Month: November 2025

News from the National Society for Education

The Revd Canon Nigel Genders will step down as the Church of England’s Chief Education Officer and Chief Executive of the National Society for Education in the new year, after more than ten years in the role.

He will take up a new role as the Government’s Chief Schools Adjudicator in February.

Nigel has led the National Society for Education (NSE) since 2014, overseeing its work with over 4,700 Church schools educating more than one million children. Under his leadership, the Church has renewed its Vision for Education – Deeply Christian, Serving the Common Good – and expanded its engagement with the sector.

Nigel’s tenure has seen significant growth in the NSE’s work. This includes the introduction of a Church-led programme of National Professional Qualifications (NPQs), a revised framework for the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) and strengthening relationships between schools, their local communities, parish churches and households. In recognition of his contribution, Nigel was awarded a CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours in 2023.

Andy Wolfe, Executive Director of Education, will lead the NSE as Interim Chief Executive and Chief Education Officer during the period of vacancy following Nigel’s departure.

 

Leaders Like Us 2026/27 – Now Open for Applications from UKME/GMH Teachers and Aspiring Leaders

Please do pass on to colleagues and contacts for whom this might be great opportunity. This is open to all teachers, not just those in CofE schools.

More information and application form here.

If you feel you could be mentor for this programme do see more information here.

 

Salt and Light – Senior Leaders’ Retreat – 24-26 March 2026

How long is it since you took time away, to nourish your inner self?

To reconnect with your purpose and emerge ready for the next phase of your leadership journey?

Coventry DBE’s mission is to inspire schools to demonstrate the love of Christ as they educate for life in all its fullness, and we are inviting you to participate in one of our “Salt and Light Retreats”. It’s a chance to reflect and rest, immersed in the majesty of nature, in the unique setting of a lighthouse on the Welsh coast.

Coventry DBE’s mission is to inspire schools to demonstrate the love of Christ as they educate for life in all its fullness, and we are inviting you to participate in one of our “Salt and Light Retreats”. It’s a chance to reflect and rest, immersed in the majesty of nature, in the unique setting of a lighthouse on the Welsh coast.

A 48-hour retreat in an unplugged space, in an area of natural beauty on the Welsh coast, you can join with a small group of other leaders to be nourished and envisioned. Alongside 6-8 other leaders, you will be treated to wholesome, plentiful meals. There will be lightly facilitated sessions to help you flourish as a CofE school leader.

Whether you have a Christian faith, a different faith or none, you will be given opportunity to reflect and connect. Using some principles from coaching and culture-building programmes our facilitator will help you get the most out of this time; and, of course, if you fancy exploring the stunning coastline, taking a dip in the sea or gazing at the sea and stars they can show you the way.

Find out more here. Register your interest here.

 

CPD Coming Up in the Spring Term

PEAK Human – Recording and material released after 07.01.26

Written by Jen Jenkins, this is a set of collective worship resources that feeds into courageous advocacy:

P- Passion; E- Empathy; A- Action; K- Kindness

The pre-recorded introduction explains how you might use it in your school and make the connections between courageous advocacy and your own curriculum in school. Book to receive the resources here.

Heads’ Termly Briefing – 20.01.25 – 14.00-15.30

This DBE briefing will include key updates for church school leaders as well as input for best practice from external speakers and Diocesan Headteacher colleagues. Full agenda available soon. Book here to attend or receive the recording.

SIAMS Termly Online Update – 02.03.26 – 16.30 – 17.30

Led by Jen Jenkins, these termly sessions will support those schools due for inspection within the next two academic years. Book her to attend or receive the recording.

Headteacher Wellbeing Lunch – 05.03.26 – from 10.30 – lunch

Facilitated by the DBE and a Diocesan Headteacher, share safe space, structured wellbeing activity and delicious food with fellow Headteachers.

Previous comments from this month’s lunch were:

“A much needed safe space in which to talk, listen and reflect. A wonderful venue, inspiring activities, opportunities to connect with new colleagues and of course…delicious food!”

“The wellbeing retreat day was a restorative and inspiring experience that struck the perfect balance between reflection, connection, and rest. The day offered a rare chance to step back from daily routines, reflect on personal and professional wellbeing, and return feeling grounded, re-energised, and with a renewed sense of clarity.”

Book here. (Previous participants need to re-book we’ll be in touch!)

Getting Ready for SIAMS – An Introductory Overview – Recording

Part 1 – released 16.03.25 – Part 2 – released 23.03.25

Delivered by Jen Jenkins, DBE RE and Spirituality Officer, these pre-recorded sessions will give delegates an introductory overview of SIAMS. Suitable for school staff and governors who are unfamiliar with the SIAMS process and principals. Book here to receive the recordings.

 

Message from Diana Osagie – Courageous Leadership – Following her Amazing Keynote at our Conference

Dear colleagues…

This will be the biggest conference I have done to date especially for leaders in education –

• 350 delegates
• 26 exhibitors
• 10 seminars
• 8 large hampers to win
• 2 keynotes

1 mission – to bring middle and senior leaders in schools into a powerful alliance with new modes of thinking, new products for your personal and professional life and a new level of momentum for your calling of leadership.

All the information on the event is here and download a PDF here of more details of the sessions and what to expect.

Let me give you something else, use the code SCHOOLS at the checkout to and you will receive the very special school discount of £40 off per ticket when you purchase 5 or more, making them £119 each instead of £159.

(For 5 or less .use the code COURAGE15 for a discount) If you prefer to purchase via invoice , please email Abbie on contact@courageousleadership.co.uk with your request

 

For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org

 

School News

Sheila Mellor, Deputy Headteacher of Dunnington CofE Primary writes:

“Throughout the day on Tuesday 11st November, each year group walked to Dunnington Baptist church and took part in a range of activities based on our school’s Christian Vision ‘Encourage one another and build each other up’.

Our wonderful staff and volunteers planned and organised practical and reflective experiences that helped the children understand the theology of our vision, why it has been chosen for our school and how they can live it in their daily lives at home, at school and in the various communities of which they are a part.

During the day, the children:

• explored a map of our Diocese to help them visualise their place in our Christian community
• listened to Revd. Helen read from the Bible so that they could learn about Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians in which he urged the members of the young Christian church to encourage one another and build each other up
• wrote letters of encouragement to a person of their choice
• in our reflective space, considered the ‘wows’ of God’s creation and
• suggested ways in which they could live our Christian vision
• undertook challenges as teams so that they could bring our vision to life by transporting ‘people’ from the back pew of church to the front using a range of equipment

We are grateful to members of our whole community who helped make our Christian Vision Event such a fantastic day. Our children thoroughly enjoyed it. Emily-May said “I love this space. It makes me feel calm and I can learn here.” Freddie said “I love walking to the church. It is a fun place to visit.” Noah said “Learning at church is brilliant!”

 

SIAMS

Congratulations to staff and governors at Coughton CofE Primary who had their SIAMS inspection last month. 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.

 

Headteacher and Parish Partners’ Conference on Tuesday

Thank you to those school leaders and parish partners who were able to join us at Ardencote Manor on Tuesday for a fantastic day of inspiration around the theme of ‘Faith, Hope and Justice’.

Over 100 adults and children were part of the day which started off with a powerful keynote from the awesome Diana Osagie. Children from St John’s CofE Primary showed us their reconcilitation skills in a session on Cross of Nails Schools with Emma Griffiths and then pupils from Walsgrave CofE Academy led worship with iSingPOP. The afternoon saw the launch of ‘Difference for Primary’ with colleagues Alaysia-Lara Ayonrinde and Rita Yoe from Lambeth Palace.

All CofE schools in Coventry Diocese will be given a free copy of ‘Heroes of Hope’ – a beautifully illustrated book to celebrate diverse representation. Some were given out at the conference, but if you’ve not had your copy, don’t worry, we’ll be dropping them off or posting them over the next couple of weeks.

This is just some of the feedback we received about the conference…

“Thank you for such a great event, it was inspiring!.”

“A really lovely and well needed day. Thank you.”

“Diana Osagie was so inspiring – can’t wait to read her books.”

“Great to see members of the church ‘family’”

 

For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org

 

 

School News

Rebecca Richards, Headteacher at Long Itchington CofE Academy writes:

“We had a really wonderful time last week, especially for our spirituality ambassadors, who arrived at school early to greet the new Bishop of Coventry, Bishop Sophie. They started with a tour of our school for the bishop and then our ‘open the book’ team shared the story of Jacob and Esau. The Bishop then finished our collective worship with a beautiful blessing and a very special ‘Amen’ at the end. It was a lovely event for all the children. We were also so happy to host four prefects from St Lawrence CofE Primary, Napton who asked if they could join our service. It was so wonderful to share this time with other local youngsters in the spirit of friendship.

After the collective worship, our spirituality ambassadors enjoyed a brilliant Q&A session with Bishop Sophie in the library, with some refreshments, which was the icing on the cake and I am sure it will be an opportunity the children always remember. We covered the Bishop’s views on God and the weather; ways to make RE more exciting for children; the journey taken to become a bishop and importantly, Bishop Sophie also shared what it is like to be a member of the House of Lords. The Bishop was such an interesting person to listen to and it was a  real privilege for everyone.

I feel sure that our children made the visit as special for the Bishop, as she made it for us and we are so grateful that she made a stop to our school during her deanery visit.”

 

In advance of their remembrance service this week, the pupils at Barford St Peter’s CofE Primary were given a half term task to create a poppy of any size using any materials they wished so that the school could create a display. This had an incredible impact with lots of the families taking part. Children used a very wide range of materials including hamma beads, lego, k’nex, paper, card, oil paints, and crochet to name a few and the displays were fantastic.

Matthew Parker, Head of School at Wolvey CofE Primary writes:

“This week, Wolvey CofE Primary School was delighted to welcome Mr John Slinger MP. He joined our FREE Breakfast Club—where we’re proud to be an early adopter—speaking with children about the importance of starting the day positively. Mr Slinger also presented awards during our Wolvey Wolf Assembly and enjoyed a tour of our school.

Throughout his visit, he commented on the warmth, respect, and sense of community that shines through our children and staff. His visit perfectly reflected our school vision: “Embracing equality and experiencing excellence.” At Wolvey, we celebrate individuality and value every child’s unique strengths, ensuring that everyone is included, supported, and able to thrive within our caring Christian community.”

 

Headteacher Wellbeing Lunch Last Week

 A number of Heads met last week for an extended lunch networking meeting which was a safe space for discussion and support with fellow Headteachers.

Here is some of the feedback we received:

“A much needed safe space in which to talk, listen and reflect. A wonderful venue, inspiring activities, opportunities to connect with new colleagues and of course…delicious food!”

“The wellbeing retreat day was a restorative and inspiring experience that struck the perfect balance between reflection, connection, and rest. The day offered a rare chance to step back from daily routines, reflect on personal and professional wellbeing, and return feeling grounded, re-energised, and with a renewed sense of clarity.”

If you would like to book to attend the next one on Thursday 05 March 2026, let us know here. (those that attended last week do not need to re-book, we’ll be in touch in the new year).

 

New SIAMS IQs Overview – Short Recording Now Available

 Jen Jenkins has recorded a short 22 min overview session on the SIAMS inspection questions. It is updated with the latest guidance and is suitable for those new to SIAMS, senior leaders and governors. This is available on the DBE website resources section. Find it under SIAMS and accessible with the usual password.

 

Thrive Licensed Childhood Practitioner Course

 Stour Federation MAT are offering this course for the spring term. The Thrive Childhood Practitioner Course will revolutionise how you view behaviour. Equipped with Thrive-Online, you will learn how to identify pupils’ social and emotional needs and create targeted action plans to remove barriers to learning. See further details and how to book here.

 

For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org

 

Response to the Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review Regarding RE

The conclusions and recommendations of the independent review of the curriculum, assessment and qualifications system have been published. The DfE documents (including a response from the Government) are linked here and a Schools Week overview article is linked here. The report recommends adding religious education to the to the national curriculum.

The Church of England has welcomed the scrapping of the EBacc, highlighting the positive implications for Religious Education and reaffirming its commitment to ensuring RE remains central to a broad and balanced curriculum. The Church’s Chief Education Officer, Nigel Genders, said:

“We welcome the decision to scrap the EBacc, an accountability measure which has always had a negative impact on RE and will now make it easier for pupils to study Religious Education at GCSE as part of a broad and balanced curriculum. At a time where the need for understanding and dialogue across different faith groups and worldviews is increasingly evident, the importance of children studying RE could not be clearer. The Church of England has already contributed to the curriculum and assessment review, including through the deep dive into RE. We also look forward to continuing to engage with proposals to develop RE in a way that ensures every young person has the opportunity to explore questions of meaning, purpose and belief, whilst enabling church schools to continue to provide RE in a way that is consistent with their designation as schools with a religious character.”

The new Coventry and Warwickshire syllabus was designed with input from specialists and represents a modern approach. Implementing the recommendations will take time and it is unlikely that things will change in the immediate future.

 

Experience Christmas Event for Your School at Coventry Cathedral

 The Experience Christmas event will see your pupils journeying around the beautiful and festively dressed Cathedral on a Christmas trail, learning the Christmas story, and reflecting on how this may connect with our lives today.

Learn about how Christians celebrate Christmas, visiting the very special Nativity Crib and Christmas Tree.

You will be glad to know that this event ties neatly into the Coventry and Warwickshire agreed syllabus for RE.  There will also be craft activities, and some dressing up fun too!

The event will be running daily from 1st – 4th December 2025, with morning (10am-12pm) and afternoon (12.30-2.30pm) sessions available.

The cost is £5 per child including all resources.  This event is suitable for EYFS to lower Key Stage 2.

If you would like to make a booking or find out more information please contact school.bookings@coventrycathedral.org.uk

 

Now Booking for the DBE’s Salt and Light Retreat – 24-26 March 2026

How long is it since you took time away, to nourish your inner self?

To reconnect with your purpose and emerge ready for the next phase of your leadership journey?

At Coventry DBE our mission is to inspire schools to demonstrate the love of Christ as they educate for life in all its fullness, and we are inviting you to participate in one of our “Salt and Light Retreats”. It’s a chance to reflect and rest, immersed in the majesty of nature, in the unique setting of a lighthouse on the Welsh coast.

A 48-hour retreat in an unplugged space, in an area of natural beauty on the Welsh coast, you can join with a small group of other leaders to be nourished and envisioned. Alongside 6-8 other leaders, you will be treated to wholesome, plentiful meals. There will be lightly facilitated sessions to help you flourish as a CofE school leader.

Whether you have a Christian faith, a different faith or none, you will be given opportunity to reflect and connect. Using some principles from coaching and culture-building programmes our facilitator will help you get the most out of this time; and, of course, if you fancy exploring the stunning coastline, taking a dip in the sea or gazing at the sea and stars they can show you the way.

Find out more here.

 

Not Long until the Headteacher and Parish Partners’ Conference…Do Sign up a Colleague if You Can’t Attend

 Tues 18 November 

‘Leading for Faith, Hope and Justice’

We look forward to welcoming you to this year’s conference at Ardencote Hotel on Tuesday 18 November 2025, 09.30 – 14.30 for a day of inspiration and joint working with your Parish Partners. If you can’t attend, do please send another colleague.

Keynote Speaker Diana Osagie on ‘Being Fearless and Intentionally Courageous’

Diana Osagie brings over two decades of experience including taking on the role of headteacher in a secondary school in inner London. Her journey is rooted in resilience, courage, and a commitment to honesty. Diana has led through adversity and speaks with humour and insight. She aims to connect, inspire, motivate and leave you ready to roar with the courage in your leadership!

Find out how to deliver ‘Difference for Primary’ in your school

After lunch there will be a workshop with the Difference team from Lambeth Palace. Their free suite of ‘Difference’ resources will help your school navigate an increasingly complex world, inspired by Jesus to embrace difference and champion a culture of hope and empathy. Find out more about Difference here.

Or Learn about becoming a Cross of Nails School  (or how to refresh your status) with Emma Griffiths from Coventry Cathedral.

 Do send an additional staff member after lunch if you’d like your school to take advantage of both workshops (Difference and ICONS).

We will be Worshipping with iSingPOP and see their new song to complement the ‘Difference’ programme.

Each school attending will get a free copy of ‘Heroes of Hope’ – 22 Inspiring Stories of Christians around the World by Revd Dr Sharon Prentis and Alysia-Lara Ayonrinde.

There will be time at the end of the day to use the space to hold any gatherings or have networking time if you wish.

The full agenda is here and book your place here.

 

Newly Launched for Senior Leaders … Wholehearted Leadership: An Online Programme

This is a new programme for Senior Leaders in Church schools, providing half-termly sessions where senior leaders are invited to consider leadership issues through a lens of Christian distinctiveness with input from Jen Jenkins, the DBE’s RE, SIAMS & Spirituality Officer. It is offered as a ‘gift’ to you – a space to reflect on your development as a person, teacher and leader, and meet and discuss with other senior leaders in the diocese.

The programme uses a blend of online self-directed sessions with face-to-face events. It has three core components of focus, personal reflection and coaching. It is based on Thessalonians 5:12-18 giving it a distinctively Christian approach.

Jen was formerly a Deputy Headteacher and the programme is informed by shadowing senior leaders in the diocese so that the current reality for senior leaders is deeply considered.

Find out more here and do share with SLT colleagues. To enrol and get started on your first self-directed sessions this term contact: lisa.boffey@coventrydbe.org

 

For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@covneytrydbe.org