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Upcoming CPD and Events from the DBE…

 

Termly RE Network – Thursday 5 November 16.00-17.00

Led by Ian Corden, this term’s session for RE Leads is about the exciting new resouce from RE Today ‘Understanding Muslims, Understanding Islam’. Stephen Pett will be joining us to explore the programme how you might incorporate it within your curriculum.  Book a place here.

 

Headteacher Wellbeing Lunch – Wednesday 11 November

These termly meetings are hosted in relaxing spaces and facilitated by the DBE so that leaders can learn more about a wellbeing theme together. Have some shared conversation space and be hosted at a lovely lunch where you can enjoy collegiate support. Comfortable and weather appropriate clothing required suitable for a walk. These events are popular and booking is essential.

09:30 arrival for a 10:00am start. Find out more and book your place here.

 

DBE Annual ‘Trinity’ Conference – Wednesday 25 November  

The ‘Why?’ of Church Schools

Whether you are a Headteacher, MAT CEO, Chair of Governors, Clergy or Parish Partner, this conference offers an opportunity to be inspired, gain practical ideas, strengthen partnerships and renew your ‘why?’ for the vital role of church schools.

See the full agenda here and Book your place here.

 

Salt and Light Retreat – Tues 1 December to Thurs 3 December

This 48 hour retreat for senior leaders is a chance to reflect and rest, immersed in the majesty of nature, in the unique setting of a lighthouse on the Welsh coast. The retreat will take place from Tuesday 12 noon to Thursday12 noon at Point Lynas Lighthouse, Amlwch, Anglesey, Wales. Find out more here. Book here.

 

MAT News

Colleagues and friends from across Fosse MAT will be visiting Asha in New Delhi in February 2027. The aim of the visit is to support of the work of Asha, working with children living in the most deprived areas of New Delhi. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience Indian culture, work alongside inspiring people and see the life change impact Asha has had on communities through the power of education.

They are holding an information at Newbold and Tredington CofE Primary on 19 November at 19.00 for anyone who might be interested and hear directly from two Asha students visiting the UK for the first time. They will share their experience of growing up in New Delhi and explain how education has helped to transform their lives and futures. Find out more here.

 

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

 

 

The ‘Why?’ of Church Schools

Heads, Chairs and Parish Partners’ Annual Conference

Wednesday 25 November 2026 | 9.30am–3.30pm – includes lunch|

Ashorne Hill Conference Centre, Leamington Spa

This year’s conference brings together school leaders, governors, parish partners and education professionals for a day of thought-provoking keynote sessions, worship, practical workshops, reflection and networking.

Our keynote speakers…

• Professor Trevor Cooling, Emeritus Professor of Christian Education, will explore the purpose and distinctiveness of church schools.
• Des Ricketts-Chu, an experienced CofE headteacher and governor, will consider SEND and creating a vision of genuine inclusion for pupils with additional needs.
• Beverly Clarke MBE, an award-winning education and technology leader, will explore Church Schools in an Age of AI, offering valuable insights into one of the most significant opportunities and challenges facing education today.

The day will also include a special time of worship led by Bishop Sophie and pupils from Harris CofE Academy, providing an opportunity to pause, reflect and reconnect with the purpose at the heart of our work.

After lunch, choose from two practical workshops: either ‘Space Makers’, a resource supporting wellbeing, resilience and spiritual growth, or explore ‘Meaningful Pupil Worship Leading’ and how to empower pupils from every faith and worldview background to participate authentically in worship.

 

RE Network Event – Theme for this term:

‘Understanding Muslims, Understanding Islam’

05 November 2026 – 16.00-17.00

Online on Teams

Understanding Muslims Understanding Islam (UMUI) is a complete programme for pupils aged 5-14, developed with RE specialists, Muslim educators, scholars and community contributors. It brings authentic Muslim voices, secure teacher subject knowledge and practical classroom resources together to support high-quality teaching about Islam.

Join the DBE and RE colleagues on Thursday 05 November at 4pm and hear from Stephen Pett (the Editor, Project Leader and National RE Today Advisor) about this programme and consider how you might incorporate it within your curriculum.

Book your place here.

 

‘Pray for Schools Event’ in Coventry

On Thursday 19 November, 18.00–19.00 Walsgrave St Mary’s church will be will be hosting their annual ‘Pray for Schools’ event at Walsgrave CofE Primary Academy.

For the last few years, the church have joined with the school for a special day of prayer, with children taking part in creative prayer stations they have helped to create. Throughout the day, the school community will be praying together, and in the evening they open this invitation to everyone.

It is an hour of prayer, praise and reflection to pray for ALL schools—our local schools, teachers, support staff, governors, families and, most importantly, the children and young people in our communities.

You can take part in the children’s prayer stations, bring a prayer request, join in with the prayers and worship, or simply come and spend some quiet time praying.

Everyone is welcome. Come and pray for our schools!

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

 

 

SIAMS News

Congratulations to staff and governors at All Saints CofE Academy, Leek Wootton 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 their report here.

 

SIAMS 2025/26 Annual Report Recommendations for Schools

This document is a one-page summary of the recommendations given to schools from the most recent SIAMS Annual Report. You can find it on the DBE website resources page under the SIAMS section, and accessible with the usual passcode.

 

Missing POP Boxes

Are you using your POP Box? We’ve had a few schools get in touch who are unable to locate where their POP Boxes are. If you or your church isn’t using yours then please get in touch with joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org at the DBE so we can arrange pick up and they can be redistributed.

If you or your church would like to purchase their own, you are able at a diocesan discount of £99 (usually £120). Please contact emma.stevens@isingpop.com to purchase.

 

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

 

School News

Congratulations to Wolvey CofE Primary which was named Equity and Inclusion Organisation of the Year 2026 at the Black and Diverse Safeguarding Awards, held in Birmingham at the weekend.

The school was shortlisted in three categories, before taking home the national award in recognition of its work to remove barriers and create greater opportunities for children and families from diverse backgrounds.

Particular recognition was given to Wolvey’s transformational work with its local Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) community. The school has developed innovative approaches to improving engagement, attendance, safeguarding and educational opportunities, while building strong and trusting relationships with families.

Head of School Matthew Parker said:

“This is an incredible achievement for our whole school community. We are incredibly proud that our work to promote equality and inclusion, particularly with our GRT community, has been recognised at a national level.

“At Wolvey, inclusion is not simply something we talk about – it is something we live every day. We are determined to remove barriers, challenge inequality and ensure that every child and family knows they belong.”

The award reflects Wolvey’s ongoing commitment to its vision of “Embracing equality and experiencing excellence”, and celebrates the dedication of its staff, pupils, families and wider community.

 

SIAMS News

Congratulations to staff and governors at Studley St Mary’s CofE Academy 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.

 

Did You Miss Last Week’s Headteachers’ Termly Briefing?

The recording and slides are available to view on the DBE website resources page under Headteacher Resources. Use the passcode given to you to access.

 

Within Your First Five Years of Headship? Free Coaching Offer from the Church of England

The Early Headship Coaching Offer (EHCO) is a year-long programme from the National Society for Education, available to eligible headteachers within their first five years of headship. It provides structured, unassessed support and networking, based on the best available evidence about what makes an effective headteacher.

Designed around the realities of early headship, the EHCO gives you protected space to reflect, connect with other new headteachers and develop your leadership with the support of an experienced coach.

Your journey begins with a 360° diagnostic, helping you identify your leadership strengths and priorities. Across the year, you will take part in five Peer Support Networks and five small-group coaching sessions – opportunities to explore evidence, share practice, test your thinking, and focus on the priorities that matter to you and your school.

Previous participants have described the EHCO as valuable “protected time” within the demands of headship, with 100% agreeing that the programme provided valuable support during their early headship career.

The programme is fully funded by the Department for Education, with applications for the next cohort closing on 16 October. Apply here to secure your place.

You can find out more here:

Watch the short EHCO video overview

Find out more about the EHCO or see the brochure here

If you would like to explore whether the EHCO could support you in your early headship, please contact Matthew Welton, EHCO Programme Lead, who would be very happy to talk through the programme and answer any questions (Matthew.welton@churchofengland.org)

 

Grants of up to £1500 to Support Inclusion and Racial Justice

Some of you might’ve been inspired by Kim Ballard’s story last week at the Heads’ Briefing of the fantastic anti-racist work at Wellesbourne CofE Primary, helped by a microgrant from the WMRJI.

The CofE West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative have awarded grants to support a wide range of projects, including youth retreats, after-school programmes, and diocesan-led courses. These initiatives all reflected a commitment to inclusion and racial justice.

The next phase of Microgrants is now open for applications. Full details are on their website.

 

For Own Admission Authorities – Are You Looking to Make Changes to Your Admission Policy? Reduce Your PAN?

This term, own admission authorities (MATs and VA schools) should be in the process of reviewing and determining their admission policies for 2028/29.

If you are making any changes to the policy, you will need to publicly consult and the consultation window is 6 weeks between 1 October and 31 January. The DBE should be advised of proposed changes prior to any formal consultation.

If you require support or want to chat through the options, please contact Joanne Evans. It is a statutory requirement to talk to the DBE prior to any consultation. Please also do send us your policy once governors have formally agreed it, as well as notifying the LA and publishing it on your website.

 

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

 

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

 

 

Diocesan Director of Education (DDE)

The advert and candidate pack for the post are linked here. If you know of anyone who may be interested in applying, please forward this information to them.

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