Education Team Members
The Diocesan Board of Education operates with a small team of officers in support. Current staff members are:
Sarah Smith
Diocesan Director of Education
Sarah came to the Diocese in February 2015 from her post as Executive Head Teacher of St John’s CE Primary School in Sparkbrook, an outstanding Primary school in Sparkhill, which she led for eleven years. As a National Leader of Education, she was involved in supporting schools on their journey of school improvement. Sarah works with the Board of Education to plan and lead against its key priorities in supporting our church schools. In addition, she is the key link person for any building-related matters and offers advice and signposting on a whole range of queries, including HR and academy conversions. Part of her role is to visit headteachers and their schools.
Contact Details Telephone: 0121 426 0421 Email: Sarahs@cofebirmingham.com
Barrie Scott
Deputy Diocesan Director of Education
Barrie was Vicar of St John the Evangelist, Perry Barr for eight years and was previously Honorary Assistant Priest (SSM) at St Michael's Handsworth for sixteen years. Between 2004 and 2015, Barrie was a successful Head Teacher of two different Secondary schools in the Midlands. Barrie is a member of the Diocesan Board of Education and Vice-Chair of the Birmingham Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust. He took up post as Deputy Diocesan Director of Education on 01 February 2023 and is available to provide professional advice and support for heads, staff, clergy and governors of CofE schools when requested.
Contact Details Telephone: 0121 426 0418 Email: Barries@cofebirmingham.com
Jill Stolberg
Church School Distinctiveness Adviser
With a background of teaching in the Primary and Higher Education sectors, both ITT and CPD, Jill has long been an advocate of religious education and collective worship. She leads training in these areas, for headteachers, teachers and clergy, as well as serving on four Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education (SACREs). Prizing the character of our Church schools, Jill provides training and support to colleagues in developing and maintaining their distinctiveness, as well as managing the Section 48 Inspections (SIAMS). Jill coordinates the Year 2 and Year 6 Leavers' Services.
Contact Details Telephone: 0121 426 0422 Email: Jills@cofebirmingham.com
Susan Crosthwaite
Education Support Manager
Susan joined the Diocese in 2012 after many years in Local Government business management, working with education senior leadership. She now leads our Education admin team in the delivery of effective office communications and support and is the first port of call for schools seeking timely advice and guidance.
She co-ordinates the work of the Diocesan Board of Education, working alongside the Chair and Board members and delivering all administration for the Board and its four Committees.
Susan also supports our Deputy Director with Governance appointments and training.
Contact Details Telephone: 0121 426 0419 Email: Susanc@cofebirmingham.com
Rachel Raftery
Education Support Officer/Admissions & Appeals
Rachel has a legal and primary teaching background. She works closely with Susan to provide admin support for the education team. She leads on the Admissions and Appeals process, supporting schools and Governing Board’s with their admissions policies and arranging and clerking appeals. She is the key point of contact for school for anything admissions-related.
Contact Details Telephone: 0121 426 0417 Email: Rachelr@cofebirmingham.com
Ellie Gull
Admin and Training Support Officer
Ellie has a passion for Education and studied this at Newman University in 2011. Ellie leads on our website, and social media, providing all round advice on use of IT for the education team. Ellie provides admin support and in particular she is responsible for the organisation of training and events.
Contact Details Email: Ellieg@cofebirmingham.com
Duncan Hill-Brown
Bishops Advisor for Church-School Partnerships
Duncan is an Ordained minister, currently serving as Vicar of St Philip’s Dorridge with St James’ Bentley Heath. During his time in ministry Duncan has worked with both community and Church Schools including Secondary, Primary, SEND, and a PRU. He has ledcollective worship, been involved with Ofsted and SIAMS inspections, school visits to church, teaching about the Church and the Christian Faith and festivals in school, and has served in a variety of schools as both community and foundation Governor. He gives a day a week to work with the DBE Team as Bishop’s Advisor for Church and Church school Partnerships, supporting both clergy and Church Schools in making the most of their unique relationship
Contact Details Email: Duncanhb@cofebirmingham.com