Category: Uncategorized

School News

On 11 February All Saints CofE Primary, Coventry held a Spirituality Day based on the theme of Love. Creative and reflective activities were organised both in school and at the church, with older children being tasked with supporting younger children through the activities. The day culminated with a whole school collective worship in church led by Revd Pam Howell to reflect on God’s love. The school reported that “it was a special day for our whole school community.”

 

Invitation to Headteachers from Bishop’s House

All Diocesan Headteachers and Leaders are invited to share in the reaffirmation of ministerial vows and the blessing of oils in the Maundy Thursday Chrism Service at Coventry Cathedral on Thursday, 2nd April 2026 – 10.30am in Coventry Cathedral. Book via the link on the Headlines email.

 

DBE News – Office Move

The DBE team are moving and will no longer be in the Rugby Offices from 04 March.

Our new office is based at: Wolston Priory, Priory Rd, 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 Resources Available from our Downsizing!

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 at them after 1pm on Friday 20 March – there is parking on site.

 

Church of England Welcomes Government’s Schools White Paper Announcements

Ahead of Monday’s publication of the Schools White Paper and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) consultation, the National Society for Education welcomed the announcements, recognising the opportunity they offer to secure long‑term improvements for children, young people and families. Interim Chief Education Officer Andy Wolfe welcomed the child‑focused approach and emphasis on improving inclusion and standards as “two sides of the same coin” but said “complexity of implementation should not be underestimated.” Read the full press release here.

 

Diocesan Director of Education Vacancy

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.

Start date: September 2026

Salary: £84,699

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Role Description Application Form

Closing Date: 2 March 2026 12 noon  Interviews: 16 March 2026

For more information and an application pack please contact pa@bishop-coventry.org

 

Still Time to Book – Unpacking the New CofE RE Statement of Entitlement

Tues 03 March 15:45-16:45 Online on Teams

For RE and SIAMS Leads

The new CofE Statement of Entitlement for RE 2026 was published in January this year. It replaces the previous document created in 2016. This is a key document that provides important guidance for all Church of England Schools on the expectations of providing quality RE. It will be referenced in all SIAMS inspections from September 2026.

This live online update is provided in partnership with Birmingham Diocese and will be led by Keith Farquhar, Church Schools Distinctiveness Advisor for Birmingham Diocese.

 

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

• 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.

Keith will outline the main elements of this document and highlight the changes. This will provide key information in ensuring your RE curriculum serves the purpose in your church school. There will be an opportunity for Q&A.

Book your place here.

 

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

 

School News

Last week’s Headlines featured one of our schools who had proudly achieved Makaton Friendly school status. The Canons CofE Primary School in Bedworth got in touch to say that they too had been awarded this status so it is fantastic news to have another great example of inclusive and welcoming practice. If you want to find out more about how to achieve this in your own school, find out more on The Makaton Charity website here.

 

SIAMS News

Congratulations to staff and governors at Berkswell CofE Primary 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 their report here.

 

Diocesan Director of Education

Following Rev’d April Gold’s resignation, the advert for the Director of Education role is now live, linked here. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please forward the link.

 

Upcoming CPD This Term…

 Unpacking the New CofE RE Statement of Entitlement

• Tues 03 March 15:45-16:45 Online on Teams
• For RE and SIAMS Leads

The new CofE Statement of Entitlement for RE 2026 was published in January this year. It replaces the previous document created in 2016. This is a key document that provides important guidance for all Church of England Schools on the expectations of providing quality RE. It will be referenced in all SIAMS inspections from September 2026.

This live online update is provided in partnership with Birmingham Diocese and will be led by Keith Farquhar, Church Schools Distinctiveness Advisor for Birmingham Diocese.

Keith will outline the main elements of this document and highlight the changes. This will provide key information in ensuring your RE curriculum serves the purpose in your church school. There will be an opportunity for Q&A.

Book your place here.

Headteacher Wellbeing Lunch

Thurs 05 March to be held at a venue in South Warwickshire – for more information and to book click here.

Salt and Light Retreat

Salt and Light Retreat – 24-26 March. Further details and booking link can be found here.

DBE Training on School Admissions and Appeals

• Weds 18 March – 16:00-17:00
• Cost: £25 for DSA subscribers
• For – Presenting Officers, Governors and Office Administrators

This online training session is led by Joanne Evans, the DBE’s Admissions and Appeals Officer. It aims to ensure an understanding of the admissions and appeals process within a school that is responsible for its own admissions. Book here.

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.

 

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

• 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 Newletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org

 

School News

Knightlow CofE Primary School has proudly announced that it has become one of the first primary schools in Warwickshire to achieve Makaton Friendly status – a significant milestone for the whole school community.

Guided by its vision for every child to “let their light shine,” Knightlow is committed to providing a welcoming, nurturing and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Over the past two years, staff and pupils have worked together to embed Makaton signs and symbols into everyday school life, helping all children to communicate effectively, make choices and express themselves with confidence.

Makaton is brought to life across the school through a range of exciting initiatives. Each class has two dedicated Makaton Ambassadors who attend weekly meetings to learn new signs, including the popular Sign of the Week, which they model in class and share with families through the school newsletter. The much-loved Makaton Choir, open to pupils and staff, adds an extra layer of fun, offering opportunities to rehearse and perform at school events.

Knightlow is delighted to be recognised as a Makaton Friendly School and looks forward to continuing to work with local schools and the wider community to promote the power of inclusive communication.

The school thanks Mrs Betteridge for all of her hard work, dedication and enthusiasm in leading this initiative in school.

 

Sheila Mellor, Deputy Headteacher of Dunnington CofE Primary School writes:

“Our new SRP, The Oversley, was officially opened on Friday 30th January by the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Mr Tim Cox. He brought with him three young, female cadets who represented each of the armed forces.

As a Church of England school, we know that our resource provision is another living, breathing example of our Christian Vision ‘Encourage one another and build each other up’ 1, Thessalonians 5: 11. Our vision states that

‘we are determined to create an inclusive culture of learning where all children are challenged in their thinking, discover their talents, achieve to the best of their abilities and become motivated and resilient life-long learners.’

We were pleased to also welcome Rev. Helen Smith from St Lawrence’s church in Bidford on Avon who blessed our new provision.

The Oversley is a key part of our provision for inclusion and we can already see its wide-ranging benefits having a positive impact on our young people and our staff.”

DBE News – Jen Jenkins

Jen Jenkins left the DBE team on 31st January to pursue new challenges and we wish her all the best for the future.

During her time at the DBE Jen’s work has equipped schools to deepen their Christian foundations and develop their understanding of spirituality. She also co-created and launched the new SACRE RE Agreed Syllabus enabling children to understand a wide perspective of world views.

Jen’s upcoming CPD sessions will be delivered by colleague associates and we’ll be in touch with those rescheduled dates and arrangements shortly. In the meantime, if you require any support regarding RE, collective worship or SIAMS do get in touch in the first instance with Joanne Evans joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org

 

Salt and Light Retreat – Booking Date Extended

Find out more and book here.

 

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

 

DBE News – MATs Meeting

MAT Members, CEOs, Chairs and DBE Board Members met on Tuesday at Ashorne Hill Conference Centre for a day focussed on collaboration and vision. Bishop Sophie led the morning and started the day with a communion service where she preached passionately in honour of Holocaust Memorial Day. She spoke about her current work in developing the vision for the diocese, her visits to schools and MAT visions. In addition, she interviewed April Gold, asking questions about DBE vision and strategy. The afternoon was spent hearing a short summary from each CEO about their MAT and its work, followed by discussions about collaborative working and how this might meet some of the challenges across the education sector. The day was hugely positive and attendees were keen to pursue further collegiate conversations after the government white paper is issued.

 

SIAMS News

Congratulations to staff and governors at the following schools who had their SIAMS inspections at the end of last term. 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:

Abbey CofE Infants

Shottery St Andrew’s CofE Primary

Wilmcote CofE Primary

 

Church of England National Society Annual Conference 2026 Last Week

Great to see Colleagues at, St John’s, Hackney in London last Thursday 22 January 2026 for the National Society’s FlourishEd conference and the first ever ‘Festival of Flourishing’.

The conference brought together school and trust leaders, teachers, clergy, policymakers and young people to explore how placing children and young people at the heart of leadership, governance and culture can enable schools and communities to flourish.

There were keynotes from Tom Rees, Chief Executive of Ormiston Academies Trust, who also chairs the DfE’s SEND Inclusion in Education Expert Group; Rachel Gardner, author and Director of Partnerships at Youthscape, and Amjad Ali, Trust Training and Inclusion lead at Chiltern Learning Trust.

The Festival of Flourishing saw young people from across the country performing and demonstrating the vital contribution of creativity to confidence, belonging and wellbeing. It closed with a contribution from celebrated gospel choir leader Karen Gibson, who worked with students from Twyford CofE High School before inviting the entire conference to its feet in joyful song.

The day concluded with the ‘Flourishing Feast’ which offered an opportunity to thank Nigel Genders, who after more than a decade as the Church of England’s Chief Education Officer is leaving to take up the role of the Government’s Chief Schools Adjudicator. Leaders and colleagues paid warm tribute to his leadership, partnership and unwavering commitment to improving the life chances of children in Church of England schools.

Prior to the dinner, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson spoke warmly about the Church of England’s long‑standing contribution to national education, praising the commitment, community role and leadership of its schools and trusts. She highlighted the strength of the partnership between Church and state, recognising the impact of Church of England schools in serving more than a million children and acting as “calm and hopeful anchors” within their communities. Read the Education Secretary’s full speech here.

 

Primary Schools ‘Big Sing’ at Coventry Cathedral

A new initiative for 2026, Coventry Cathedral’s Music Department invites primary schools into the stunning setting of Coventry Cathedral to fill this amazing space with the sound of Coventry’s young voices. This promises to be an experience for your children like no other, combining the musical, historical and liturgical life of the City of Coventry into one spectacular singing showcase.

Tuesday 12 May 2026, 11:00am at Coventry Cathedral

Schools taking part will work in partnership with music staff from Coventry Cathedral in preparing and performing the music at the Big Sing. Participating schools will receive 3×1 hour FREE full class (up to 30 children per half hour) singing lessons from specialist music staff to help prepare your children.

See the full information pack and sign up here.

 

Headteacher Wellbeing

Salt and Light Retreat – 48 hours to to nourish your inner self and reconnect with your purpose

 A reminder that there is still time to book your space on our upcoming Salt & Light retreat taking place 24-26 March. Further details and booking link can be found here.

Headteacher Wellbeing Lunches

Spring term – Thursday 05 March held at Wootton Park Wellness – for more information and to book click here.

Summer term – For your diary – Weds 10 June held at a new venue in Coventry. Further details to follow.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Headteacher Termly Briefing – Tuesday 20 January

Don’t forget to join us for the DBE Heads’ Briefing on the afternoon 20 January 14.00-15.30 on Zoom. Book your place here.

Agenda

Opening Reflection and DBE Update – Revd April Gold

Peacemakers Resource – Heather Rowlands, Director of Peacemakers

Recent Experience of Ofsted – David Briggs, CEO of Fosse MAT and Sam Welsby, Headteacher at Newbold and Tredington CofE Primary

Flourishing Together Through RE – Dr Kathryn Wright, Culham St Gabriel’s

Spotlight – ‘top tips and best practice’ – Spiritual Development – Louise Withers, Shottery St Andrew’s CofE Primary

Closing Comments and Prayer

 

DBE Training on School Admissions and Appeals

Wednesday 18 March 2026

16.00-17.00

Cost: £25 for DSA subscribers/£50 for non-subscribers

For – Presenting Officers, Governors and Office Administrators

This online training session is led by Joanne Evans, the DBE’s Admissions and Appeals Officer. It aims to ensure an understanding of the admissions and appeals process within a school that is responsible for its own admissions. Book here.

 

The National Year of Reading 2026 has begun!

Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP – alongside school children, campaign ambassadors and partners – officially launched the National Year of Reading on 13 January at the Emirates Stadium, the home of Arsenal Football Club, inspiring the nation to ‘Go All In’ on their passions through reading.

Just a reminder that the DBE have three collections of books that you can borrow for your school. They accompany the Difference resource which for primary schools, is based very much around literature and stories that help to build empathy, compassion and inclusion. They cross the ages from early years to transition stage. They are available for you to borrow – just get in touch with lisa.boffey@coventrydbe.org to arrange a pick up or delivery.

 

Celebrate Shakespeare Week – 23 – 29 March 2026

Many of our schools celebrate Shakespeare Week, making the most of the unique aspect of our geographical location and its historical legacy. As you may have discovered, Shakespeare’s worldview is included in the RE Agreed Syllabus L2.7 unit on how history and religion have entwined in this area, and there are additional sub-questions with a Shakespeare theme in several other units. Everything Shakespeare-related is collated onto one page on the syllabus website here to make it easier for any schools wanting to have an RE focus to their celebrations: Shakespeare Week and the New Coventry/Warwickshire Agreed Syllabus – Coventry City Council (password needed)

Find out more information about Shakespeare Week here. Register to access hundreds of FREE cross-curricular resources which have been developed by education experts from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and a number of excellent partners across the UK.

 

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

 

Headteacher Termly Briefing – Tuesday 22 January

Don’t forget to join us for the DBE Heads’ Briefing on the afternoon 22 January 14.00-15.30 on Zoom. Book your place here.

Agenda

 Opening Reflection and DBE Update – Revd April Gold

Peacemakers Resource – Heather Rowlands, Director of Peacemakers

Recent Experience of Ofsted – David Briggs, CEO of Fosse MAT and Sam Welsby, Headteacher at Newbold and Tredington CofE Primary

Flourishing Together Through RE – Dr Kathryn Wright, Culham St Gabriel’s

Spotlight – ‘top tips and best practice’ – Spiritual Development – Louise Withers, Shottery St Andrew’s Cofe Primary

Closing Comments and Prayer

 

Pupil Voice Autumn Term 2025 – Results

A big thank you to the schools that contributed to the DBE pupil voice exercise using the easy ‘smart school council’ link. Back in September the DBE asked the question:

‘How can we try to change our tendency to put people in boxes?’

These were the voting results from both primary and secondary groups:

1. Nothing – boxes are quite useful sometimes – 1 votes
2. Don’t judge people on how they look but how they are as a person – 11 votes – the winning vote
3. Always try and find the common ground rather than look for difference – 4 votes
4. Always try learn something positive from different life experiences and worldviews – 4 votes
5. Something else – please share your own answers to this question in the comments box on the next slide – 1 vote

Additional comments from pupils were:

Pupils discussed worldviews – how sometimes when people speak about world religions they put people from that religion into a box. For example when people say ‘Christians’ they mean it to say all Christians believe the same and practice their religion in the same way. When actually there is a wide diversity in religions, not just Christianity. It ignores things such as tradition, culture, upbringing, personal experiences and so on.

The DBE will respond in the next pupil voice question on spiritualy, which will be sent out soon!

 

ISingPOP Classroom Worship – Spring Term

Before Christmas, Heads and RE Leads were sent the Guidance Notes for the first half term of iSingPOP’s Spring Classroom Worship, focusing on the themes of Change and Joy, Episodes for the second half of the term will be added by mid-January and will explore the theme of Easter. If you haven’t had it you can look on the DBE website under Collective Worship Resources and access with the usual password.

Don’t forget that if you would like some iSingPOP work in school, or for someone to work with your pupil worship team –  contact Emma at emma.kenyon@isingpop.com

 

New Live Training Dates for Difference for Primary Schools

Difference is a free suite of resources to 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.

 Training opportunities are now live You can register for any of the following here:

Training opportunities are now live You can register for any of the following here:

Tuesday 13 January 2026: 10.00-12.00

Monday, 16 February 2026: 15:30-17:30

Tuesday, 3 March 2026: 10.00-12.00

 

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

 

Diocesan News

In last week’s Headlines Revd April Gold announced that she is to finish in her role as Diocesan Director of Education for the Diocese of Coventry in August 2026. You can read the Diocese of Coventry official press release here

 

‘Light Has Come’ – Reflective Journal for Headteachers

Jen Jenkins has created a Headteacher advent/Christmas reflective journal based on a playlist by the band Future of Forestry and invites you to spend some time listening to some beautiful Christmas songs, reflecting on the Nativity story and taking some well-deserved time out for yourself as we enter the festive season.

Find it on the DBE website under Headteacher Resources – access with the usual password.

 

Senior Leader ‘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 our “Salt and Light Retreat”. 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 and register here. Closing date 31 January.

 

The Latest Grove Education Booklet Available – Ed66

Treasuring the Earth: Inspiring Heads, Hearts and Hands in School Communities for People and Planet

 This latest in the Grove Education series, designed to be read in an hour, is written by Ryan Parker, the RE and Christian Ethos Adviser for the Diocese of St Albans.

Treasuring our planet is the fifth of the ‘Marks of Mission,’ yet concern for earth’s ecology is often forgotten, soft-pedalled

or even questioned altogether. This booklet helpfully explores what practical steps schools can take to help nurture

our children to care for and treasure the earth we tend to take for granted.

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

 

ISingPOP Classroom Worship – Spring Term

Heads and RE Leads have been sent the Guidance Notes for the first half term of iSingPOP’s Spring Classroom Worship, focusing on the themes of Change and Joy, Episodes for the second half of the term will be added by mid-January and will explore the theme of Easter. If you haven’t had it you can look on the DBE website under Collective Worship Resources and access with the usual password.

Don’t forget that if you would like some iSingPOP work in school, or for someone to work with your pupil worship team –  contact Emma at emma.kenyon@isingpop.com

 

New Live Training Dates for Difference for Primary Schools

Difference is a free suite of resources to 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.

Early 2026 live training opportunities are now live You can register for any of the following here:

Wednesday 7 January 2026: 10.00 -12.00

Tuesday 13 January 2026: 10.00-12.00

Monday, 16 February 2026: 15:30-17:30

Tuesday, 3 March 2026: 10.00-12.00

 

Wishing you hope, peace, joy and love this Christmas whatever you are doing from all in the DBE Team.

Next Headlines will be on 08 January 2026.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6

School News

Revd April Gold visited Coventry Cathedral on Friday to give the opening prayer for the Diocesan of Coventry Multi Academy Trust Choir Concert, now in its second year. After weeks of rehearsals at their schools, over one hundred of our children performed in front of their teachers, friends and families to a packed Coventry Cathedral. Each school sang their own song, and then joined together for a beautiful and extremely powerful group performance.

Children at Dunchurch CofE Infants and Juniors attended an outdoor carol service led by the vicar to turn on the Christmas lights in the village on Sunday 30 November. The Infant School sang and performed away in a manger. The children at the Junior School acted out the nativity story.

 

ISingPOP in 2026 – FREE through the DBE Partnership – Do Contact Emma and Book for Your School

The Belonging Box –  Collective Worship Training

Have you recently done the Difference course with your school? During 2026 iSingPOP are piloting training for KS2 pupils using the Belonging Box, a resource to help pupils develop their spirituality and build on implementing those difference habits in school to create a community of belonging. Contact Emma to join in (details below)

Bespoke Main Event – an iSingPOP

Perhaps you’ve had an iSingPOP workshop but not yet had a main event? During 2026, there are 7 remaining slots for your school to have a bespoke iSingPOP Main event tailored to your school’s values and community. If you’re intereed at what this might look like, contact Emma (details below).

2026 Dates Currently Available:

• 18-20 May with Concert on the 21 May
• 01-03 June with Concert on the 04 June
• 29 June –01 July with Concert on 02 July
• 22-24 September with Concert on 25 September
• 05-07 October with Concert on 08 October
• 19-21 October with Concert on 22 October
• 09-11 November with Concert on 12 November

Joy Seekers Workshop Days

A whole school workshop day about mental health and wellbeing. 2 songs, a prayer activity, bible teaching and ending with a whole school celebration assembly.

2026 Dates Avaiable:

25 February / 23 March /06 July / 29 September/ 01 October

04 November / 18 November /25 November

These events are all free as part of the DBE/iSingPOP partnership.

For further information about how any of these events might look for your school, or to book, contact Emma at emma.kenyon@isingpop.com

 

 

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

 

An Advent Message from Revd April Gold

Dear Friends,

It was wonderful to see so many of you at the Headteacher’s and Parish Partners’ conference in November. I found Diane Osagie’s keynote truly inspiring, and it sounds like many of you did too. I love it when a speaker sparks real reflection, especially because it lands differently for each of us. If her words stirred something in you and you’d like to talk it through, please do get in touch — Georgina and I would be delighted to explore ideas with you.

I can hardly believe we’re already in December. The next few weeks will no doubt be full of preparations in school, excited children and young people counting down the days, and staff wondering how everything will get done. I hope you find moments to share in the joy and wonder of the season, especially through the eyes of those who can only remember ten Christmases or fewer!

For some, though, this time of year can be difficult. Whether you’re entering the festivities with excitement or with heaviness, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. If you’d like company, a listening ear, or someone to share in your school activities, I’m here.

In the Church, Advent is a season of waiting and expectation. This year I find myself thinking again about Mary — a young woman whose life is transformed in an instant when Gabriel says:

‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants for ever; his kingdom will never end.’ Luke 1:30-33.

Her calm acceptance and trust in God in the face of such profound change is something I hope to learn as I continue through life.

Bishop Sophie has spent the last few months visiting deaneries and schools across the Diocese. During Advent she’s inviting us all to be especially watchful and to listen for what God may be saying about the year ahead. You may find the “Watching and Waiting” prayer resources helpful in Collective Worship or reflection times. I know she would love to hear what children, young people, and staff in our schools feel God is saying to them.

I hope you find time for rest and reflection over Christmas and the New Year, and I look forward to seeing you all in January.

Many Blessings,

April

 

School News

Bishop Sophie was visiting Rugby Deanery this week. Revd April Gold joined her at Harris CofE Aacdemy where the Bishop met with Roberta Harrison the Headteacher, Michael Cowland MAT CEO and were hosted around the school by the Head and Deputy Boys and Girls and other members of the student leadership team including the worship lead and Christion Union lead. Jacqueline Ladds, Diocesan Secretary was also in attendance and Revd James Sampson-Forster, Assistant Curate at St Andrews Church Rugby and a Foundation Governor.

 

SIAMS News

Congratulations to staff and governors at Mappleborough Green CofE Primary 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.

 

ISingPOP – What’s on Offer for Schools Now and in 2026 – Free through the DBE Partnership

The Belonging Box –  Collective Worship Training

Have you recently done the Difference course with your school? During 2026 iSingPOP are piloting training for KS2 pupils using the Belonging Box, a resource to help pupils develop their spirituality and build on implementing those difference habits in school to create a community of belonging. Contact Emma to join in (details below)

Bespoke Main Event – an iSingPOP Main event with a Twist!

 Perhaps you’ve had an iSingPOP workshop but not yet had a main event? During 2026, there are 7 remaining slots for your school to have a bespoke iSingPOP Main event tailored to your school’s values and community. If you’re intereed at what this might look like, contact Emma (details below).

2026 Dates Currently Available:

• 18-20 May with Concert on the 21 May
• 01-03 June with Concert on the 04 June
• 29 June –01 July with Concert on 02 July
• 22-24 September with Concert on 25 September
• 05-07 October with Concert on 08 October
• 19-21 October with Concert on 22 October
• 09-11 November with Concert on 12 November

Joy Seekers Workshop Days

 A whole school workshop day about mental health and wellbeing. 2 songs, a prayer activity, bible teaching and ending with a whole school celebration assembly.

2026 Dates Avaiable:

25 February / 23 March /06 July / 29 September/ 01 October

04 November / 18 November /25 November

These events are all free as part of the DBE/iSingPOP partnership.

For further information about how any of these events might look for your school, or to book, contact Emma at emma.kenyon@isingpop.com

 

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