VIEW FROM THE ABBEY

Friday 26 May 2023

Congratulations to our Confirmation Candidates, following their Confirmation Service in the Abbey on Sunday 14th May.

We were blessed with a beautiful early summer Sunday to welcome The Right Reverend Karen Gorham, the Bishop of Sherborne, and Lay Minister Peter Wells as her Chaplain, and of course the Confirmation Candidates and their guests.

Miles A, William N, Alex M, Evie H and Edward N had thought deeply about their beliefs, and taken their own decisions to confirm their baptisms as younger children. They were led through these theological considerations and prepared for Confirmation through classes held with Reverend Lewis Pearson, to whom we are very grateful.

As a school founded on Christian values - but one which embraces and encourages people of all faiths or none - one element highlighted in our recent ISI inspection report was how respectful pupils are of each other’s beliefs and differences. This couldn’t have been better illustrated as our community of friends, staff and families gathered en masse to joyfully mark these five pupils’ personal commitment to their faith.

We are very grateful to all those who contributed to the Service, led of course by Bishop Karen and Peter Wells, but also to our Heads of School for their readings, and to Director of Music Mr Burke for his beautiful rendition of Mozart’s ‘Slow Movement’ Clarinet Concerto.

It was fantastic to have the opportunity to celebrate with the Candidates and their families in the King’s Room afterwards, so thanks must also go to our Holroyd Howe colleagues for the delicious refreshments.

Chris Barnes | Deputy Head (Pastoral)