Day 2 of the Next Step Headship programme was a truly inspiring session, focusing on the profound responsibility and privilege of leading a distinctive Church of England school.

A huge thank you to Mandy Bushell, Headteacher of St Gabriel’s CE Primary School, for leading a reflective and thought-provoking session. Mandy challenged our aspiring Headteachers to root their leadership firmly in the trust’s core purpose, encouraging them to connect daily decisions with the broader mission of their schools.

Delegates explored how the distinctive nature of Church of England schools translates into everyday actions, ensuring the trust’s vision of “life in all its fullness” is realised—allowing every child to flourish spiritually, academically, and personally. A central theme of the day was Ubuntu—recognising that the success and well-being of the individual are intrinsically linked to the community’s success (“I am because we are”).

This session exemplified how purposeful leadership development equips future Headteachers not only with operational excellence but also with the moral conviction to champion the impact of faith-based education in creating inclusive, thriving school communities.

It was an incredible day of learning, reflection, and growth for the next generation of leaders in Rainbow Education MAT.