Archbishop of York inspires Collingham children during special visit
Children at Collingham Lady Elizabeth Hastings Church of England Primary School welcomed a senior figure from the Church of England this week.
The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell visited the village school, near Wetherby, as part of his national Lord’s Prayer Tour.
He was joined by The Right Reverend Dr Anna Eltringham and The Very Reverend Philip Hobday, making it a significant and memorable occasion for the whole school community.
The visit began with a whole-school Collective Worship, where children gathered to reflect on themes of prayer, kindness and community.
The Archbishop shared an engaging and meaningful story, helping to bring his message to life and encouraging children to think about what it means to belong to a “family of the Church,” building on learning from recent worship sessions in school.
Following this, the Archbishop spent time with Year 5 and Year 6 classes, where children were given the opportunity to ask questions.
The discussion covered a range of topics, including the Archbishop’s role within the Church of England, his experiences and the importance of faith in everyday life.
The session was lively and engaging with the children showing great curiosity, confidence and respect throughout.
Headteacher Paul Cook said: “It was a real privilege to welcome the Archbishop of York, along with the Bishop of Ripon and the Dean of Wakefield, to our school.
"This was an incredibly special opportunity for our children to meet and learn from such important leaders within the Church. The visit was inspiring and the children gained so much from the experience.”
Staff at the school described the visit as a “truly enriching experience” and a rare opportunity for children to connect with national church leaders in such a personal and meaningful way - one that will be remembered for a long time.