A CHESTER school received a special visit from the leaders of the Church of England earlier this month.

The Bishop's Blue Coat CE High School hosted the Archbishops' Council on Tuesday, December 5, including the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and thirty delegates from various diocese across the UK, as well as the Bishop of Chester, the Rive Reverend Mark Tanner.

In addition to the formal proceedings of the day, student leaders from Bishops’ engaged with delegates, offering insights into the daily life of the school, their aspirations, and post-school ambitions. This interaction provided a unique bridge between the leaders of the Church and the future leaders emerging from the school.

Head Boy, Luke Gibson, said: "Hosting the Archbishop Council at our school was a surreal experience. Sharing our aspirations with the Bishops and having our choir perform for them was unforgettable. Engaging with these influential figures made us feel heard and inspired. It's moments like these that make Bishops' a truly special place for students like myself."

Chester and District Standard: Pictured the school choir, ‘Vox’, along with our Head of Music, Ms Christine Bremner and The Archbishop of York.Pictured the school choir, ‘Vox’, along with our Head of Music, Ms Christine Bremner and The Archbishop of York. (Image: The Bishop's Bluecoat CE School)

The Archbishop Council expressed their appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the school and commended the commitment to academic excellence and holistic development evident in every aspect of Bishops’, with one delegate commenting "something very special is happening here".

Headteacher, Miss Helen Cairns said: "This visit not only marked a momentous occasion for our school but also served as a testament to the positive connection between faith, education, and community. As Headteacher, I am incredibly proud of the warm embrace our school community extended to our guests, showcasing the spirit of inclusivity and excellence that defines our school.

"Our students, the heartbeat of our school, had the honour of engaging with the Archbishop Council, sharing their dreams, ambitions, and the unique character of our vibrant school life. The performance by our choir, Vox, further underscored the vision and values that underpin everything we do. This visit was not just a meeting but a celebration of shared values and a reaffirmation of our commitment to nurturing compassionate, well-rounded individuals."