of the Clergy which includes communicating any Safeguarding concerns to the DDO and to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team as promptly as possible.
