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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

 

 

 

 

DBE News – 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.

Do you know an experienced church school middle leader who has a good understanding of the SIAMS framework? 

Are they passionate about holistic education and spiritual development? 

Do they have a vision for collective worship as the heartbeat of a Church school? 

Do they want to make a meaningful impact across the Diocese? 

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.

Contract: 1 year in the first instance (01.09.26 to 31.08.27)

Hours: 14 hours per week, term time only. Working pattern negotiable.

Salary: L5 0.4 FTE

Location: Wolston, Coventry

Closing Date: 13 May 2026 at 9.00am

Interviews: 19 May 2026

Start Date: 01 September 2026

 

New RE Resources from the National Society – Christianity as a Global World Faith

• Weds 20 May – 09:30 – 12:00
• In person event at a venue near Wawick
• For primary and secondary RE Leads
• Resources are free once the training is complete

This National Society resource aims to work together with Understanding Christianity to challenge the Eurocentric vision of Christianity and celebrate the infinite translatability we can find in the diversity that exists within the Christian Faith. Through this session you will be able to access both the excellent training programme for schools as well as all the resources. It will be led by Keith Farquhar, Church Schools Distinctiveness Advisor for Birmingham Diocese.

Find out more from the NSE here. Book your place here.

 

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

 

 

Senior Leaders’ Wellbeing Lunch

“Opting to pause and reflect is a necessity, not a luxury.”

Wolfe, 2025

Weds 10 June – 09:30 arrival for a 10:00 start.

Coombe Abbey, Coventry.

These facilitated lunch meetings are for Headteachers to have a safe space over lunch where they can talk to each other in confidence and in a spirit of collegiate support. If you can’t attend, please do send a senior colleague to take advantage of this space.

Booking is essential – please register here by Friday 08 May.

 

Chorister Open Evening at Coventry Cathedral

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.

 

Year 6 Transition Resources

Year 6 Transition sessions are available on the DBE website under general resources accessible with the normal password.

‘Growing Beyond Your Roots: Transitioning from Primary to Secondary’ has 9 hour-long sessions, teacher notes, PowerPoint presentations and a pupil reflective journal with a church school focus.

 

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

 

School News

From ‘Banter’ to Belonging

Kim Ballard, Fosse MAT’s Inclusion Lead and SENDco for Wellesbourne CofE Primary shares how they transformed ‘banter’ into belonging through honest conversations, anti‑racism workshops, and courageous staff leadership through a microgrant from the West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative.

Read the full story here. Find out more about how your school can apply for a grant here.

 

Wolvey CofE Primary Unveils Community-Crafted ‘Wolvey Wolf’ Sculpture

On 24 March Wolvey CofE Primary School was proud to celebrate the unveiling of its unique Wolvey Wolf sculpture – a powerful symbol of identity, inclusion and community collaboration.

The striking piece was created in partnership with Jake Bowers, a well-renowned Gypsy artist and filmmaker, who worked closely with pupils to bring their vision to life. Back in September, children had the opportunity to take part in a hands-on creative process, including using a forge to help design elements of the sculpture. This immersive experience enabled pupils to connect with traditional craft techniques while expressing their own ideas and heritage through art.

The sculpture is also rooted in the school’s Wolvey Wolf Values, which underpin daily life at Wolvey CofE Primary:

• W – Work hard
• O – Outstanding behaviour
• L – Learning new things
• F – Friendship and kindness

These values are embodied in both the creative process and the final piece, reflecting the dedication, curiosity and strong relationships seen across the school community.

The project reflects the school’s deep commitment to celebrating its diverse community and its Christian Vision ‘…Among us you are all equal…’ Galatians 3:28. Wolvey is particularly proud of its strong representation of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) children. The school’s GRT cohort accounts for 65% of Rugby District’s GRT pupils and 32% of all primary-aged GRT children across Warwickshire – a significant and valued part of the school’s identity.

The importance of this work has also been recognised nationally. Representatives from the DfE visited the school to film and showcase how Wolvey is supporting children and families from GRT backgrounds. The visit highlighted the school’s inclusive ethos, its focus on building strong relationships with families, and its commitment to ensuring every child feels valued and supported.

The sculpture now stands as a lasting reminder of the creativity, heritage and unity that define Wolvey CofE Primary School.

 

Getting Ready for SIAMS 

• Weds 29 April – 09:30 – 11:30
• In person at a venue near Warwick
• For all leaders involved with SIAMS and Christian Distinctiveness
• A recorded version of this training will also be available.

This training will be particularly helpful for those schools who are expecting a visit from SIAMS in the next 2 years. It will be led by Keith Farquhar, Church Schools Distinctiveness Advisor for Birmingham Diocese and will explore the key inspection questions as well as the latest updates from the annual report. Keith will focus on key preparation such as what your website should contain and creating an effective SIAMS SEF.

This training replaces the previously advertised sessions that were scheduled for March. Book here.

 

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

 

School News

Sandra Sutherland, the Headteacher at All Saints CofE Junior in Warwick and colleague Liz Garrett have just come back from visiting link primary schools in Bo, Sierra Leone.

Liz, the RE Lead, has visited several times as part of the One World Link (OWL) charity. OWL schools in Leamington and Warwick fundraise to pay the salary of a worker who is employed through Educaid to develop teaching and learning in schools.

Whilst there, they shared friendship from schools in Warwick and Leamington as well as the message of the Coventry Cross of Nails. This included a trip to St George’s Cathedral in Freetown which is also a member of the global community of Cross of Nails.

 

Congratulations to staff and governors at Wolvey CofE Primary who had their SIAMS inspection last month. It was found to be living up to their foundation as a Church school, enabling pupils and adults to flourish. You can read their report here.

Wolvey has a unique and diverse pupil cohort with a third from Nepalese families based at the local military base, Gamecock Barracks, and a quarter of all Gypsy/Roma/Traveller children in Warwickshire attending the school. Their Christian vision is ‘…Among us you are all equal…’ (Galatians 3:28) which means that respect and celebration for diversity and difference is a way of life, and new pupils quickly establish a deep sense of belonging. One of their notable strengths was that “Leaders are inspirational in their vision to be a beacon of ‘equality and excellence’. This empowers staff to be relentless in their support for a richly diverse school community, enabling pupils to flourish.”

 

Do You Need to Develop Pupils’ Understanding of Christianity as a Global and Diverse Faith?

This CPD session from the DBE will 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.

The session will look at how this might fit within your current curriculum that meets the expectations of SIAMS and the new Statement of Entitlement. There will be time to go through the resources to consider an action plan for your school.  It will be led by Keith Farquhar, Church Schools Distinctiveness Advisor for Birmingham Diocese.

• Weds 20 May – 09:30 – 12:00
• In person event at a venue near Warwick
• For primary and secondary RE Leads
• Free to DSA subscribers
• Resources are free once the training is complete

Book your place here.

 

Growing Faith Foundation – Do You Have a Story of an Amazing Young Leader?

The CofE Growing Faith Foundation is in the development stage of The Flourishing Young Leaders Award (FYLA) which is a new pupil leadership programme in development at the NSE. As part of these resources for schools (at KS2 & KS3) they want to include inspiring real-life stories of children and young people as leaders.

Do you know of any young leaders who took initiative, started something new and brought positive change to their school, church or community?

If so, please let them know here where more details are provided. (Link closes on Friday 27 March)

 

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

 

School News

Harris CofE Academy has banned mobile phones to change school life for the better.

ITV News spent two days at the school at the beginning of the year to find out how transformative the ban has been.

At 08.50am everyday students must lock their phones away in lockable pouches and the phones must remain locked away until the end of the school day. Random checks using a metal detector are carried out throughout the day to ensure the phones remain locked away. Assistant Head, John Naylor, says that the ban has had a “huge impact” and “allowed students to get their childhoods back.”

The students themselves agree. One student said, “Everyone’s got a big attachment to their phone, so no one really wanted to get rid of it. But overall, no one’s complaining now it’s settled down, and everyone’s starting to really enjoy the phone ban, because it increases everyone’s social interactions.”

The students themselves agree. One student said, “Everyone’s got a big attachment to their phone, so no one really wanted to get rid of it. But overall, no one’s complaining now it’s settled down, and everyone’s starting to really enjoy the phone ban, because it increases everyone’s social interactions.”

Since the ban, the lunch hall is filled with the sound of laughter and talking, with students playing board games or doing crafts together. It has also led to a dramatic decline in the number of phone and social media-related incidents needing intervention from staff, and student behaviour has overall improved.

 

Getting Ready for SIAMS

 Weds 29 April – 09:30 – 11:30

• In person at a venue near Warwick
• For all leaders involved with SIAMS and Christian Distinctiveness
• A recorded version of this training will also be available.

This training will be particularly helpful for those schools who are expecting a visit from SIAMS in the next 2 years. It will be led by Keith Farquhar, Church Schools Distinctiveness Advisor for Birmingham Diocese and will explore the key inspection questions as well as the latest updates from the annual report. Keith will focus on key preparation such as what your website should contain and creating an effective SIAMS SEF.

This training replaces the previously advertised sessions that were scheduled for March. Book here.

 

New RE Resources from the National Society – Christianity as a Global World Faith

• Weds 20 May – 09:30 – 12:00
• In person event at a venue near Wawick
• For primary and secondary RE Leads
• Resources are free once the training is complete

This National Society resource aims to work together with Understanding Christianity to challenge the Eurocentric vision of Christianity and celebrate the infinite translatability we can find in the diversity that exists within the Christian Faith. Through this session you will be able to access both the excellent training programme for schools as well as all the resources. It will be led by Keith Farquhar, Church Schools Distinctiveness Advisor for Birmingham Diocese.

The training will allow opportunities to understand the significance of providing a diverse approach to Christianity in your school. This will be explored in a bespoke training package that can then be used to train your teachers. Keith will look at how this might fit within your current curriculum that meets the expectations of SIAMS and the new Statement of Entitlement. There will be time to go through the resources to consider an action plan for your school.

Find out more from the NSE here. Book your place here.

 

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

 

School News

Revd Steve Gold was at St Gabriel’s CofE Academy last week for collective worship with the pupils. Every week he meets with the whole school for a short act of worship.  Last week’s visit was a little different to the norm, with Steve providing a late Ash Wednesday ashing to those children who wanted to take part. He ashed around 200 children – nearly half the school!

SIAMS News

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

You can read the reports here:

The Dassett CofE Primary

Wolston St Margaret’s CofE Primary

 

DBE News – Office Move

The DBE team have now moved offices to:

Wolston Priory, Priory Road, Wolston, Coventry CV8 3FX

Our telephone numbers and emails addresses will all remain the same but please bear with us next week if our responses are slower than normal.

Free Clearance Items from the DBE Office in Rugby

We have cleared our cupboards of resources, books, stationary and other sundry items that are available free of charge for schools and churches that can put them to good use. Do feel free to come and look and take whatever you like after 1pm on Friday 20 March – there is parking on site.

 

iSingPOP – what is available FREE for your school as part of the Diocesan Partnership

Many of our Church Schools and their parish churches are now seeing the benefit of having iSingPOP come in and work with your pupils…

There are three offers available FREE for this last year of the partnership:

Bespoke Main Event – 3 days teaching in your school with a professional live production/concert on day 4 (ideally in your local church) to involve families and the community.

POP Box Training with the NEW Belonging Box (Summer Term)

iSingPOP are piloting a new resource called The Belonging Box. The Belonging Box can be used as a follow on from the Difference course for schools, or as a stand-alone resource in school or Sunday school. Each session has been designed to give opportunities of pupil voice and creativity and the elements of each session have the windows mirrors doors framework in mind.

Emma Kenyon 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 18 May onwards.

Joy Seekers Workshop (Mental Health and Wellbeing)

A whole school workshop day where the children will learn 2 catchy songs, have a prayer activity and celebrate at the end of the day with an assembly.

Any of these iSingPOP activities are available FREE until the end of 2026 for CofE schools in Coventry Diocese so do make the most of this opportunity.

Contact Emma Kenyon to discuss needs, availability and booking. If you have any specific requirements (e.g. to fit around a specific school celebration or event, do talk to Emma to see what she can do to tailor some of the songs/content).

emma.kenyon@isingpop.com

 

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