Training and Events

Our courses – and we run about forty every year focus around those aspects of education that are distinctive within a Church school setting. 

Please see below for further details about our training provision, Forums and Events.

For information about CofE NPQs, please click here.

Courses 2026-2027

An overview of our training provision for 2026-27, by subject and date, is available below:

Courses by subject | PDF

Courses by date | PDF

Also available:

Courses for Governors (Governor training is free) | PDF

Courses on RE and CW | PDF

Courses for the autumn term (all via Zoom unless stated)

Please click on each title for more information.

September 2026

October 2026

November 2026

Forums/Networks 2026-2027

Headteachers' Forum

The Forum is held termly and aims to provide an opportunity for Heads to meet to discuss issues and challenges in schools.  Heads' Forums will take place on the following dates in 2026-27 - all at 1.30pm via Zoom:

• Tuesday 29 September 2026
• Wednesday 20 January 2027
• .Monday 26 April 2027

Chairs of Governors Forum

The Forum is held termly and aims to provide an opportunity for Chairs to meet to discuss issues and challenges in schools. Chairs' Forums will take place on the following dates in 2026-27 - att at 4pm via Zoom:

• Thursday 26 November 2026
• Tuesday 16 March 2027
• Thursday 24 June 2027

RE and Collective Worship Network

RE and CW leaders and teachers are invited to join this free termly network to discuss RE and Collective Worship. Network meetings will take place on the following dates in 2026-27, all at 4pm via Zoom (unless stated):

• Monday 16 November 2026
• Thursday 11 March 2027
• Tuesday 6 July 2027 - venue to be confirmed

Admissions Forum

This forum is usually held in the autumn and spring terms and provides an opportunity for those involved with school admissions to meet to discuss issues and be kept updated.  Dates for the next Admissions Forum will take place in the spring term 2027.  Date to be advised.

For any queries on admissions, please contact Jacqui Studd, tel:01473 298570.

Small Schools Forum

This Forum is aimed at Heads, Chairs and Governors in small schools and meets termly.  The Small Schools Forums will take place on the following dates in 2026-27 - all at 4pm via Zoom:

• Tuesday 13 October 2026
• Tuesday 2 February 2027
• Tuesday 18 May 2027

For any queries regarding Forums or training or to book, please contact Jacqui Studd, tel:01473 298570.

Events 2025-2026

Annual Church School Leaders' Conference

A highlight of our year is our annual church school leaders’ conference for Headteachers, Deputies, Chairs and Governors. The theme for our annual conference this year was “Leading a church school with joy and hope”. A range of speakers provided inspiration and joy! Clare Lamb, Head at All Saints' CEVCP, Lawshall led an excellent session on metacognition. We also had sessions led by Springs Dance, iSingPOP and Kick, all of whom have featured in previous newsletters. It was great to see so many Headteachers and governors. We have already booked Ip-City again for next year’s conference – on 19 November 2026.

Big Spring Sing

This event is held in partnership with Christian Aid, to raise awareness of their work and to help raise funds. It is an opportunity for pupils to come together in our beautiful cathedral to sing together and to share stories of how they are learning about global justice and becoming courageous advocates.

This year's Big Spring Sing, held on Monday 23 March 2026, saw over 400 pupils and adults from 10 church primary schools fill the Cathedral. The children sang songs specially commissioned by Christian Aid to raise awareness of issues of global justice. Pupils from two of the schools spoke about how they are taking action to tackle injustice and two schools sang songs they had written. Richard Baker from Christian Aid spoke about the charity’s vital work in creating a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. Founded 80 years ago in the aftermath of the Second World War, Christian Aid continues to provide long term development support aswell as emergency relief across the world. Further information about the Big Sing is available from: Big Spring Sing landing page - Christian Aid.  For any queries, please contact Rachel Cutts, rachel.cutts@cofesuffolk.org or Jacqui Studd, jacqui.studd@cofesuffolk.org 

The date of next year's Big Spring Sing will be announced in due course.

Diocesan Service of Celebration for Church Schools 

Our annual service to celebrate the work of church schools, held on Monday 15 June 2026, saw over 600 pupils and adults from 16 church schools fill the Cathedral. Our theme was Educating for Dignity and Respect. iSingPOP led workshops in schools before the service to teach the children the songs. For more information about iSingPOP please  see https://www.isingpop.org/schools 

The date of next year's Cathedral Service will be announced in due course.

For any queries about our courses or events, please contact Jacqui Studd.