Prayers and Praise for Year 6 Leavers

The services were a joyful celebration of an important milestone, offering pupils the opportunity to pause, reflect and look ahead with confidence as they prepare to leave primary school and embark on the next chapter of their educational journey.

Each year, Chester Cathedral provides a fitting backdrop for reflection and celebration at this time of school transition. This year the children entered through the Pilgrim Porch, highlighting the service's theme of pilgrimage and echoing the idea that we don’t take these important life journeys alone.

During the services, pupils reflected on the past seven years, giving thanks for the knowledge, skills and understanding they have gained, the values they have developed and the unique people they have become. Schools contributed beautifully designed banners that showcased the qualities, values and talents that pupils cherish and will carry forward into the future.

Bishop Mark and Bishop Julie helped pupils explore what it means to be a pilgrim as they take their next steps into high school. Church of England high schools from across the Diocese also played an important role in the celebrations, contributing video messages, drama and dance to welcome pupils into the next stage of their education.

Reflecting on the occasion, Ali Rice, Christian Distinctiveness and Worship Officer said:

"It was so special to gather together within the awe-inspiring building of Chester Cathedral. The pupils entered via the Pilgrim Porch which emphasised the invitation to journey together with God at this special moment in their lives. It was a joy to be together to celebrate this important milestone in the lives of our pupils and to ask God to bless them as they move on.”

We continue to pray for the children as they leave this week and move on to high school after the summer holidays.

Father God,

We give thanks for the wisdom, understanding and skills that pupils across the diocese have gained during their time at primary school. Thank you for the way that you have shaped their values and helped them to gain a unique sense of self. We pray that as they move on to high school you would bless their learning and enable them to grow into the people you have made them to be. Give them courage, strength and kindness as they take the next steps of this journey and let them know your presence with them, wherever they go.

Amen