On Tuesday, 26 June, Bishop Neil and the Diocesan education team gathered at Bristol Cathedral to celebrate the induction and commissioning of five new headteachers who will serve in Church of England schools across the Diocese. The gathering was the final part of a day of talks and discussion focused on welcoming the new headteachers to their roles.
The day began with a reflection from Revd Adam Beaumont, Associate Archdeacon and welcome refreshments in the Cathedral’s Chapter House, giving the new headteachers the opportunity to get to know each other and chat with the Diocesan Education team.
This was followed by talks from Laura Harris, Deputy Director of Education, who spoke about highlights, experiences and future needs in education within the Diocese and Liz Townend, Diocesan Director of Education, who reflected on purpose, presence and positivity in education within the Church of England.
Following the talks and a delicious lunch, the headteachers and Bishop Neil, along with the Education team, discussed the joys, challenges and opportunities of education in the Diocese.
At the end of the day, the group gathered in the Eastern Lady Chapel of the Cathedral for the commissioning service, led by Bishop Neil. The service began with a reading from the Gospel of Matthew before Bishop Neil gave a reflection on the passage. He spoke about how, with faith the size of a mustard seed, we grow with God and can be used in his mission on earth.
We pray for each new headteacher and ask that God would bless them in their roles to lead their schools to deliver the best experience and education for each child.