Author: Joanne Evans

School News

Congratulations to Harris CofE Academy in Rugby and Headteacher Roberta Harrison and her team on its ‘best ever Ofsted result’.

Harris was inspected in July and the Diocese of Coventry Multi Academy Trust, said it “received the highest result among similar schools in the county under the new inspection framework, with inspectors praising leadership, inclusion and pupil well-being”.

Roberta Harrison said: “I am particularly proud of how our Harris family was recognised and that Ofsted said ‘pupils thrive at this happy school’.

“We are very proud of our school community and thank parents and students for their support.”

 

Upcoming CPD from the DBE

Heads’ Wellbeing Lunch – 11/11/26

Annual Headteachers’ Trinity Conference – 25/11/26

Salt and Light Retreat – 1-3/12/26

 

Church of England National Society for Education

National Conference – FlourishED 2027 – Friday 5 February 2027 – SAINT Church Hackney

In 2016, the Church of England Vision for Education: Deeply Christian, Serving the Common Good was launched with a simple but powerful ambition: to help every child and young person flourish.

Join in celebrating the 10-Year Anniversary of the Vision for Education on a special day of celebration, reflection and inspiration with educational leaders from across the country.

With keynotes and workshops to stretch and challenge our thinking, we’ll join together to hear stories of the vision’s impact over the last decade, and we’ll look ahead to the next chapter with hope and ambition for the class of 2040.

The day will include contributions from:

• The Archbishop of Canterbury, who will lead a special service of commissioning
• Senior Minister, Department for Education
• Richard Kueh, Chief Education Officer, CAM Academy Trust

Register Here

 

Statement of Entitlement for RE 2026

The Statement of Entitlement details the expectations for religious education in Church of England schools. It is designed to help stakeholders place RE at the heart of a flourishing school.

This Statement of Entitlement (September 2026) is the document referred to as part of the SIAMS inspection process, under IQ6 and IQ7.

 

Diocese of Coventry News – New Bishop of Warwick

On 11 September 2026, Revd Canon Dr Tim Lomax was announced by Downing Street as the new Bishop of Warwick.

After his nomination was approved by the King, the Revd Canon Dr Tim Lomax started his day at Harris CofE Academy in Rugby, where his appointment was announced by Bishop Sophie in their school collective worship to (specially permitted) whoops and cheers from the pupils.

Tim is currently Director of Mission and Ministry in the Diocese of St Albans and Residentiary Canon at St Alban’s Cathedral. He succeeds the Right Reverend John Stroyan who retired in August 2023. Tim will be consecrated as a Bishop on 6 November in Southwark Cathedral, and there will be a service of welcome and installation to our diocese at Coventry Cathedral on Saturday 14 November.

Tim will become the fifth Bishop of Warwick since the See was established in 1979. The Bishop of Warwick is the suffragan (assistant) bishop in the Diocese of Coventry. Working alongside Bishop Sophie, Tim will serve the whole diocese in this capacity and though he carries the title of Warwick, his role is not specific to that part of the Diocese. You can read more about this announcement on the Diocesan website here.

 

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

 

Headteacher Termly Briefing – Next Thursday

We look forward to seeing Heads and Senior Leaders at next week’s Headteacher Termly Briefing. Do book to attend (or receive the recording) here.

Thursday 17 September 14.00-15.30 on Teams

 AGENDA

Welcome and Introduction – Canon Carolyn Shoyer, Interim Diocesan Director of Education

DBE Update to Schools – Georgina Newton, Deputy Director of Education

The 26/27 Diocesan Service Agreement and upcoming events – Joanne Evans, Services to Schools Officer

Flourishing in the Coventry Area (FLICA) – Programmes available for your schools – Georgina Newton – DBE; David Briggs – CEO of Fosse MAT; Becky Wheeler- Director of Coventry and Central Warwickshire Teaching School Hub

Introduction to the new Church School Foundation Officer – Ian Cordon

iSingPOP Update – Emma Stevens

Spotlight – ‘top tips and best practice’ – Anti Racism work at Wellesbourne CofE Primary – Kim Ballard, Inclusion/ Pastoral Lead for Fosse MAT

Closing Comments and Prayer

 

Vacancy – Diocesan Director of Education

Are you a senior Christian leader who sees education as mission and wants to make a lasting impact on children, communities, and the Church?

The Diocese of Coventry is seeking a Diocesan Director of Education (DDE) to lead and sustain Christian education across 76 Church of England schools. As Director and CEO of the Diocesan Board of Education, you will provide strategic leadership, working with the Bishop, parishes, schools, MATs, local authorities, and national partners. This influential role requires theological depth, educational credibility, and strong system leadership.

The DBE are looking for someone who:

• Has significant leadership experience in the state school sector
• Is a practising Christian rooted in prayer and mission
• Leads with pastoral wisdom and builds strong partnerships
• Communicates the Gospel clearly and convincingly

The full advert and candidate pack are here. Please feel free to forward them to any colleagues who may be interested.

 

Coventry Cathedral Schools Team – Events for Schools Coming Up This Term…

Searchlight on the Blitz – 21-23 Oct and 9-10 November

Voices of the Blitz – 12-25 November

Experience Christmas – 1-4 Dec and 17 December

Christingle Services – 9-10 December

Please see the website for more details or contact them at: school.bookings@coventrycathedral.org.uk

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Message from Canon Carolyn Shoyer – Interim DDE

Welcome back – although I expect it already feels as if you have never been away!

September is very much a time of new beginnings. For those of you in primary schools, you will be welcoming 4-year-olds into their reception year and for secondary schools of course, a whole new cohort of 11-year-olds. During these days we see big changes.

The new Y7 students are busy making their mark with teachers and fellow pupils. Those new to reception will be mark-making of a very different kind and soon they will be writing their names; often for the very first time. Have you ever considered the writing of a name to be a spiritual act? Well, it is!

As I read the Old Testament, I can see that the Hebrews placed great importance on a name. A name is not just a label but also expresses something about the person; who they were and their character. The Hebrew word for name is ‘shem’ and it’s linked with the Hebrew word for breath: ‘neshemah’. And so, we see that our name is the very essence of who we are – our breath in and our breath out.

Over recent times I have thought a lot about my own name, particularly as I got married in June! I believe that I am not simply defined by the people I am related to but I have my own essence, my own being – my own breath. As a woman of independent and feminist spirit, I am known by my birthname. Fundamentally, I am known, named and loved by God.

As you teach children to write their names (or make their mark in secondary school!) you are doing something quite remarkable. You are helping them to connect with their own individuality, their own essence, their own spirituality. Thank you.

As you send out the first letters of the school year to your communities, you will sign them off with your own name. As you so do, connect with your own individuality, your own essence, your own spirituality. What is the essence of you that you are bringing to your leadership this coming year? You too are known, named and loved by God.

With every blessing,

Canon Carolyn Shoyer – Interim Diocesan Director of Education

 

Vacancy – Diocesan Director of Education

Are you a senior Christian leader who sees education as mission and wants to make a lasting impact on children, communities, and the Church?

The Diocese of Coventry is seeking a Diocesan Director of Education (DDE) to lead and sustain Christian education across 76 Church of England schools. As Director and CEO of the Diocesan Board of Education, you will provide strategic leadership, working with the Bishop, parishes, schools, MATs, local authorities, and national partners. This influential role requires theological depth, educational credibility, and strong system leadership.

The DBE are looking for someone who:

• Has significant leadership experience in the state school sector
• Is a practising Christian rooted in prayer and mission
• Leads with pastoral wisdom and builds strong partnerships
• Communicates the Gospel clearly and convincingly

The full advert and candidate pack are here. Please feel free to forward them to any colleagues who may be interested.

 

New NSE Chief Education Officer Announced

Charlie Lang has been appointed as the next Chief Education Officer for the Church of England and Chief Executive of the National Society for Education. He is expected to take up the role in mid-November, with Andy Wolfe remaining in the interim role until then. Find out more here.

 

SIAMS News

Congratulations to staff and governors at Dunnington CofE Primary and Harbury CofE Primary who both had their SIAMS inspections in June. They were found to be living up to their foundation as Church schools, enabling pupils and adults to flourish. You can read their respective reports by clicking on the links above.

 

DBE News

We welcome Ian Corden to the DBE team this week. Ian is currently Assistant Head of the Sixth Form at Blue Coat CofE School in Coventry and has been appointed as Interim Church School Foundation Officer for two days a week at the DBE to support schools with SIAMS, collective worship and RE. Ian will be introducing himself to Headteachers at the forthcoming termly briefing on 17 Sept but in the meantime, you can contact him or just say hello at ian.corden@coventrydbe.org

 

MAT News

The Diocese of Coventry Multi Academy Trust has strengthened its team with the appointment of two experienced education leaders, supporting its continued development and commitment to inclusion across its 22 academies.

Andy Taylor joins the trust in the role of Head of Transformation & Growth on a secondment from the Messenger Education Trust. Andy will work for the trust for three days a week, while continuing his role as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Headteacher at the Messenger Education Trust, based at St Gabriel’s CofE Academy in Rugby.

Rebecca Fuller (Becky) comes to the trust as its first Head of Inclusion. Becky previously held the role of Deputy Director of SEND at Academy Transformation Trust, a national multi academy trust of 22 academies across England.

 

Are you a new Church School Senior Leader? Or is there a New Senior Leader on Your Team?

Tuesday 15 September 2026 – 16.00 to 17.00 – online via Teams

For newly appointed senior leaders in Coventry diocesan schools

 This online event which will bring you up to date with the essential and distinctive elements of life in a Church of England school in Coventry Diocese. We will cover mission, vision and values, SIAMS, collective worship, requirements for RE and answer any of the questions you might have about preparing for success in your new role. Book here.

 

Other CPD Coming up in the Autumn Term…

Heads’ Termly Briefing – 17/09/26 – agenda to follow by email soon

Heads’ Wellbeing Lunch – 11/11/26

Annual Headteachers’ Trinity Conference – 25/11/26

Salt and Light Retreat – 1-3/12/26

 

Coventry Cathedral Schools Team Programme for 2026/27

Coventry Cathedral offers a range of carefully prepared tours and workshops that will support your curriculum including the Coventry and Warwickshire Agreed Syllabus for RE.

Pupils will be able to explore concepts through hands on activities led by experienced Schools Team staff, visiting both the old and new cathedral. They can adapt their offer to meet your requirements and welcome all pupils whatever their needs. They offer pre-visits to teachers and encourage you to be in touch to discuss your visit requirements. See their 26/27 brochure here.

 

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

 

 

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