25th September 2025
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 18th 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