Author: Joanne Evans

A final message from Revd April Gold – Diocesan Director of Education

Dear friends,

This is my final contribution to Headlines, and as I write it I find myself reflecting on endings and new beginnings.

Over the last month I have had many opportunities to say goodbye to people from across the diocese. Leaving is never easy, and I find myself reflecting on all that has been, and all that remains undone. There are certainly things I could have done differently, and things I would still like to have seen through as Director of Education. Perhaps that is always the way when we care deeply about the work we have been called to do.

Alongside that, though, I have a growing sense that God is calling me into a new season. What that will be, I do not yet know. For now, it begins with settling into our new home in Ely and planting a new garden.

Gardening has a way of slowing me down. It reminds me that you can’t rush creation. Growth comes in its own time, with patient tending and a willingness to trust what is happening beneath the surface. Seasons come and go; plants grow, flower, set seed and begin again. The more I garden, the more I think our work is like that. We sow seeds, we nurture growth, and we trust others to continue the work when it is time to hand on the baton.

Julian of Norwich reminds us that “all shall be well.” I don’t hear those words as a promise that everything will be easy, but as an invitation to trust that God is always at work, even when we cannot yet see what is growing.

As this academic year draws to a close, I hope you will give yourselves permission to rest. School leadership asks much of you, and the work is never really finished. Over the summer, may you slow down, reconnect with those you love, spend time in creation, breathe deeply, and rediscover the things that bring you joy.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving alongside you. It has been just that—a privilege. I leave with gratitude for all you do for the children, young people and communities you serve, and with confidence that God will continue to bless the work that lies ahead.

As you begin your summer, I leave you with this blessing:

May you find rest in God’s presence,

joy in the beauty of creation,

and hope for the season to come.

And when you need a moment of stillness, perhaps pray with your breath:

Breathe in: Be still.

Breathe out: All shall be well.

With my thanks, my prayers, and every blessing,

April

 

A Farewell to April Gold

On Wednesday 8 July, St Laurence’s CE Primary School hosted a farewell service to mark the departure of Rev’d April Gold, Director of Education, who is leaving the DBE after nine years of dedicated service. The farewell was led by Rev’d Greg Bartlem, Chair of the DBE, and supported by the wonderful singing of choirs from St Laurence’s CE Primary School and Walsgrave CofE Academy.

Tributes reflected on April’s many achievements and the significant impact she has made during her time with the DBE. It was moving singing some of the songs from ‘Alive’, the praise party masterminded by April which has secured its place in DBE history – its legacy is inspiring and influencing school and church communities today. At the end of the service, April led the children from the choirs out through a guard of honour created by the guests.

April will be greatly missed by the DBE staff team. We thank her for her excellent leadership and support and wish both her and Steve every happiness as they begin their exciting new chapter in Ely.

 

School News

June was a very special month at Cubbington CofE Primary School, as pupils took part in the school’s first Spirituality Day. The day offered children time to pause, reflect and explore spirituality through the school’s framework of ‘Ows, Wows and Nows’ — considering moments of awe and wonder, times of challenge, and how these reflections can shape their lives today.

The day began with whole-school collective worship before pupils visited St Mary’s Church for reflective activities in a calm, welcoming space.

Back at school, pupils experienced a labyrinth to encourage stillness, mindfulness and reflection. Year groups explored spirituality in age-appropriate ways, including Reception’s ‘Wow Walk’, Year 5’s climate change letters to their MP, and Year 6’s reflections on their time at Cubbington.

The school was also delighted to welcome Bishop Sophie on 1 July. During her visit, Bishop Sophie blessed the beautiful new cross in the school hall and led worship on the theme of forgiveness.

 

CPD coming up in the Autumn term dates for your diary..

Induction Event for Heads and Senior Leaders – 15/09/26

Heads’ Termly Briefing – 24/09/26

Termly Parish Partners’ Breakfast Meeting – 21/10/26

Heads’ Wellbeing Lunch – 11/11/26

Termly RE Network – date tbc

Trinity Annual Conference – 25/11/26

Salt and Light Retreat – 1-3/12/26

Appointing Foundation Governors – What you need to know – 9/12/26

Diocesan Service Agreement and CPD Programme 26-27

Thank you to those schools and MATs who have already returned their DSA subscription forms. The CPD programme of events and training can be found here.

Do ensure that the date of the DBE’s Annual Conference in your diaries – Wednesday 25 November at Ashorne Hill Conference Centre. More details will be sent out in the autumn term.

 

The Legacy of Alive – New Video

It is just over three years since the Alive Praise Party brought together 9,000 Key Stage 2 children from CofE schools across Coventry Diocese. If you would like a reminder, you can find out more here. Since then, the DBE’s partnership with iSingPop has continued to grow and is now entering its fourth year! The impact of this partnership in our schools is highlighted in a new 5 min video filmed with staff and pupils from Radford Semele CofE Primary here.

 

iSingPop POP Box Training for Pupils – Autumn Term

iSingPOP have 2 POP boxes, ‘The Life of Jesus’ and ‘Heroes of the Old Testament’ and they are starting to pilot a new resource called The Belonging Box.

The Belonging Box can be used as a follow on from the Difference course for schools or in Sunday school. It can also be used before starting or alongside the course.

This resource enables children to cultivate an environment of belonging, through 5 scripture-based sessions. Each session has elements of story, song and discussion to allow your group to explore different values of belonging. The final element is a Belonging Celebration that you can put on in school or at church! Pupils can fully lead this concert-style showcase for friends and family too!

Each session has been designed to give opportunities of pupil voice and creativity. The elements of each session have the windows mirrors doors framework in mind. Looking at the bible, reflecting on the values and thinking about the takeaway action.

Emma Stevens will come in to train 8-12 KS2 pupils over 3 weeks on how they might lead collective worship, using any of the 3 resources you decide.

Availability is from the week commencing the 14 September onwards.

•       8-12 children from KS2 (Less is doable, but these numbers are a ‘sweet spot’)

•       3 sessions across 3 weeks, an hour long across lunch time, eating lunch together before exploring using the resources.

•       Week 1: Getting to know the POP Box, what’s it for, what can be done with it, example of an assembly using discussion questions, Bible story and a song or two!

•       Week 2: Training on a Class Worship using the POP Box, giving out roles, children start to lead the game, discussion and script.

•       Week 3: Training on an Assembly using the POP Box, swapping roles for some variation, practicing leading a collective worship assembly using story, and dance.

•       Optional extra: Leading a collective worship assembly in school all with the support of Emma and member from the parish/school.

Contact Emma to arrange your dates (and be quick as Emma is very popular and books up very quickly!) Emma.Stevens@isingpop.com

This is free as part of the Diocesan iSingPop partnership.

 

National Society for Education – Leaders Like Us – Applications are now open for Participants and Mentors

Launched in 2023, Leaders Like Us is a multi-faceted programme for aspiring senior leaders from UKME/ GMH backgrounds with the aim of enabling them to progress to headship. It is open to UKME aspiring headteachers in all English schools.

The Leaders Like Us programme is an 18 month learning journey which incorporates training, shadowing, mentoring and networking.

Please do pass the link on to colleagues you think might be interested in either participating or mentoring.

More information here: https://www.nse.org.uk/foundation-for-educational-leadership/leaders-like-us

School News

Last Wednesday, members of the DBE Board were treated to a tour of the brand new ‘Aspiration Hub’ at Harris CofE Academy, which is designed for pupils who may benefit from a smaller, more nurturing environment.

This conversion of the former site services officer’s house will provide a calm, structured, and emotionally supportive environment where pupils can rebuild confidence, rediscover their strengths, and take positive steps back into successful school life.

Michael Cowland the Academy Trust CEO said of The Aspiration Hub that it was  “…a place where every student can flourish, discover their potential, and develop the God-given talents that make them unique.” He recalled the school’s Christian vision ‘While we have time let us do good to all’. (Galatians 6:10)

 

Church of England National Society for Education

Applications for NPQs from the NSE are now open

Some are fully funded. They offer four specialist NPQs:

NPQLT (Leading Teaching)

NPQLBC (Leading Behaviour and Culture)

NPQLTD (Leading Teacher Development)

NPQLPM (Leading Primary Mathematics)

And four leadership NPQs:

NPQSENCO (Statutory qualification for SENCOs)

NPQSL (Senior Leadership)

NPQH (Headship)

NPQEL (Executive Leadership)

Find out more and apply here.

 

Reception Teaching

The NSE’s new 20-hour Excellence in Reception Teaching course is designed to give existing Reception Teachers the skills, confidence, and network to drive positive change for all children. Driven by the latest research and best practice, you’ll explore the latest thinking and practical strategies for transitions, working with families and inclusive practice. Register an interest here.

 

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

 

School News

Vicky Khawaja, Assistant Headteacher at Wootton Wawen CofE Primary writes:

“I wanted to share some exciting news from Wootton Wawen CofE Primary School. On Friday, we were formally recognised as an International Cross of Nails (ICON) School during a special service at St Peter’s Church.

We are incredibly proud to have achieved this accreditation, which recognises our commitment to promoting peace, reconciliation, justice and hope within our school community and beyond. The award reflects the collective efforts of our pupils, staff, governors, church and wider community to embed these values throughout school life.

As a school with the vision ‘Nurture, Inspire, Achieve’, this work has become a significant part of our culture and curriculum, and we would be delighted to encourage other schools who may be interested in exploring the accreditation.”

If you are interested in looking at ICON status for your school and want to talk to Vicky to find out more, do get in touch with her here.

Congratulations to Blue Coat CofE School and Music Colleage for being named a silver winner in the ‘Making a Difference – Secondary School of the Year’ category at the Pearson National Teaching Awards.

Announced on National Thank a Teacher Day, the award places Blue Coat among just six secondary schools across the country celebrating the exceptional impact the school has on its students, families and wider community.

As silver winner, Blue Coat now progresses to the national final where Gold Award winners will be announce in November at a prestigious awards ceremony in London.

The award was presented by David Tyler, Head of Growth at Pearson, who spent time meeting students, staff and partners during his visit to the schools. Speaking at the presentation David said:

“My fist impresson of Blue Coat is complete joy.The amazing things past pupils, current pupils and school partners shared completely blew me away. The morning was full of hope. It’s not easy out there, but hearing these stories fills me with optimism. You can see the impact Blue Coat has on its community and it brings a big smile to your face.”

Headteacher Lisa Wright said: “To receive this recognition on Thank a Teacher Day makes it even more special. It gives us a genuine opportunity to thank every single member of our staff community for the difference they make every day. This award belongs to all of them.”

Pupils from All Saints CofE Primary, Bedworth and The Canons CofE Primary have had peace poems published that were written as part of the Coventry Peace Festival (1–15 November 2025), commemorating the 85th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz and aligning with Interfaith Week under the theme “Community – Together We Serve.”

The poems were initially performed to a large audience in All Saints’ Church in Bedworth. This was the first time the event had been held in Bedworth, marking an important step in strengthening connections across Warwickshire and Coventry. The occasion reflected the power of community, demonstrating how collective effort across education, faith, and civic leadership can create memorable, inclusive experiences that benefit young people while celebrating shared values of peace, reflection, and unity.

You can read the poems here.

 

National Society for Education – National Professional Qualification Places for 26/27

Keen to reserve an NPQ place for 2026-2027 for you or your team? The NSE are anticipating courses will begin in November 2026 and their courses are always oversubscribed so if you’re keen to grab a place, complete the form here to register your interest, and they’ll be in touch.

 

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

 

 

School News

Congratulations to Blue Coat CofE School who have achieved a Global Neighbours Gold award from Christian Aid. One of only two secondary schools to achieve this accreditation.

The award recognises the school’s commitment to global citizenship, courageous advocacy and social justice, with students and staff taking part in a wide range of initiatives that encourage reflection, action and care for others around the world. From Interfaith Week and Refugee Week to Human Rights Day and an innovative partnership with a school in India, students have explored important global issues and considered how they can play their part in creating a fairer world.

Peter Merrylees, Vice Chair said “…I’m so proud of the school’s achievement. It is well deserved and such an encouragement to all to hear about the impact we are having on future leaders, ambassadors, advocates and a future generation that will need to be increasingly focussed on the global challenges of looking after our world and the people who inhabit it.”

 

SIAMS News

Congratulations also to staff and governors at the following schools who had their SIAMS inspections recently. They were all found to be living up to their foundation as a Church school, enabling pupils and adults to flourish.

You can read the reports here:

Bournebrook CofE Primary

Ilmington CofE Primary

Knightlow CofE Primary

 

Arrange a Chorister Recruitment Visit for your School from Coventry Cathedral

A Chorister Recruitment Visit from Coventry Cathedral is more than just a Chorister Recruitment Activity, the visit will involve a fun, full class singing workshop led by the Acting Director of Music, Joe Watson.

Children will learn a range of songs, and be enthused for music making through full class singing.

To find out more, read the brochure here. To arrange a visit, contact Joe on Joe.Watson@Coventry.Anglican.org

 

Diocesan Prayer Diary

Every month the Diocese produces a prayer diary so that every day, different aspects of our diocese and beyond, including schools, universities, hospitals and prisons, and the worldwide Anglican Communion are prayed for. All schools in Coventry Diocese are included throughout the year.

Is your school community being prayed over this month? Find out here.

 

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

 

School News

Gemma Hathaway, Senior Assistant Headteacher at Blue Coat CofE School Coventry welcomed Bennie Kara to Coventry last month to host a phase 1 scoping meeting with leaders from Brailes CofE Primary and All Saints CofE Primary, Coventry to discuss a collaborative west midlands racial justice project. Gemma is looking forward to welcoming Bennie back in June for phase 2 of the scoping work through the lens of pupils in a cross phase pupil voice activity.

 

Last Chance to Book for Next Week’s DBE Headteacher Termly Briefing

Thurs 11 June – 14.00 – 15.30

Agenda

• Opening Reflection and DBE Update – Revd April Gold – Diocesan Director of Education
• God and the Big Bang – Michael Harvey, Executive Director
• Global link work at All Saints CofE Junior, Warwick – Sandra Sutherland, Headteacher
• Introducing the new Belonging Pop Box and how pupils use it to lead collective Worship at Wootton Wawen CofE Primary – Emma Kenyon and Vicky Khawaja, Assistant Headteacher
• Farewell to Revd April Gold – Andy Taylor, CEO of Messenger Trust
• Closing Comments and Prayer

The Big Future Survey for Children 0-18

Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner has launched a survey ‘The Big Future’ for everyone aged 0-18 in England. It asks children about childhood today – about the things that worry them, the things they love, the ways they have fun, and the changes they want for a better future.

childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigfuture.

In the five years since her first survey of England’s children, the landscape of childhood has changed rapidly. Mental health referrals have increased by around half a million, more children are spending long periods of time online, and a growing number require additional support at school.

How the government responds to those changes will shape what it’s like to grow up in England for years to come.

Please do encourage your pupils to add their voice here.

 

Great Big Live Assembly — Refugee Week 2026

Join The Sanctuary Foundation on Tuesday 16 June for a free live assembly marking World Refugee Day. This year’s theme is Courage — celebrating what it takes to leave home, cross borders, and start again.

Wena, a young refugee from Kurdistan, and TV presenter Gemma Hunt will lead a fast-paced, interactive 25-minute broadcast packed with inspiring stories, refugee voices, art and poetry from the national schools competition, and a quiz.

With 43 million displaced children worldwide and attitudes to immigration growing more divided, this assembly is designed to deepen children’s understanding and empathy.

Secondary schools: 8:40am Primary schools: 9:05am Click links to register.

Also streamed free on YouTube.

 

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

 

School News

 

Blue Coat Hosts Inspiring National Secondary Leaders Network Event

On 30 April, Blue Coat CofE School Coventry was proud to host the National Secondary Leaders Network, welcoming Bishop Sophie, Revd April Gold from the DBE, team members from the CofE National Society, pupils, school leaders, chaplains and educational partners from across the country for a powerful day centred on hope, community and pupil leadership.

The event, themed Inclusive Community: Becoming Beacons in Your Community, focused on empowering young people to recognise the impact they can have within their schools and wider communities through leadership, reconciliation, worship and service. Throughout the day, pupils explored what it means to become “beacons of hope” by shaping cultures of belonging, compassion and inclusion.

The day began with reflective worship led by the Blue Coat Choir, setting a moving and inspirational tone for the event. Worship and reflection remained central throughout the day, creating space for meaningful conversations around leadership, hope and community.

Read more about the day here.

 

Primary Big Sing at Coventry Cathedral

Lucy Bosley Headteacher at Harbury CofE Primary writes:

“Our choir and Year 2 pupils had a wonderful opportunity to visit Coventry Cathedral as part of the Big Sing, where they joined children from other schools to perform a range of uplifting songs together.

The experience was full of joy and unity, as their voices blended in such a special and inspiring setting. This visit supported our school’s spiritual development, giving the children time to reflect on the power of music and working together.

It was a memorable experience that nurtured their spirituality, helping them to appreciate connection, reflection and the beauty of coming together in song.

The whole experience was definitely a WOW moment  especially singing in such a meaningful place.”

 

SIAMS Case Study Library

The NSE have just published a case study library which offers examples of exemplary or innovative practice that might support the development of other Church schools in the areas evaluated by the most recent SIAMS inspection. More case studies will be added in time but have a look here on the NSE website.

 

DBE Headteacher Termly Briefing

Thurs 11 June – 14.00 – 15.30

Agenda

• Opening Reflection and DBE Update – Revd April Gold – Diocesan Director of Education
• God and the Big Bang – Michael Harvey, Executive Director
• Global link work at All Saints CofE Junior, Warwick – Sandra Sutherland, Headteacher
• Introducing the new Belonging Pop Box and how pupils use it to lead collective Worship at Wootton Wawen CofE Primary – Emma Kenyon and Vicky Khawaja, Assistant Headteacher
• Farewell to Revd April Gold – Andy Taylor, CEO of Messenger Trust
• Closing Comments and Prayer

Book your place here.

 

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

 

DBE News

Primary School Big Sing

Lovely to see so many of our schools at the Primary ‘Big Sing’, a pilot project for the National Schools Singing Programme hosted by Bishop Sophie and Joe Watson, the Acting Director of Music at Coventry Cathedral on Tuesday. A joyous morning with children from all over Coventry and Warwickshire singing and narrating the biblical story of Joseph. Church schools represented were: All Saints Leek Wootton, Ettington, Harbury, Salford Priors, St Nicholas Kenilworth, Walsgrave and Wilmcote.

Harbury CofE Primary recorded their fabulous choir singing a couple of the featured songs – you can listen to them here.

SIAMS News

Congratulations to staff and governors at Salford Priors CofE Academy who had their SIAMS inspection in March. They were found to be living up to their foundation as a Church school, enabling pupils and adults to flourish. You can read their report here.

 

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

 

 

 

 

DBE News

 

Getting Ready for SIAMS – New CPD now Available on the DBE Website

It was lovely to see Headteachers and colleagues at the recent in-person session delivered by Keith Farquhar, Church Schools Distinctiveness Advisor for Birmingham Diocese. Don’t worry if you missed it – Keith has recorded the session and you can find the slides, documents and recording on the DBE website resources page. Look for ‘Getting Ready for SIAMS 2026’ and access with the usual passcode.

 

Vacancy for Interim Church School Foundation Officer  

The DBE are looking to recruit someone who will help our church schools flourish in a deeply christian foundation, serving the common good through a vision of wisdom, hope, community, and dignity.

Please do pass on this link to colleagues who you think may be interested in the role to find out more and how to apply.

Wellbeing Lunch – Booking Closes Soon!

All Headteachers and senior leaders are welcome to attend to the upcoming Wellbeing Lunch on 10 June at Coombe Abbey. Please do book your place here by 8 May.

 

Christianity as a Global World Faith – NSE Resources

This half day CPD session will be led by Keith Farquhar, Church Schools Distinctiveness Advisor for Birmingham Diocese. It is for RE Leads (primary and secondary) to explore a bespoke training package that can then be used to train your teachers. ‘Christianity as a Global World Faith’ is a brand-new resource that aims to work together with Understanding Christianity to challenge the Eurocentric vision of Christianity.

Weds 20 May – 09:30 – 12:00 – in-person event at a venue near Wawick

Book here

 

Headteacher Termly Briefing

Thurs 11 June – 14.00 – 15.30

Agenda

• Opening Reflection and DBE Update – Revd April Gold – Diocesan Director of Education
• God and the Big Bang – Michael Harvey, Executive Director
• Global link work at All Saints CofE Junior, Warwick – Sandra Sutherland, Headteacher
• Introducing the new Belonging Pop Box and how pupils use it to lead collective Worship at Wootton Wawen CofE Primary – Emma Kenyon and Vicky Khawaja, Assistant Headteacher
• Farewell to Revd April Gold – Andy Taylor, CEO of Messenger Trust
• Closing Comments and Prayer

Book your place here.

 

Chorister Open Evening at Coventry Cathedral – Info to Pass on to Your Families

Chorister Open Evening – Tuesday 19 May 2026

We encourage families to attend our Chorister Open Evening to find out more and experience cathedral music first‑hand.

Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026

Time: 16:30–18:30

Venue: Coventry Cathedral

Who can attend: Boys & Girls currently in school Years 2–6

For children who love to sing, becoming a chorister at Coventry Cathedral can be a truly life‑shaping experience. Our choristers receive outstanding musical training, sing regularly in the Cathedral’s worship, and grow in confidence, teamwork, and leadership – all within a welcoming and inclusive community. We warmly welcome children of all backgrounds, schools and faiths. You do not need to be ‘religious’ to apply – only a love of singing and a commitment to the life and values of the Cathedral.

More information here and on the Cathedral website.

 

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