Rector of Hackney appears in Songs of Praise this Sunday

BBC’s Songs of Praise celebrates church schools pioneer, Joshua Watson this Sunday, in a programme featuring the Rector of St John’s in Hackney.

Rev Rob Wickham talks about the importance of church schools and Joshua Watson’s continuing legacy, in the BBC1 show.

St John’s in Lower Clapton Road is the burial place of Joshua Watson, who lived in Clapton and founded the National Society for the Education of the Poor in 1811 to oversee church schools.

The model he established became the foundation for the modern state education system and the Church of England is celebrating 200 years of church schools and their influence throughout 2011.

“Church schools provide an education with a distinctive Christian ethos while remaining inclusive and committed to the local community,” said Rev Wickham.

“Here in Hackney Central we are committed to this inclusive vision,” says Rev Wickham.

“In our church schools, we recognise the uniqueness of every human person as made in God’s image, and we strive to give the best start in life, giving the tools to make right choices.”

The Church of England is celebrating 200 years of church schools and their influence throughout 2011.

Songs of Praise airs at 4.30pm on BBC 1 this Sunday.