25th September 2026
School News
Congratulations to Wolvey CofE Primary which was named Equity and Inclusion Organisation of the Year 2026 at the Black and Diverse Safeguarding Awards, held in Birmingham at the weekend.
The school was shortlisted in three categories, before taking home the national award in recognition of its work to remove barriers and create greater opportunities for children and families from diverse backgrounds.
Particular recognition was given to Wolvey’s transformational work with its local Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) community. The school has developed innovative approaches to improving engagement, attendance, safeguarding and educational opportunities, while building strong and trusting relationships with families.
Head of School Matthew Parker said:
“This is an incredible achievement for our whole school community. We are incredibly proud that our work to promote equality and inclusion, particularly with our GRT community, has been recognised at a national level.
“At Wolvey, inclusion is not simply something we talk about – it is something we live every day. We are determined to remove barriers, challenge inequality and ensure that every child and family knows they belong.”
The award reflects Wolvey’s ongoing commitment to its vision of “Embracing equality and experiencing excellence”, and celebrates the dedication of its staff, pupils, families and wider community.
SIAMS News
Congratulations to staff and governors at Studley St Mary’s CofE Academy who had their SIAMS inspection in late summer term. They were found to be living up to their foundation as a Church school, enabling pupils and adults to flourish. You can read the report here.
Did You Miss Last Week’s Headteachers’ Termly Briefing?
The recording and slides are available to view on the DBE website resources page under Headteacher Resources. Use the passcode given to you to access.
Within Your First Five Years of Headship? Free Coaching Offer from the Church of England
The Early Headship Coaching Offer (EHCO) is a year-long programme from the National Society for Education, available to eligible headteachers within their first five years of headship. It provides structured, unassessed support and networking, based on the best available evidence about what makes an effective headteacher.
Designed around the realities of early headship, the EHCO gives you protected space to reflect, connect with other new headteachers and develop your leadership with the support of an experienced coach.
Your journey begins with a 360° diagnostic, helping you identify your leadership strengths and priorities. Across the year, you will take part in five Peer Support Networks and five small-group coaching sessions – opportunities to explore evidence, share practice, test your thinking, and focus on the priorities that matter to you and your school.
Previous participants have described the EHCO as valuable “protected time” within the demands of headship, with 100% agreeing that the programme provided valuable support during their early headship career.
The programme is fully funded by the Department for Education, with applications for the next cohort closing on 16 October. Apply here to secure your place.
You can find out more here:
Watch the short EHCO video overview
Find out more about the EHCO or see the brochure here
If you would like to explore whether the EHCO could support you in your early headship, please contact Matthew Welton, EHCO Programme Lead, who would be very happy to talk through the programme and answer any questions (Matthew.welton@churchofengland.org)
Grants of up to £1500 to Support Inclusion and Racial Justice
Some of you might’ve been inspired by Kim Ballard’s story last week at the Heads’ Briefing of the fantastic anti-racist work at Wellesbourne CofE Primary, helped by a microgrant from the WMRJI.
The CofE West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative have awarded grants to support a wide range of projects, including youth retreats, after-school programmes, and diocesan-led courses. These initiatives all reflected a commitment to inclusion and racial justice.
The next phase of Microgrants is now open for applications. Full details are on their website.
For Own Admission Authorities – Are You Looking to Make Changes to Your Admission Policy? Reduce Your PAN?
This term, own admission authorities (MATs and VA schools) should be in the process of reviewing and determining their admission policies for 2028/29.
If you are making any changes to the policy, you will need to publicly consult and the consultation window is 6 weeks between 1 October and 31 January. The DBE should be advised of proposed changes prior to any formal consultation.
If you require support or want to chat through the options, please contact Joanne Evans. It is a statutory requirement to talk to the DBE prior to any consultation. Please also do send us your policy once governors have formally agreed it, as well as notifying the LA and publishing it on your website.
For the full Headlines newsletter contact Joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org