“There is something that just shines through in Methodist schools.”
Introduction
The SWF is working on a project exploring Methodist Christian Leadership in schools, with a goal of generating conversation, and resources out of conversation, between Methodist school leaders, Methodist historians, Methodist theologians, chaplains and others, exploring what it means to lead in a Methodist school (whether state or independent, whether as a Head, governor, chaplain, or other leader). Led by Emma Pavey, this project will impact the practice and leadership of Methodist schools communities by equipping leaders with a holistic and practical understanding of Methodist Christian leadership, and the ways in which it serves human flourishing in a schools context. It will also impact mutual dialogue and understanding between Methodist schools and the Church, providing spaces for shared learning.
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 that equips schools leaders.
To this end, we are bringing Methodist educators, chaplains and other leaders into collaborative conversation with Methodist theologians and historians, and leadership academics, to build a rounded and rich offering that results in a practical and useful resource. Through dialogue in new spaces, the project is 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.
Gatherings and presentations
Roundtable gatherings
Emma invited an assortment of people involved in or interested in leadership in Methodist Schools to one of two roundtable gatherings. This was a rare opportunity for a mix of school heads and chaplains, Methodist schools trust and committee leaders, academics, theologians and historians to gather to think about Methodist School Leadership. Using a story-based methodology, Emma facilitated a discussion that unearthed themes and built relationships.
Below is a summary of the themes that emerged and will be developed going forward.
Methodist Schools Conference
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. 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’.
Emma and Julie-Ann will be following up with a session at the Methodist Schools Conference in November 2026.
If you would like to learn more about this project contact Emma.