Anglican Formation

Preparing for formation is a big step which you will have considered thoughtfully for a long time. you may also have already talked to your diocese about it.
Below are the different options for Anglican Formation, with information you may find helpful for making that step, but we encourage you to Book a Conversation soon so that you can talk it over with someone who will help you to make that important decision.

Click on a type of formation for more information
Four people in vicars' vestements in a garden looking at a camera

Anglican Ordination

Train for Ordination Part-Time or Full-Time in a local context

Three ordinands wearing vicars' vestments

The Elizabeth Pathway

The St Hild Centre for Baptist Ministry offers a fully accredited route for students recommended for Baptist ministerial formation. 

A group of lay readers wearing blue lay reader vestments gathered for a photo outside a cathedral.

Licensed Lay Training

Flexible Foundation, Certificate, Diploma and BA options

People sitting in a circle in a room with a bay window

Alternative Learning Pathways

Our highly commended MA and new MA in Leadership

What is Anglican Formation?

Anglican formation is the formal preparation for ordination in the Church of England, and is based on these three fundamental areas. These vary based on the type of formation, and you can find more specific information on the individual pages above.

Mission 

Every St Hild ordinand is engaged with mission in a local context.

For full-time ordinands, this means 16-20 hours per week developing new ministry alongside an experienced practitioner, supported by regular group reflection time. 

For part-time ordinands, it means a short-term placement in a local parish from Advent to Easter of their first year, plus a second placement in a new area or international context. 

Study 

Ordinands are based at Mirfield, Lincoln, Sheffield or Online for weekly study. 

Part-time ordinands normally need to set aside 10-12 hours per week for additional study. 

Full-time ordinands – and self-supporting ordinands on our Intensive Pathway – study for 20 hours each week with additional academic time possible, depending on their individual study pathway. 

Prayer

Our ordinand community gathers each year for six residential weekends at Mirfield and one Easter week at Durham.

This is crucial formational time for worship, prayer, shared meals, study 
and retreat. Ordinands journey through training as part of a Prayer Group for mutual accountability and personal growth. All ordinands are encouraged to have a spiritual director. 

Two women listening carefully in a classroom

Ready to answer your calling?

Book a place on one of our open days and you’ll get an interview slot during the day to talk through the steps you’ll be taking and what kind of thing you’ll do (yes there will be quiche).

Book a conversation