7th September 2026
Message from Canon Carolyn Shoyer – Interim DDE
Welcome back – although I expect it already feels as if you have never been away!
September is very much a time of new beginnings. For those of you in primary schools, you will be welcoming 4-year-olds into their reception year and for secondary schools of course, a whole new cohort of 11-year-olds. During these days we see big changes.
The new Y7 students are busy making their mark with teachers and fellow pupils. Those new to reception will be mark-making of a very different kind and soon they will be writing their names; often for the very first time. Have you ever considered the writing of a name to be a spiritual act? Well, it is!
As I read the Old Testament, I can see that the Hebrews placed great importance on a name. A name is not just a label but also expresses something about the person; who they were and their character. The Hebrew word for name is ‘shem’ and it’s linked with the Hebrew word for breath: ‘neshemah’. And so, we see that our name is the very essence of who we are – our breath in and our breath out.
Over recent times I have thought a lot about my own name, particularly as I got married in June! I believe that I am not simply defined by the people I am related to but I have my own essence, my own being – my own breath. As a woman of independent and feminist spirit, I am known by my birthname. Fundamentally, I am known, named and loved by God.
As you teach children to write their names (or make their mark in secondary school!) you are doing something quite remarkable. You are helping them to connect with their own individuality, their own essence, their own spirituality. Thank you.
As you send out the first letters of the school year to your communities, you will sign them off with your own name. As you so do, connect with your own individuality, your own essence, your own spirituality. What is the essence of you that you are bringing to your leadership this coming year? You too are known, named and loved by God.
With every blessing,
Canon Carolyn Shoyer – Interim Diocesan Director of Education
Vacancy – Diocesan Director of Education
Are you a senior Christian leader who sees education as mission and wants to make a lasting impact on children, communities, and the Church?
The Diocese of Coventry is seeking a Diocesan Director of Education (DDE) to lead and sustain Christian education across 76 Church of England schools. As Director and CEO of the Diocesan Board of Education, you will provide strategic leadership, working with the Bishop, parishes, schools, MATs, local authorities, and national partners. This influential role requires theological depth, educational credibility, and strong system leadership.
The DBE are looking for someone who:
- Has significant leadership experience in the state school sector
- Is a practising Christian rooted in prayer and mission
- Leads with pastoral wisdom and builds strong partnerships
- Communicates the Gospel clearly and convincingly
The full advert and candidate pack are here. Please feel free to forward them to any colleagues who may be interested.
New NSE Chief Education Officer Announced
Charlie Lang has been appointed as the next Chief Education Officer for the Church of England and Chief Executive of the National Society for Education. He is expected to take up the role in mid-November, with Andy Wolfe remaining in the interim role until then. Find out more here.
SIAMS News
Congratulations to staff and governors at Dunnington CofE Primary and Harbury CofE Primary who both had their SIAMS inspections in June. They were found to be living up to their foundation as Church schools, enabling pupils and adults to flourish. You can read their respective reports by clicking on the links above.
DBE News
We welcome Ian Corden to the DBE team this week. Ian is currently Assistant Head of the Sixth Form at Blue Coat CofE School in Coventry and has been appointed as Interim Church School Foundation Officer for two days a week at the DBE to support schools with SIAMS, collective worship and RE. Ian will be introducing himself to Headteachers at the forthcoming termly briefing on 17 Sept but in the meantime, you can contact him or just say hello at ian.corden@coventrydbe.org
MAT News
The Diocese of Coventry Multi Academy Trust has strengthened its team with the appointment of two experienced education leaders, supporting its continued development and commitment to inclusion across its 22 academies.
Andy Taylor joins the trust in the role of Head of Transformation & Growth on a secondment from the Messenger Education Trust. Andy will work for the trust for three days a week, while continuing his role as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Headteacher at the Messenger Education Trust, based at St Gabriel’s CofE Academy in Rugby.
Rebecca Fuller (Becky) comes to the trust as its first Head of Inclusion. Becky previously held the role of Deputy Director of SEND at Academy Transformation Trust, a national multi academy trust of 22 academies across England.
Are you a new Church School Senior Leader? Or is there a New Senior Leader on Your Team?
Tuesday 15 September 2026 – 16.00 to 17.00 – online via Teams
For newly appointed senior leaders in Coventry diocesan schools
This online event which will bring you up to date with the essential and distinctive elements of life in a Church of England school in Coventry Diocese. We will cover mission, vision and values, SIAMS, collective worship, requirements for RE and answer any of the questions you might have about preparing for success in your new role. Book here.
Other CPD Coming up in the Autumn Term…
Heads’ Termly Briefing – 17/09/26 – agenda to follow by email soon
Heads’ Wellbeing Lunch – 11/11/26
Annual Headteachers’ Trinity Conference – 25/11/26
Salt and Light Retreat – 1-3/12/26
Coventry Cathedral Schools Team Programme for 2026/27
Coventry Cathedral offers a range of carefully prepared tours and workshops that will support your curriculum including the Coventry and Warwickshire Agreed Syllabus for RE.
Pupils will be able to explore concepts through hands on activities led by experienced Schools Team staff, visiting both the old and new cathedral. They can adapt their offer to meet your requirements and welcome all pupils whatever their needs. They offer pre-visits to teachers and encourage you to be in touch to discuss your visit requirements. See their 26/27 brochure here.
For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org