Celebrating Methodist Education

The Methodist Conference Celebration of Methodist Education took place on 19 November at the University of Roehampton. The event, co-hosted and facilitated by the Susanna Wesley Foundation, brought together representatives from Methodist schools across Methodist Academies and Schools Trust (MAST) and Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST), alongside university staff, chaplaincy and ministry colleagues, to explore how we can encourage and equip school leaders in our ever-changing educational landscape.

Opening by the President of the Methodist Conference

The conference opened with inspiring devotions from the Revd Richard Andrew, President of the Methodist Conference, who shared the powerful words of Kofi Annan: "You are never too young to lead and you should never doubt your capacity to triumph where others have not. You must walk as princes and princesses because you are children of God."

These words, which Annan absorbed during his own education at a Methodist school in Ghana, beautifully capture the inherent dignity, confidence and leadership capacity that comes from being a child of God – setting a truly inspiring tone for the day's focus on connection, wellbeing and the distinctive contribution of Methodist education in supporting school communities through challenging times.

Inspiring Keynotes and Practical Workshops

The day featured thought-provoking keynote addresses and engaging breakout sessions designed to inspire and equip attendees. Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL, spoke on connection, belonging and success in times of change in education, encouraging leaders to be 'brave' like David facing Goliath when confronting educational challenges. Fischy Music presented on nurturing wellbeing and faith through song, with delegates up on their feet learning new faith songs which can be used in schools.

Attendees were able to choose from a rich variety of breakout sessions throughout the day, including sessions on improving support and inclusion for children and young people with SEND, nurturing compassionate education through the story of Billy Waters, and exploring the role of chaplains and school staff in creating a culture of Christian faith formation in schools.

The afternoon keynote, "Leading for SEND: Ways Forward in Challenging Times", was delivered by international educational consultant Gary Aubin, who sits on the Curriculum and Assessment Review Panel. Gary reflected on the current challenging national context for SEND before exploring three key ways forward: embedding whole-school approaches, controlling the controllables, and maintaining a focus on teaching and learning.

Developing Methodist Christian Leadership

Julie-Ann Hewitt, CEO of Epworth Education Trust, and Dr Emma Pavey, Associate Director with the Susanna Wesley Foundation presented information on developing a Methodist Christian Leadership programme. This initiative responds to an identified need for leadership development with a distinctively Methodist focus, and attendees were invited to contribute valuable input to support its development.

The conference concluded with closing devotions by the Revd Nicola Morrison, Methodist Chaplain for the University of Roehampton and Chaplain of Southlands College.

A Day of Impact

With 54 delegates in attendance, the day successfully combined inspirational addresses with practical workshops, creating space for Methodist school leaders to reflect on their practice and connect with peers.

Delegates shared powerful reflections on the day's impact. One described it as an "inspirational day of inspirational leaders" that prompted reflection on "giving everyone a good listening to, the showing of extravagant kindness and being ruthlessly caring. Belonging and connection is key."

Another delegate captured the deeper significance of the gathering: "So much inspiration and challenge all in one day! A reminder that this is more than a 'job', it is a sacred vocation, a God-given role for which we have been prepared and for which we will be given all we need as we move forward. A team of optimistic realists with the courage of David can literally change lives and schools."

A further participant summed up the collective experience: "Surrounded by the kindest and most inspirational people from our Methodist family, I was challenged to look again at our provision and to make sure we are all bringing the best version of ourselves to work every day."

This celebration of Methodist education reminded us all of the unique and vital role our schools play in nurturing young people to recognise their God-given dignity and potential to lead and make a difference in the world.

Images courtesy of James Heatlie