Emma Pavey is leading a new project exploring Methodist Christian Leadership in schools, with a goal of generating resources out of conversation between Methodist school leaders, Methodist historians, Methodist theologians, chaplains and others, that explores what it means to lead in Methodist school (whether state or independent, whether as a Head, governor, chaplain, or other leader).
As a first step, Emma co-hosted an interactive presentation with Julie-Ann Hewitt of the Epworth Education Trust at the Celebration of Methodist Education conference in November 2025, which SWF co-hosted with the Methodist Schools Committee. In the presentation she asked for three words that characterise Methodist school leadership. After analysing the feedback gathered in this session from school leaders, three threads emerged that appear to characterise a Methodist identity that “shines through”, as one leader put it, in Methodist schools: a desire to love, serve and excel. These themes are reflected in the Methodist Schools Transforming Lives strategy, the Methodist Way of Life ‘stations’, and connected to inspections criteria such as SIAMS, SERVE, ISI and Ofsted.
A key aim for this project will be to reveal the fabric of Methodist theology, tradition and practice, of which those threads – and indeed education itself – are an important woven part. In other words, to surface and share the ongoing interweaving of theology and history in this existing ethos that shines through in an accessible and useful way.
To this end, Emma will bring Methodist educators in conversation and collaboration with Methodist theologians and historians to build a rounded and rich offering that results in a practical and useful resource. Through dialogue in new spaces, it will be Methodist in its method of development as well as output. It will ultimately raise ‘Methodist literacy’ among school leaders, as well as raising the profile of schools within the Methodist church. Through this, the overriding purpose will be to serve the flourishing of school communities.
If you would like to learn more about this project contact Emma.