Author: Joanne Evans

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

 

School News

 

Bishop Sophie Visits Ilmington CofE Primary

Paul Crouch, Headteacher of Ilmington CofE Primary writes:

 “It was lovely to welcome Bishop Sophie to Ilmington School and she was kind enough to lead an act of worship with the children where she explained part of her role as a bishop. This involved dressing up a few of the children in some of her bishop’s robes and in a running vest. She also got some children to hold other items which represented her ministry and were important to her. She then talked about why each of these things meant so much to her and how they help in her role.”

SIAMS News

Congratulations to staff and governors at Burton Green CofE Academy 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.

Pray for Schools Event – Prayer Requests Welcome

Walsgrave CofE Academy are hosting a prayer gathering on 20 November as part of the national ‘Pray for Schools’ day. They are inviting you to join them in praying for all schools, students, staff and wider communities. If you have specific requests you would like them to pray for, or want to know more, see here.

 

Wholehearted Leadership: An Online Programme for Senior Leaders in Church of England Schools

• For those who are new to senior leadership in Church schools (Assistant/Deputy Heads and Headteachers) or anyone who just needs that regular reminder of why they do this essential yet challenging role.
• Self-Directed online course with ‘touching base’ network meetings.
• Twelve half-termly sessions over two academic years starting autumn term 2025.

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

 

National Society for Education – Free Advent Collective Worship Resource

The National Society’s AYLA invites school to join them in ‘The Joy of Christmas’, a brand new collective worship resource for Advent 2025 aimed at KS2 and KS3 learners.

For KS1 pupils there is a brand new version of the book ‘The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas’, which tells the story of Jesus’ birth through the eyes of an owl who seems determined to miss all the excitement. You can find out more about this here.

At KS2 and KS3 the focus is on the central theme of grumpiness into joy, taking time to reflect and celebrate the key characters in the Nativity story, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men. Children will explore what might have made them grumpy, or find things difficult, and how they found joy in connection, trusting, sharing, and following.

Schools can sign up here: www.nse.org.uk/ayla/advent

 

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

 

 

School News

Revd April Gold joined the Bishop of Coventry and the Mayor of Rugby on Tuesday to attend a special service at Clifton-upon-Dunsmore CofE Primary School to celebrate its 175th anniversary. Other guests in attendance were the vicar, previous Headteachers, current and previous governors and colleagues from the neighbouring church MAT who have been working in partnership with the school.

April said “It was wonderful to visit the school and to see the children dressed up to represent the different eras through which the school has operated. Guests visited the classrooms for each year group to share their work on a particular 25-year period. We then joined with the whole school for a special celebration time of worship at which the children sang a wonderful medley of songs to reflect the eras. We finished with birthday cake and then the school was open for parents to visit.”

The photo shows Headteacher Lisa Bernard with one of the fascinating log books they’d found in the archives which dated back to the 1860s.

 

 

Headteacher and Parish Partners’ Conference – Tuesday 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 meetings or have networking time if you wish.

book your place here.

 

Getting the Most Out of Your Pop Box – Recording Now Available

Want to get pupils leading collective worship?

 Is your Pop Box gathering dust on a shelf?

 Not quite sure how it should be used?

 This short 20 min session, led by iSingPOP Project Leader Emma Kenyon, demostrates how best to use your pop box and help support your collective worship in school. One of the delegates told us that this resource has been excellent and really helpful in her school for supporting children to lead collective worship.

Find he session here on the DBE website resources page under collective worship. Any further questions – contact Emma on emma.kenyon@isingpop.com

 

Upcoming Termly SIAMS Update Session

Live and recorded session – Monday 24 November 16.30 to 17.30

This session, led by Jen Jenkins, is intended to support those schools who are due for inspection in the next two years.

Book here to either attend or receive the recording.

 

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 newslettter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org

 

 

School News

Joanne Evans, the DBE’s Services to Schools Officer visited St John’s CofE Academy in Coventry last Friday to chat to the families attending their early morning Family Prayer Space. She then stayed for a truly uplifting and joyful celebratory collective worship.

The focus for the prayer space was ‘ows, wows and nows’. Families were invited to share their ‘nows’ and ‘wows’ and children could write their own separate prayer card or encouragement to anyone experiencing an ‘ow’ moment. This was also mirrored as a permanent feature in the staff room for the team to record their own spiritual reflections. There were other quiet activities including Lego, colouring, activity books, prayer station activities and sharing Bible stories using the books from the prayer space. It is open and welcome to all ages, from pre-school children to grandparents and a valuable space for some calm, reflective time together before the busy school day begins.

Such a privilege to be able to visit and see the school’s Christian vision lived out with families and the wider community.

 

Worldviews Teacher Knowledge Organiser

This useful one-page knowledge organiser is available on the DBE website resources page under ‘New Agreed Syllabus – CofE School Specific’ – access with the usual password. This has been created by Shannon Clemo, Head of RE at Blue Coat CofE School and has been generously offered in case it is of use to other RE teachers.

 

Request Free Support to Support Your School’s Climate Action Plan

The DfE funded Climate Ambassadors Scheme will link nurseries, schools and colleges across England with free access to local experts who can provide tailored advice and guidance to help them develop their climate action plan.

Education plays a critical role in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss; an issue that young people consistently say is a top priority for them. The DfE aims for all education settings to have a climate action plan in place this academic year.

Find out more about how you can embed sustainability in all you do and engage young people in a way that inspires hope and action.

 

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

 

 

School News

Revd April Gold visited Wolston St Margaret’s CofE Primary on Friday 12 September to bless and officially open their new Prayer Garden. Each child painted a pebble to go into the garden and they have been busy making objects such as stained-glass windows and dream catchers to make it a beautiful place to reflect and pray.

 

New Black History Month Collective Worship Resource from the National Society for Education

New Black History Month Collective Worship resources (for primary and secondary) are now live and available to access on the CofE National Society website here.

These materials have been intentionally created without reference to a specific date or year, so they can be used not only during Black History Month but also at any point throughout the year.

 

Applications Open for the Church of England ‘Leaders Like Us’ (LLU) Programme

LLU is designed to support UKME/GMH aspiring senior leaders from across Church of England schools and surrounding schools. Participants do not need to work in a CofE school, but they must identify as UKME/GMH.

This year, they would also welcome mentors in the following capacities:

• Headteachers from primary schools
• Heads and deputy headteachers from secondary schools

(Mentors are welcome from all heritages and from all school contexts.)

For more information click here.

To apply click here.

To apply to be a mentor click here.

Applications close on Friday, 21 November 2025

 

‘Whole Hearted’ Leadershp Pathway for Leaders in Church of England Schools – Enrol Now

The DBE are currently enrolling for leadershp programmes which are a mix of self study and online touching base meetings. They are free to leaders in DSA subscribing schools.

The two year programmes are designed to support those with leadership roles in Church of England schools in Coventry Diocese to explore how to lead with Christian disctinctiveness and to support them in becoming the leader that they want to be.

The Middle Leaders programme has been running for three years and is a very successful. We have had great feedback and many of the participants have sucessfully gone on to Headship within our family of schools.

The Senior Leaders programme is new for this year and has been written by Jen Jenkins, the DBE’s RE and Spriituality Officer in collaboration with some of our Church School Heads.

Contact Lisa if you wish to sign up. Lisa.Boffey@coventrydbe.org

 

For the full headlines Newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org

 

 

 

School News

 

SIAMS

Congratulations to staff and governors at Holy Trinity CofE Primary who had their SIAMS inspection in late summer term. 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.

 

Launch of The Difference for Primary Schools

Joanne Evans, the DBE’s Services to Schools Officer was at Lambeth Palace this week for the formal launch of the Difference for Primary Schools. Already being delivered in churches, prisons and secondaries schools, this free suite of resources will help your school navigate an increasingly complex world, inspired by Jesus to embrace difference and champion a culture of hope and empathy.

We will be delivering a workshop for you (or a colleague) to lead this in your school at the forthcoming Headteacher and Parish Partners’ Conference on Tuesday 18^th November at Ardencote Manor Hotel. Do book your place here.

Each primary school attending will also receive a free copy of ‘Heroes of Hope’ written by Revd Dr Sharon Prentis, Alysia-Lara Ayonrinde. This book, for children aged 8 to11 years, celebrates the achievements of Christians of global majority heritage who lived out their faith and made a positive difference in their communities and beyond. Their stories of courage, determination, and faith, along with eye-catching illustrations, will inspire pupils to recognize the power of faith and the potential within themselves to influence those around them positively.

 

News from the National Society for Education

Annual Conference and ‘Festival of Flourishing’

The 8th annual National Conference, with the new title of FlourishED National, is taking place on 22 January 2026 at SAINT Church, Hackney, London – the birthplace of the National Society for Education, a thriving church and iconic music venue.

The theme for this year is ‘Class of 2040: Putting young people at the centre’ – and it will celebrate young people, sharing new opportunities for them to grow and develop and reminding ourselves of the reason that we as leaders are working so hard (often in adversity) to enable children to flourish.

There will be a range of inspirational speakers, worship, prayer and the chance to bring together the network across the country, including the inaugural ‘Festival of Flourishing in the Creative Arts’ (more details and how to apply here). The day will close with a networking dinner, hosted by the NSE, with the programme ending at 7:00pm.

To find out more about the programme, the ‘Festival of Flourishing’ and to get tickets, click here.

 

Headteacher Termly Briefing

Thanks for those that attended the DBE’s Headteacher Briefing yesterday afternoon. The recording, slides and additional information will all be sent via email shortly.

 

DBE Website – Password Change Notice

Please note that the password for the DBE resources on our website will change on Friday 26 September. We will email the new password to academies and all Diocesan Service Agreement (DSA) subscribing schools.

 

Christingle at Coventry Cathedral for your Pupils

Coventry Cathedral would love to welcome you and your pupils to this year’s Christingle Event at the Cathedral dressed in all its Christmas glory!  The event offers pupils the opportunity to join together with children from other schools to deepen their learning about the Christian faith, and to sing and celebrate together at the beginning of the Christmas season.

During the event they will be build the giant Christingle oranges in the centre of the nave, whilst explaining the symbolism of the different elements.  They will invite a number of pupils from each school to hold a lit Christingle as the final  song is sung, creating a circle of light.

There will be the opportunity for you to showcase the talents of your children in a beautifully festive setting.  They would like some children to read bible verses and prayers, and theywould welcome performances of songs, dance or drama.

The event will be held over three sessions this year:

Tuesday 9th December – Morning session 10am-12pm

Tuesday 9th December – Afternoon session 1pm-2pm

Wednesday 10th December – Morning session 10am-12pm

The cost of the event is £3 per pupil.   This price includes an orange and all the necessary trimmings, so that you can return to school to make your own Christingles!

Families are welcome to join the event for free.  Please let the Cathedral know approximate numbers in advance.

If you are interested please contact our Bookings Manager on School.Bookings@CoventryCathedral.org  to confirm which date and session you would like to attend.  You will be forwarded a booking form to be completed and returned before Friday 7th November 2025.

 

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

 

School News – SIAMS

Congratulations to staff and governors at Moreton Morrell CofE Primary who had their SIAMS inspection in late summer term. 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.

 

The Latest Grove Education Booklet Available – Ed65

‘SEND Matters: A Vision of Inclusion for Pupils with Additional Needs’ by Des Ricketts-Chu

This latest in the Grove Education series, designed to be read in an hour, is written by Des Ricketts-Chu a head teacher at a Church of England primary school in a deprived area of the West Midlands..

With an increasing number of children being identified as having additional needs, how can schools ensure that all are fully included in school life? What does ‘life in all its fullness’ look like for children who find some elements of life more challenging? How can we best prepare these children for life both in and beyond the classroom? This book presents how one church school has chosen to address the potentially overwhelming SEND challenges faced by schools today.

Find it on the DBE website general resources section – look for ‘Grove Booklets’ and use the usual password

 

Headteacher Termly Briefing – Weds 24 Sept – Live Event

Please do join us for the Autum Term Heads’ Briefing on Wednesday 24 Sept 14.00-15.30 on Zoom. This is a live event but will also be recorded. This session will feature DBE updates, opportunities and our ‘hints and best practice’ showcase slot. The full agenda will be publsihsed soon. Book here.

 

Loving Our Neighbours – New Collective Worship Resource from the National Society for Education

The National Society have produced new resources for primary and secondary looking specifically at loving our neighbours in hard times, in response to the rising tension nationally regarding asylum seekers. Find them here

 

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

Start of Term Message from Revd April Gold

Welcome Back!

Dear friends it is lovely to be able to write and welcome you back to a new school year, and to welcome some new colleagues. In particular we welcome:

David Briggs the new CEO at Fosse MAT , Jenny Mitchell-Hilton at Kineton CofE Primary and  Alex Whiting and Hannah Young at Wilmcote CofE Primary, Head of School and Executive Head respectively.

I hope that over the next few months you will take a bit of time to reach out to your local neighbours in the Diocesan family to support and learn from each other.

I attended the Inspire Education Trust staff conference on Tuesday and came away Inspired (pun intended) by the focus on how we educate the current cohort of students to face a world of uncertainty and still be able to thrive. This 2 min trailer was particularly thought provoking and I hope you will find it helpful as you think about your purposes as lead educators.

The film resonates with our Alive 2023 “World Changers” theme and I know that many of you have continued to look for ways to enable your children and young people to exercise courageous advocacy through Global Neighbours, Climate committees and Young Leader’s awards. You may want to think about getting involved with Future Council. Do share these stories with us, it is always inspiring to hear stories of children being agents of change and proving that education is the tool by which we will create a world of equality, inclusion and justice.

Do get in touch if we can be of help in any way or you just want to share something exciting or need a listening ear, we are all in this journey together.

Many Blessings,

April

 

A prayer for the new school year…

Gracious and Loving God,

We come before you today with anticipation and hope for the new academic year.

We thank you for the wonder of our minds, bodies, and spirits, and for the gifts of learning and discovery.

Bless all children and young people as they begin this new school year.

Develop in them wisdom and strength, and fill their minds with knowledge. Inspire them with a passion for learning and the curiosity to ask good questions.

Keep them safe during their school days, and help them to build kind and respectful friendships with their peers.

We pray for all the teachers, support staff, and wider MAT and LA teams. Thank you for their dedication and for the gifts they share with our children. Grant them patience, creativity, and the wisdom to see the unique potential in every student.

Strengthen them when they feel weary, and remind them of the lasting difference they are making.

Bless the parents and caregivers who support our children and young people. Release them from their fears and anxieties, and grant them the grace and patience needed to guide their children.

May our schools be places where love, joy, and peace flourish.

Help us to see your love in those around us and to make the most of every new opportunity.

 We ask all this in Your name,

Amen.

 

Are You a Newly Appointed Senior Leader? Do Book for the DBE’s Upcoming Induction Event

Wednesday 01 October 2025 – 16.00 to 17.00 – online via Teams – Live Event

For Newly appointed senior leaders in Coventry diocesan schools

Take part in 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 to Book in the Autumn Term…

Click on the links below for more information and to book:

Improving the Impact of Collective Worship – 15.09.25

RE and the New Syllabus for ECTs – 22.09.25

Heads’ Termly Briefing – 24.09.25

SIAMS for MATs Annual Update – 06.10.25

Heads’ Wellbeing Lunch Network – 05.11.25

SIAMS Termly Online Update – 17.11.25

Headteachers’ and Parish Partners’ Conference – 18.11.25

Flourish Through Leading: A 2-year programme for Middle Leaders – Register before half term

 

Archbishops’ Young Leaders Award – Creating a Culture of Justice and Responsibility

If you’ve not run the Archbishops’ Young Leaders Award before, you can find out more through free online sessions this term.

The primary webinar includes all the new details about the KS2 Award and how it supports schools to create an active culture of justice and responsibility. For more information and to sign up click here.

Secondly, a heads up that later this month they will be sharing their Free Collective Worship Advent Resource, as part of the CofE campaign ‘The Joy of Christmas’. Watch this space!

 

Part Time ICON Schools Administrator Position at Coventry Cathedral

Coventry Cathedral Schools Tema is seeking a (part time term time only) dedicated and organised administrator to support the growth and engagement of the International Cross of Nails Schools (ICONS) Network. This is a fantatic opportunity to contribute to a global reconciliation initiative from the heart of Coventry. Closing date is 19 Sept. Find out more: https://www.coventrycathedral.org.uk/uploads/media/ICONS-Admin-Advert.pdf

 

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

 

School News

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

“As part of GRT (Gypsy, Roma and Traveller) History Month, Wolvey CofE Primary School joined with another local school and representatives from Warwickshire County Council, including the fire and police services, to take part in an inspiring celebration held at the Police HQ. The theme this year was “Who Inspires Us?”—a perfect opportunity for our children to explore stories of resilience, courage and achievement from the GRT community and beyond.

Our pupils engaged in a range of creative activities, including art, music and craft workshops. Each activity helped deepen their understanding of different cultures and celebrate the diverse contributions of the GRT community. Roadshows showcased learning from many schools across the county, and we were proud to see our children’s voices and artwork represented.

This event reflected our school vision beautifully: “Embracing equality and experiencing excellence.” In a world where every child matters, it was a joy to see pupils living out our core values of kindness, friendship and respect. As Galatians 3:28 reminds us, “Among us you are all equal,” and this celebration reminded us of the power of inclusion and the importance of standing together to learn, love and grow.”

 

Beloved and Bereaved Resources Now Updated

The DBE’s bereavement support resources have been updated and are available on the DBE website under ‘general resources’. You can access them with the usual password.

 

CPD Coming Up to Book in the Autumn Term…

Click on the links below for more information and to book:

Improving the Impact of Collective Worship – 15.09.25

RE and the New Syllabus for ECTs – 22.09.25

Heads’ Termly Briefing – 24.09.25

Induction Event for Heads and Senior Leaders – 01.10.25

SIAMS for MATs Annual Update – 06.10.25

Heads’ Wellbeing Lunch Network – 05.11.25

SIAMS Termly Online Update – 17.11.25

Headteachers’ and Parish Partners’ Conference – 18.11.25

Flourish Through Leading: A 2-year programme for Middle Leaders – Register before half term

 

An End of Year Meesage from Andy Wolfe Executive Director of Education for the National Society for Education

As we reach the end of the academic year, we want first to thank you for all your incredible work this year serving your communities and enabling adults and children to flourish across your organisations. There will no doubt have been many challenges along the way, but also I hope, many glimpses of young people growing, learning, serving and leading – precious moments to take into a well earned summer rest! As ever it’s easy to end the term thinking of all the things that have not been done, or perhaps that haven’t gone as well as hoped – but let’s all take a moment to reflect on the journey travelled this year, and the gratitude we can find when we consider that journey together.

 

Hope you have a restful and restorative summer break!

Next Headlines will be on 5^th September.