Category: Uncategorized

News from the National Society for Education

The Revd Canon Nigel Genders will step down as the Church of England’s Chief Education Officer and Chief Executive of the National Society for Education in the new year, after more than ten years in the role.

He will take up a new role as the Government’s Chief Schools Adjudicator in February.

Nigel has led the National Society for Education (NSE) since 2014, overseeing its work with over 4,700 Church schools educating more than one million children. Under his leadership, the Church has renewed its Vision for Education – Deeply Christian, Serving the Common Good – and expanded its engagement with the sector.

Nigel’s tenure has seen significant growth in the NSE’s work. This includes the introduction of a Church-led programme of National Professional Qualifications (NPQs), a revised framework for the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) and strengthening relationships between schools, their local communities, parish churches and households. In recognition of his contribution, Nigel was awarded a CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours in 2023.

Andy Wolfe, Executive Director of Education, will lead the NSE as Interim Chief Executive and Chief Education Officer during the period of vacancy following Nigel’s departure.

 

Leaders Like Us 2026/27 – Now Open for Applications from UKME/GMH Teachers and Aspiring Leaders

Please do pass on to colleagues and contacts for whom this might be great opportunity. This is open to all teachers, not just those in CofE schools.

More information and application form here.

If you feel you could be mentor for this programme do see more information here.

 

Salt and Light – Senior Leaders’ 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?

Coventry DBE’s mission is to inspire schools to demonstrate the love of Christ as they educate for life in all its fullness, and we are inviting you to participate in one of our “Salt and Light Retreats”. It’s a chance to reflect and rest, immersed in the majesty of nature, in the unique setting of a lighthouse on the Welsh coast.

Coventry DBE’s mission is to inspire schools to demonstrate the love of Christ as they educate for life in all its fullness, and we are inviting you to participate in one of our “Salt and Light Retreats”. It’s a chance to reflect and rest, immersed in the majesty of nature, in the unique setting of a lighthouse on the Welsh coast.

A 48-hour retreat in an unplugged space, in an area of natural beauty on the Welsh coast, you can join with a small group of other leaders to be nourished and envisioned. Alongside 6-8 other leaders, you will be treated to wholesome, plentiful meals. There will be lightly facilitated sessions to help you flourish as a CofE school leader.

Whether you have a Christian faith, a different faith or none, you will be given opportunity to reflect and connect. Using some principles from coaching and culture-building programmes our facilitator will help you get the most out of this time; and, of course, if you fancy exploring the stunning coastline, taking a dip in the sea or gazing at the sea and stars they can show you the way.

Find out more here. Register your interest here.

 

CPD Coming Up in the Spring Term

PEAK Human – Recording and material released after 07.01.26

Written by Jen Jenkins, this is a set of collective worship resources that feeds into courageous advocacy:

P- Passion; E- Empathy; A- Action; K- Kindness

The pre-recorded introduction explains how you might use it in your school and make the connections between courageous advocacy and your own curriculum in school. Book to receive the resources here.

Heads’ Termly Briefing – 20.01.25 – 14.00-15.30

This DBE briefing will include key updates for church school leaders as well as input for best practice from external speakers and Diocesan Headteacher colleagues. Full agenda available soon. Book here to attend or receive the recording.

SIAMS Termly Online Update – 02.03.26 – 16.30 – 17.30

Led by Jen Jenkins, these termly sessions will support those schools due for inspection within the next two academic years. Book her to attend or receive the recording.

Headteacher Wellbeing Lunch – 05.03.26 – from 10.30 – lunch

Facilitated by the DBE and a Diocesan Headteacher, share safe space, structured wellbeing activity and delicious food with fellow Headteachers.

Previous comments from this month’s lunch were:

“A much needed safe space in which to talk, listen and reflect. A wonderful venue, inspiring activities, opportunities to connect with new colleagues and of course…delicious food!”

“The wellbeing retreat day was a restorative and inspiring experience that struck the perfect balance between reflection, connection, and rest. The day offered a rare chance to step back from daily routines, reflect on personal and professional wellbeing, and return feeling grounded, re-energised, and with a renewed sense of clarity.”

Book here. (Previous participants need to re-book we’ll be in touch!)

Getting Ready for SIAMS – An Introductory Overview – Recording

Part 1 – released 16.03.25 – Part 2 – released 23.03.25

Delivered by Jen Jenkins, DBE RE and Spirituality Officer, these pre-recorded sessions will give delegates an introductory overview of SIAMS. Suitable for school staff and governors who are unfamiliar with the SIAMS process and principals. Book here to receive the recordings.

 

Message from Diana Osagie – Courageous Leadership – Following her Amazing Keynote at our Conference

Dear colleagues…

This will be the biggest conference I have done to date especially for leaders in education –

• 350 delegates
• 26 exhibitors
• 10 seminars
• 8 large hampers to win
• 2 keynotes

1 mission – to bring middle and senior leaders in schools into a powerful alliance with new modes of thinking, new products for your personal and professional life and a new level of momentum for your calling of leadership.

All the information on the event is here and download a PDF here of more details of the sessions and what to expect.

Let me give you something else, use the code SCHOOLS at the checkout to and you will receive the very special school discount of £40 off per ticket when you purchase 5 or more, making them £119 each instead of £159.

(For 5 or less .use the code COURAGE15 for a discount) If you prefer to purchase via invoice , please email Abbie on contact@courageousleadership.co.uk with your request

 

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

 

School News

Sheila Mellor, Deputy Headteacher of Dunnington CofE Primary writes:

“Throughout the day on Tuesday 11st November, each year group walked to Dunnington Baptist church and took part in a range of activities based on our school’s Christian Vision ‘Encourage one another and build each other up’.

Our wonderful staff and volunteers planned and organised practical and reflective experiences that helped the children understand the theology of our vision, why it has been chosen for our school and how they can live it in their daily lives at home, at school and in the various communities of which they are a part.

During the day, the children:

• explored a map of our Diocese to help them visualise their place in our Christian community
• listened to Revd. Helen read from the Bible so that they could learn about Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians in which he urged the members of the young Christian church to encourage one another and build each other up
• wrote letters of encouragement to a person of their choice
• in our reflective space, considered the ‘wows’ of God’s creation and
• suggested ways in which they could live our Christian vision
• undertook challenges as teams so that they could bring our vision to life by transporting ‘people’ from the back pew of church to the front using a range of equipment

We are grateful to members of our whole community who helped make our Christian Vision Event such a fantastic day. Our children thoroughly enjoyed it. Emily-May said “I love this space. It makes me feel calm and I can learn here.” Freddie said “I love walking to the church. It is a fun place to visit.” Noah said “Learning at church is brilliant!”

 

SIAMS

Congratulations to staff and governors at Coughton 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.

 

Headteacher and Parish Partners’ Conference on Tuesday

Thank you to those school leaders and parish partners who were able to join us at Ardencote Manor on Tuesday for a fantastic day of inspiration around the theme of ‘Faith, Hope and Justice’.

Over 100 adults and children were part of the day which started off with a powerful keynote from the awesome Diana Osagie. Children from St John’s CofE Primary showed us their reconcilitation skills in a session on Cross of Nails Schools with Emma Griffiths and then pupils from Walsgrave CofE Academy led worship with iSingPOP. The afternoon saw the launch of ‘Difference for Primary’ with colleagues Alaysia-Lara Ayonrinde and Rita Yoe from Lambeth Palace.

All CofE schools in Coventry Diocese will be given a free copy of ‘Heroes of Hope’ – a beautifully illustrated book to celebrate diverse representation. Some were given out at the conference, but if you’ve not had your copy, don’t worry, we’ll be dropping them off or posting them over the next couple of weeks.

This is just some of the feedback we received about the conference…

“Thank you for such a great event, it was inspiring!.”

“A really lovely and well needed day. Thank you.”

“Diana Osagie was so inspiring – can’t wait to read her books.”

“Great to see members of the church ‘family’”

 

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

 

 

School News

Rebecca Richards, Headteacher at Long Itchington CofE Academy writes:

“We had a really wonderful time last week, especially for our spirituality ambassadors, who arrived at school early to greet the new Bishop of Coventry, Bishop Sophie. They started with a tour of our school for the bishop and then our ‘open the book’ team shared the story of Jacob and Esau. The Bishop then finished our collective worship with a beautiful blessing and a very special ‘Amen’ at the end. It was a lovely event for all the children. We were also so happy to host four prefects from St Lawrence CofE Primary, Napton who asked if they could join our service. It was so wonderful to share this time with other local youngsters in the spirit of friendship.

After the collective worship, our spirituality ambassadors enjoyed a brilliant Q&A session with Bishop Sophie in the library, with some refreshments, which was the icing on the cake and I am sure it will be an opportunity the children always remember. We covered the Bishop’s views on God and the weather; ways to make RE more exciting for children; the journey taken to become a bishop and importantly, Bishop Sophie also shared what it is like to be a member of the House of Lords. The Bishop was such an interesting person to listen to and it was a  real privilege for everyone.

I feel sure that our children made the visit as special for the Bishop, as she made it for us and we are so grateful that she made a stop to our school during her deanery visit.”

 

In advance of their remembrance service this week, the pupils at Barford St Peter’s CofE Primary were given a half term task to create a poppy of any size using any materials they wished so that the school could create a display. This had an incredible impact with lots of the families taking part. Children used a very wide range of materials including hamma beads, lego, k’nex, paper, card, oil paints, and crochet to name a few and the displays were fantastic.

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

“This week, Wolvey CofE Primary School was delighted to welcome Mr John Slinger MP. He joined our FREE Breakfast Club—where we’re proud to be an early adopter—speaking with children about the importance of starting the day positively. Mr Slinger also presented awards during our Wolvey Wolf Assembly and enjoyed a tour of our school.

Throughout his visit, he commented on the warmth, respect, and sense of community that shines through our children and staff. His visit perfectly reflected our school vision: “Embracing equality and experiencing excellence.” At Wolvey, we celebrate individuality and value every child’s unique strengths, ensuring that everyone is included, supported, and able to thrive within our caring Christian community.”

 

Headteacher Wellbeing Lunch Last Week

 A number of Heads met last week for an extended lunch networking meeting which was a safe space for discussion and support with fellow Headteachers.

Here is some of the feedback we received:

“A much needed safe space in which to talk, listen and reflect. A wonderful venue, inspiring activities, opportunities to connect with new colleagues and of course…delicious food!”

“The wellbeing retreat day was a restorative and inspiring experience that struck the perfect balance between reflection, connection, and rest. The day offered a rare chance to step back from daily routines, reflect on personal and professional wellbeing, and return feeling grounded, re-energised, and with a renewed sense of clarity.”

If you would like to book to attend the next one on Thursday 05 March 2026, let us know here. (those that attended last week do not need to re-book, we’ll be in touch in the new year).

 

New SIAMS IQs Overview – Short Recording Now Available

 Jen Jenkins has recorded a short 22 min overview session on the SIAMS inspection questions. It is updated with the latest guidance and is suitable for those new to SIAMS, senior leaders and governors. This is available on the DBE website resources section. Find it under SIAMS and accessible with the usual password.

 

Thrive Licensed Childhood Practitioner Course

 Stour Federation MAT are offering this course for the spring term. The Thrive Childhood Practitioner Course will revolutionise how you view behaviour. Equipped with Thrive-Online, you will learn how to identify pupils’ social and emotional needs and create targeted action plans to remove barriers to learning. See further details and how to book here.

 

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

 

Response to the Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review Regarding RE

The conclusions and recommendations of the independent review of the curriculum, assessment and qualifications system have been published. The DfE documents (including a response from the Government) are linked here and a Schools Week overview article is linked here. The report recommends adding religious education to the to the national curriculum.

The Church of England has welcomed the scrapping of the EBacc, highlighting the positive implications for Religious Education and reaffirming its commitment to ensuring RE remains central to a broad and balanced curriculum. The Church’s Chief Education Officer, Nigel Genders, said:

“We welcome the decision to scrap the EBacc, an accountability measure which has always had a negative impact on RE and will now make it easier for pupils to study Religious Education at GCSE as part of a broad and balanced curriculum. At a time where the need for understanding and dialogue across different faith groups and worldviews is increasingly evident, the importance of children studying RE could not be clearer. The Church of England has already contributed to the curriculum and assessment review, including through the deep dive into RE. We also look forward to continuing to engage with proposals to develop RE in a way that ensures every young person has the opportunity to explore questions of meaning, purpose and belief, whilst enabling church schools to continue to provide RE in a way that is consistent with their designation as schools with a religious character.”

The new Coventry and Warwickshire syllabus was designed with input from specialists and represents a modern approach. Implementing the recommendations will take time and it is unlikely that things will change in the immediate future.

 

Experience Christmas Event for Your School at Coventry Cathedral

 The Experience Christmas event will see your pupils journeying around the beautiful and festively dressed Cathedral on a Christmas trail, learning the Christmas story, and reflecting on how this may connect with our lives today.

Learn about how Christians celebrate Christmas, visiting the very special Nativity Crib and Christmas Tree.

You will be glad to know that this event ties neatly into the Coventry and Warwickshire agreed syllabus for RE.  There will also be craft activities, and some dressing up fun too!

The event will be running daily from 1st – 4th December 2025, with morning (10am-12pm) and afternoon (12.30-2.30pm) sessions available.

The cost is £5 per child including all resources.  This event is suitable for EYFS to lower Key Stage 2.

If you would like to make a booking or find out more information please contact school.bookings@coventrycathedral.org.uk

 

Now Booking for the DBE’s Salt and Light Retreat – 24-26 March 2026

How long is it since you took time away, to nourish your inner self?

To reconnect with your purpose and emerge ready for the next phase of your leadership journey?

At Coventry DBE our mission is to inspire schools to demonstrate the love of Christ as they educate for life in all its fullness, and we are inviting you to participate in one of our “Salt and Light Retreats”. It’s a chance to reflect and rest, immersed in the majesty of nature, in the unique setting of a lighthouse on the Welsh coast.

A 48-hour retreat in an unplugged space, in an area of natural beauty on the Welsh coast, you can join with a small group of other leaders to be nourished and envisioned. Alongside 6-8 other leaders, you will be treated to wholesome, plentiful meals. There will be lightly facilitated sessions to help you flourish as a CofE school leader.

Whether you have a Christian faith, a different faith or none, you will be given opportunity to reflect and connect. Using some principles from coaching and culture-building programmes our facilitator will help you get the most out of this time; and, of course, if you fancy exploring the stunning coastline, taking a dip in the sea or gazing at the sea and stars they can show you the way.

Find out more here.

 

Not Long until the Headteacher and Parish Partners’ Conference…Do Sign up a Colleague if You Can’t Attend

 Tues 18 November 

‘Leading for Faith, Hope and Justice’

We look forward to welcoming you to this year’s conference at Ardencote Hotel on Tuesday 18 November 2025, 09.30 – 14.30 for a day of inspiration and joint working with your Parish Partners. If you can’t attend, do please send another colleague.

Keynote Speaker Diana Osagie on ‘Being Fearless and Intentionally Courageous’

Diana Osagie brings over two decades of experience including taking on the role of headteacher in a secondary school in inner London. Her journey is rooted in resilience, courage, and a commitment to honesty. Diana has led through adversity and speaks with humour and insight. She aims to connect, inspire, motivate and leave you ready to roar with the courage in your leadership!

Find out how to deliver ‘Difference for Primary’ in your school

After lunch there will be a workshop with the Difference team from Lambeth Palace. Their free suite of ‘Difference’ resources will help your school navigate an increasingly complex world, inspired by Jesus to embrace difference and champion a culture of hope and empathy. Find out more about Difference here.

Or Learn about becoming a Cross of Nails School  (or how to refresh your status) with Emma Griffiths from Coventry Cathedral.

 Do send an additional staff member after lunch if you’d like your school to take advantage of both workshops (Difference and ICONS).

We will be Worshipping with iSingPOP and see their new song to complement the ‘Difference’ programme.

Each school attending will get a free copy of ‘Heroes of Hope’ – 22 Inspiring Stories of Christians around the World by Revd Dr Sharon Prentis and Alysia-Lara Ayonrinde.

There will be time at the end of the day to use the space to hold any gatherings or have networking time if you wish.

The full agenda is here and book your place here.

 

Newly Launched for Senior Leaders … Wholehearted Leadership: An Online Programme

This is a new programme for Senior Leaders in Church schools, providing half-termly sessions where senior leaders are invited to consider leadership issues through a lens of Christian distinctiveness with input from Jen Jenkins, the DBE’s RE, SIAMS & Spirituality Officer. It is offered as a ‘gift’ to you – a space to reflect on your development as a person, teacher and leader, and meet and discuss with other senior leaders in the diocese.

The programme uses a blend of online self-directed sessions with face-to-face events. It has three core components of focus, personal reflection and coaching. It is based on Thessalonians 5:12-18 giving it a distinctively Christian approach.

Jen was formerly a Deputy Headteacher and the programme is informed by shadowing senior leaders in the diocese so that the current reality for senior leaders is deeply considered.

Find out more here and do share with SLT colleagues. To enrol and get started on your first self-directed sessions this term contact: lisa.boffey@coventrydbe.org

 

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

 

School News

 

Bishop Sophie Visits Ilmington CofE Primary

Paul Crouch, Headteacher of Ilmington CofE Primary writes:

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

SIAMS News

Congratulations to staff and governors at Burton Green CofE Academy who had their SIAMS inspection last month. They were found to be living up to their foundation as a Church school, enabling pupils and adults to flourish. You can read the report here.

Pray for Schools Event – Prayer Requests Welcome

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

 

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

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

This is a new programme for Senior Leaders in Church schools, providing half-termly sessions where senior leaders are invited to consider leadership issues through a lens of Christian distinctiveness with input from Jen Jenkins, the DBE’s RE, SIAMS & Spirituality Officer. It is offered as a ‘gift’ to you – a space to reflect on your development as a person, teacher and leader, and meet and discuss with other senior leaders in the diocese.

The programme uses a blend of online self-directed sessions with face-to-face events. It has three core components of focus, personal reflection and coaching. It is based on Thessalonians 5:12-18 giving it a distinctively Christian approach.

Jen was formerly a Deputy Headteacher and the programme is informed by shadowing senior leaders in the diocese so that the current reality for senior leaders is deeply considered.

Find out more here and do share with SLT colleagues. To enrol and get started on your first self-directed sessions this term contact lisa.boffey@coventrydbe.org

 

National Society for Education – Free Advent Collective Worship Resource

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

School News

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

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

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

 

 

Headteacher and Parish Partners’ Conference – Tuesday 18 November 

‘Leading for Faith, Hope and Justice’

We look forward to welcoming you to this year’s conference at Ardencote Hotel on Tuesday 18 November 2025, 09.30 – 14.30 for a day of inspiration and joint working with your Parish Partners. If you can’t attend, do please send another colleague.

Keynote Speaker Diana Osagie on ‘Being Fearless and Intentionally Courageous’

Diana Osagie brings over two decades of experience including taking on the role of headteacher in a secondary school in inner London. Her journey is rooted in resilience, courage, and a commitment to honesty. Diana has led through adversity and speaks with humour and insight. She aims to connect, inspire, motivate and leave you ready to roar with the courage in your leadership!

 Find out how to deliver ‘Difference for Primary’ in your school

After lunch there will be a workshop with the Difference team from Lambeth Palace. Their free suite of ‘Difference’ resources will help your school navigate an increasingly complex world, inspired by Jesus to embrace difference and champion a culture of hope and empathy. Find out more about Difference here.

 Or Learn about becoming a Cross of Nails School  (or how to refresh your status) with Emma Griffiths from Coventry Cathedral.

 Do send an additional staff member after lunch if you’d like your school to take advantage of both workshops (Difference and ICONS).

We will be Worshipping with iSingPOP and see their new song to complement the ‘Difference’ programme

Each school attending will get a free copy of ‘Heroes of Hope’ – 22 Inspiring Stories of Christians around the World by Revd Dr Sharon Prentis and Alysia-Lara Ayonrinde.

There will be time at the end of the day to use the space to hold any meetings or have networking time if you wish.

book your place here.

 

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

Want to get pupils leading collective worship?

 Is your Pop Box gathering dust on a shelf?

 Not quite sure how it should be used?

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

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

 

Upcoming Termly SIAMS Update Session

Live and recorded session – Monday 24 November 16.30 to 17.30

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

Book here to either attend or receive the recording.

 

Thrive Licensed Childhood Practitioner Course

 Stour Federation MAT are offering this course for the spring term. The Thrive Childhood Practitioner Course will revolutionise how you view behaviour. Equipped with Thrive-Online, you will learn how to identify pupils’ social and emotional needs and create targeted action plans to remove barriers to learning. See further details and how to book here.

 

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

 

 

School News

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

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

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

 

Worldviews Teacher Knowledge Organiser

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

School News

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

For more information click here.

To apply click here.

To apply to be a mentor click here.

Applications close on Friday, 21 November 2025

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

 

School News

 

SIAMS

Congratulations to staff and governors at Holy Trinity CofE Primary who had their SIAMS inspection in late summer term. They were found to be living up to their foundation as a Church school, enabling pupils and adults to flourish. You can read the report here.

 

Launch of The Difference for Primary Schools

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

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

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

 

News from the National Society for Education

Annual Conference and ‘Festival of Flourishing’

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

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

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

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

 

Headteacher Termly Briefing

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

 

DBE Website – Password Change Notice

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

 

Christingle at Coventry Cathedral for your Pupils

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

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

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

The event will be held over three sessions this year:

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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