This week, around 2,700 Year 6 pupils from 53 Church of England primary and junior schools across the Diocese of Guildford attended special leavers’ services at Guildford Cathedral as they prepare to begin secondary school in September.
Hosted annually by the Diocese of Guildford, the Year 6 Leavers’ Services are a key milestone, celebrating pupils’ time at primary school while encouraging them to reflect on their achievements, happy memories, and some of the challenges they have faced along the way.
Held over four days and across six services, the events brought together thousands of pupils, alongside almost 330 staff and 56 volunteers.
This year’s services were led by the Rt Revd Paul Davies, Bishop of Dorking and Acting Bishop of Guildford, alongside the Diocese’s Director of Education Canon Alex Tear. Members of the Youth Catalyst Team and secondary school chaplains led part of the service, when pupils looked forward to their secondary school experiences. In his address, Bishop Paul spoke to the children about his time serving with a lifeboat crew and the comfort of spotting a lighthouse through stormy seas. Building on this theme, he encouraged pupils to see Jesus as a light within their hearts and to be a light to others through kindness and compassion.
The services included hymns such as Shine, Jesus, Shine and concluded with One More Step Along the World I Go. At each service, pupils from participating schools shared prayers they had written with their classmates, thanking God for their memories and friendships, and asking for confidence as they take this next important step in their education.
Alongside the services, pupils also took part in a range of activities, including reflection and prayer stations. These encouraged them to think about their proudest and happiest moments at primary school, give thanks for those who have supported them, and reflect on their hopes and anxieties about starting a new school.
Lupe, a pupil at St Mary’s CofE Primary School in Chiddingfold, said:
“It’s amazing to be in the Cathedral, it’s so big and peaceful. The service today has helped me feel excited about starting secondary school.”
James, also from St Mary’s, said the experience had “helped him remember all the fun memories and school trips” from his time at primary school.
Their teacher Emma Hampshire, said:
“I come each year, and the services offer a special opportunity to reflect on the past seven years, celebrate the pupils’ achievements, and encourage them as they look ahead to the many opportunities before them.”
Charlotte Finken, the Assistant Headteacher of St James CofE Primary School, Elstead, added:
“The services provide a valuable time away from the classroom, where we can see the children respond in different ways to the activities. They offer a real sense of closure and a chance for pupils to meet others who are also preparing to start a new school.”
Rowan, a pupil from Queen Eleanor’s CofE Junior School, said that as well as celebrating achievements, the services helped him “let go” of things he regretted from his time at school as he looks forward to “the next step” in his life.
Canon Alex Tear, Director of Education at the Diocese of Guildford, said:
“These services offer a truly special opportunity to gather our Church of England schools together, celebrate their journey with us, and create space for reflection as they look ahead to the next exciting chapter of their lives.
“It was a joy to see the Cathedral and its surroundings alive with the energy and enthusiasm of the pupils as they embraced the activities. We hope they enjoy a well-deserved summer break and continue to flourish in their education as they move on to new beginnings.”
Jane Whittington, School and Church Partnership Advisor at the Diocese of Guildford, added:
“It is a real privilege to recognise this important milestone in the children’s lives through these special services in the Cathedral. Although each service brings together hundreds of pupils and staff, the children engage deeply with the reflective elements. Feedback from teachers shows that they value these services as a meaningful and supportive part of the transition to their new schools.”