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Diocesan Service Agreement and CPD Programme 26-27

Thank you to those schools and MATs who have already returned their DSA subscription forms. The CPD programme of events and training can be found here.

Do ensure that the date of the DBE’s Annual Conference in your diaries – Wednesday 25 November at Ashorne Hill Conference Centre. More details will be sent out in the autumn term.

 

The Legacy of Alive – New Video

It is just over three years since the Alive Praise Party brought together 9,000 Key Stage 2 children from CofE schools across Coventry Diocese. If you would like a reminder, you can find out more here. Since then, the DBE’s partnership with iSingPop has continued to grow and is now entering its fourth year! The impact of this partnership in our schools is highlighted in a new 5 min video filmed with staff and pupils from Radford Semele CofE Primary here.

 

iSingPop POP Box Training for Pupils – Autumn Term

iSingPOP have 2 POP boxes, ‘The Life of Jesus’ and ‘Heroes of the Old Testament’ and they are starting to pilot a new resource called The Belonging Box.

The Belonging Box can be used as a follow on from the Difference course for schools or in Sunday school. It can also be used before starting or alongside the course.

This resource enables children to cultivate an environment of belonging, through 5 scripture-based sessions. Each session has elements of story, song and discussion to allow your group to explore different values of belonging. The final element is a Belonging Celebration that you can put on in school or at church! Pupils can fully lead this concert-style showcase for friends and family too!

Each session has been designed to give opportunities of pupil voice and creativity. The elements of each session have the windows mirrors doors framework in mind. Looking at the bible, reflecting on the values and thinking about the takeaway action.

Emma Stevens will come in to train 8-12 KS2 pupils over 3 weeks on how they might lead collective worship, using any of the 3 resources you decide.

Availability is from the week commencing the 14 September onwards.

•       8-12 children from KS2 (Less is doable, but these numbers are a ‘sweet spot’)

•       3 sessions across 3 weeks, an hour long across lunch time, eating lunch together before exploring using the resources.

•       Week 1: Getting to know the POP Box, what’s it for, what can be done with it, example of an assembly using discussion questions, Bible story and a song or two!

•       Week 2: Training on a Class Worship using the POP Box, giving out roles, children start to lead the game, discussion and script.

•       Week 3: Training on an Assembly using the POP Box, swapping roles for some variation, practicing leading a collective worship assembly using story, and dance.

•       Optional extra: Leading a collective worship assembly in school all with the support of Emma and member from the parish/school.

Contact Emma to arrange your dates (and be quick as Emma is very popular and books up very quickly!) Emma.Stevens@isingpop.com

This is free as part of the Diocesan iSingPop partnership.

 

National Society for Education – Leaders Like Us – Applications are now open for Participants and Mentors

Launched in 2023, Leaders Like Us is a multi-faceted programme for aspiring senior leaders from UKME/ GMH backgrounds with the aim of enabling them to progress to headship. It is open to UKME aspiring headteachers in all English schools.

The Leaders Like Us programme is an 18 month learning journey which incorporates training, shadowing, mentoring and networking.

Please do pass the link on to colleagues you think might be interested in either participating or mentoring.

More information here: https://www.nse.org.uk/foundation-for-educational-leadership/leaders-like-us

School News

Last Wednesday, members of the DBE Board were treated to a tour of the brand new ‘Aspiration Hub’ at Harris CofE Academy, which is designed for pupils who may benefit from a smaller, more nurturing environment.

This conversion of the former site services officer’s house will provide a calm, structured, and emotionally supportive environment where pupils can rebuild confidence, rediscover their strengths, and take positive steps back into successful school life.

Michael Cowland the Academy Trust CEO said of The Aspiration Hub that it was  “…a place where every student can flourish, discover their potential, and develop the God-given talents that make them unique.” He recalled the school’s Christian vision ‘While we have time let us do good to all’. (Galatians 6:10)

 

Church of England National Society for Education

Applications for NPQs from the NSE are now open

Some are fully funded. They offer four specialist NPQs:

NPQLT (Leading Teaching)

NPQLBC (Leading Behaviour and Culture)

NPQLTD (Leading Teacher Development)

NPQLPM (Leading Primary Mathematics)

And four leadership NPQs:

NPQSENCO (Statutory qualification for SENCOs)

NPQSL (Senior Leadership)

NPQH (Headship)

NPQEL (Executive Leadership)

Find out more and apply here.

 

Reception Teaching

The NSE’s new 20-hour Excellence in Reception Teaching course is designed to give existing Reception Teachers the skills, confidence, and network to drive positive change for all children. Driven by the latest research and best practice, you’ll explore the latest thinking and practical strategies for transitions, working with families and inclusive practice. Register an interest here.

 

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

 

School News

Vicky Khawaja, Assistant Headteacher at Wootton Wawen CofE Primary writes:

“I wanted to share some exciting news from Wootton Wawen CofE Primary School. On Friday, we were formally recognised as an International Cross of Nails (ICON) School during a special service at St Peter’s Church.

We are incredibly proud to have achieved this accreditation, which recognises our commitment to promoting peace, reconciliation, justice and hope within our school community and beyond. The award reflects the collective efforts of our pupils, staff, governors, church and wider community to embed these values throughout school life.

As a school with the vision ‘Nurture, Inspire, Achieve’, this work has become a significant part of our culture and curriculum, and we would be delighted to encourage other schools who may be interested in exploring the accreditation.”

If you are interested in looking at ICON status for your school and want to talk to Vicky to find out more, do get in touch with her here.

Congratulations to Blue Coat CofE School and Music Colleage for being named a silver winner in the ‘Making a Difference – Secondary School of the Year’ category at the Pearson National Teaching Awards.

Announced on National Thank a Teacher Day, the award places Blue Coat among just six secondary schools across the country celebrating the exceptional impact the school has on its students, families and wider community.

As silver winner, Blue Coat now progresses to the national final where Gold Award winners will be announce in November at a prestigious awards ceremony in London.

The award was presented by David Tyler, Head of Growth at Pearson, who spent time meeting students, staff and partners during his visit to the schools. Speaking at the presentation David said:

“My fist impresson of Blue Coat is complete joy.The amazing things past pupils, current pupils and school partners shared completely blew me away. The morning was full of hope. It’s not easy out there, but hearing these stories fills me with optimism. You can see the impact Blue Coat has on its community and it brings a big smile to your face.”

Headteacher Lisa Wright said: “To receive this recognition on Thank a Teacher Day makes it even more special. It gives us a genuine opportunity to thank every single member of our staff community for the difference they make every day. This award belongs to all of them.”

Pupils from All Saints CofE Primary, Bedworth and The Canons CofE Primary have had peace poems published that were written as part of the Coventry Peace Festival (1–15 November 2025), commemorating the 85th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz and aligning with Interfaith Week under the theme “Community – Together We Serve.”

The poems were initially performed to a large audience in All Saints’ Church in Bedworth. This was the first time the event had been held in Bedworth, marking an important step in strengthening connections across Warwickshire and Coventry. The occasion reflected the power of community, demonstrating how collective effort across education, faith, and civic leadership can create memorable, inclusive experiences that benefit young people while celebrating shared values of peace, reflection, and unity.

You can read the poems here.

 

National Society for Education – National Professional Qualification Places for 26/27

Keen to reserve an NPQ place for 2026-2027 for you or your team? The NSE are anticipating courses will begin in November 2026 and their courses are always oversubscribed so if you’re keen to grab a place, complete the form here to register your interest, and they’ll be in touch.

 

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

 

 

School News

Congratulations to Blue Coat CofE School who have achieved a Global Neighbours Gold award from Christian Aid. One of only two secondary schools to achieve this accreditation.

The award recognises the school’s commitment to global citizenship, courageous advocacy and social justice, with students and staff taking part in a wide range of initiatives that encourage reflection, action and care for others around the world. From Interfaith Week and Refugee Week to Human Rights Day and an innovative partnership with a school in India, students have explored important global issues and considered how they can play their part in creating a fairer world.

Peter Merrylees, Vice Chair said “…I’m so proud of the school’s achievement. It is well deserved and such an encouragement to all to hear about the impact we are having on future leaders, ambassadors, advocates and a future generation that will need to be increasingly focussed on the global challenges of looking after our world and the people who inhabit it.”

 

SIAMS News

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

You can read the reports here:

Bournebrook CofE Primary

Ilmington CofE Primary

Knightlow CofE Primary

 

Arrange a Chorister Recruitment Visit for your School from Coventry Cathedral

A Chorister Recruitment Visit from Coventry Cathedral is more than just a Chorister Recruitment Activity, the visit will involve a fun, full class singing workshop led by the Acting Director of Music, Joe Watson.

Children will learn a range of songs, and be enthused for music making through full class singing.

To find out more, read the brochure here. To arrange a visit, contact Joe on Joe.Watson@Coventry.Anglican.org

 

Diocesan Prayer Diary

Every month the Diocese produces a prayer diary so that every day, different aspects of our diocese and beyond, including schools, universities, hospitals and prisons, and the worldwide Anglican Communion are prayed for. All schools in Coventry Diocese are included throughout the year.

Is your school community being prayed over this month? Find out here.

 

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

 

School News

Gemma Hathaway, Senior Assistant Headteacher at Blue Coat CofE School Coventry welcomed Bennie Kara to Coventry last month to host a phase 1 scoping meeting with leaders from Brailes CofE Primary and All Saints CofE Primary, Coventry to discuss a collaborative west midlands racial justice project. Gemma is looking forward to welcoming Bennie back in June for phase 2 of the scoping work through the lens of pupils in a cross phase pupil voice activity.

 

Last Chance to Book for Next Week’s DBE Headteacher Termly Briefing

Thurs 11 June – 14.00 – 15.30

Agenda

• Opening Reflection and DBE Update – Revd April Gold – Diocesan Director of Education
• God and the Big Bang – Michael Harvey, Executive Director
• Global link work at All Saints CofE Junior, Warwick – Sandra Sutherland, Headteacher
• Introducing the new Belonging Pop Box and how pupils use it to lead collective Worship at Wootton Wawen CofE Primary – Emma Kenyon and Vicky Khawaja, Assistant Headteacher
• Farewell to Revd April Gold – Andy Taylor, CEO of Messenger Trust
• Closing Comments and Prayer

The Big Future Survey for Children 0-18

Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner has launched a survey ‘The Big Future’ for everyone aged 0-18 in England. It asks children about childhood today – about the things that worry them, the things they love, the ways they have fun, and the changes they want for a better future.

childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigfuture.

In the five years since her first survey of England’s children, the landscape of childhood has changed rapidly. Mental health referrals have increased by around half a million, more children are spending long periods of time online, and a growing number require additional support at school.

How the government responds to those changes will shape what it’s like to grow up in England for years to come.

Please do encourage your pupils to add their voice here.

 

Great Big Live Assembly — Refugee Week 2026

Join The Sanctuary Foundation on Tuesday 16 June for a free live assembly marking World Refugee Day. This year’s theme is Courage — celebrating what it takes to leave home, cross borders, and start again.

Wena, a young refugee from Kurdistan, and TV presenter Gemma Hunt will lead a fast-paced, interactive 25-minute broadcast packed with inspiring stories, refugee voices, art and poetry from the national schools competition, and a quiz.

With 43 million displaced children worldwide and attitudes to immigration growing more divided, this assembly is designed to deepen children’s understanding and empathy.

Secondary schools: 8:40am Primary schools: 9:05am Click links to register.

Also streamed free on YouTube.

 

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

 

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