The Dissenting Academy is a new project of New Unity. It draws upon the history of our Dissenter forebears who - being barred from attending University by restrictive laws imposed upon those who would not assent to the creeds of the Church of England - created superb learning institutions of their own: Dissenting Academies.

’Dissenting Academy’ then meant academies for dissenters. We imagine reinvigorating this name for our times as an Academy for dissent - a place that prepares people for the work of identifying unjust systems in today's world, envisioning alternatives, speaking out clearly and boldly, and working to create change by the many means available.

The concept and aims of The Dissenting Academy are inevitably closely linked to those of New Unity's Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant-supported project. It is anticipated that at least some of The Dissenting Academy's work will be supported by HLF grant funds and HLF grant-funded New Unity personnel.

The Dissenting Academy vision has not yet been deeply explored or set. A small group of organisers is seeking a larger selection of voices and perspectives to establish a clear, compelling, practical, and powerful vision for The Dissenting Academy.

Please join in the meeting to help set a vision! Get the full instructions for participating in the vision meeting including the invitation to submit a written vision statement here.