Installation of Bishop Sophie Jelley
The Right Reverend Sophie Jelley, the tenth Bishop of Coventry, was welcomed by three young people from schools in the diocese as her installation service began and hundreds of people from Coventry and Warwickshire gathered in Coventry Cathedral on Saturday.
Bishop Sophie stood at the entrance to the cathedral whilst two young people, one from Barrs Hill School and another from Bluecoat CofE School asked her who she was and why she has come. She answered “I am Sophie, a servant of Christ, called to be a bishop in the Church of God. I come in faith and obedience, to share in the life of this diocese and to walk with the people of God in this place.”
The cathedral bells rang and a choir of children from local schools sang as dignitaries including MPs, council and business leaders assembled for the service. The schools were All Saint’s CofE Primary, Clifford Bridge Academy
Frederick Bird Academy, Hearsall Community Academy, Walsgrave CofE Academy, Whittle Academy, St John’s CE Academy and St Laurence’s CE Primary.
During the service, Bishop Jelley took oaths of allegiance and obedience before receiving the Diocesan Crozier – a curved staff – from the High Altar where it was placed by her predecessor when he left in 2023.
She gave her inaugural sermon before enjoying a performance of Sing, written by Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber, from the combined schools choir. A big thank you to Rob Darling Deputy CEO from Inspire Education Trust for organising that.
The bishop was then presented with symbolic gifts representative of the diocese’s heritage, including a jar of honey from a local farmer and a goose quill from Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Bishop Jelley, who is married and has three grown-up children, said on her appointment she looked forward to sharing “the story of God’s love with the people of Coventry and Warwickshire”.
School News
Congratulations to staff and governors at Wootton Wawen CofE Primary on their recent SIAMS inspection. They were found to be living up to their foundation as a Church school, enabling pupils and adults to flourish. You can read the report here.
Two Primary Schools Needed to Pilot ‘Difference for Primary Schools’ in our Diocese
The Church of England Education Office are developing ‘Difference for Primary Schools’ – a free multi-session resource that will equip pupils with the formational habits to cross divides, navigate disagreement, pursue justice, and encounter others well. It is already successfully embedded in church youth groups and secondary schools.
It will be launched in our Diocese at the Headteachers’ and Parish Partners Conference in November and the DBE is keen to hear from primaries that would be interested in being early-adopters. This would involve undertaking some training and piloting it in your school. A fantastic project for one of your middle leaders?
Find out more about Difference here. If your school would be interested in this contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org
Do You Have Teachers Who Will Be New to Leading RE in September?
Wednesday 09 July – 16.00-17.00
live session on Zoom (and also recorded)
This session is for anyone who is taking on the leadership of RE from September 2025. Jen Jenkins will give you all the important information regarding the new syllabus, RE for SIAMS, where to find resources and what support is available. Book to attend live or receive the recording here.
Chaplain Vacancy – Please Share
The Diocese of Coventry Multi Academy Trust is looking to appoint an inspirational and highly effective part-time Chaplain who is committed to supporting Harris CofE Academy in Rugby to develop the distinctive Christian character of the school community as they pursue educational excellence.
Find out more here or please contact Valerie Moody, Premises & Operations Manager, directly on recruitment@harris.covmat.org for an informal discussion about the post.
Please note the closing date for applications is midnight, 22 June 2025.
For the full Headlines newsletter contact: joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org
