Collective Worship
Collective worship is an integral part of church school life. It is the ‘heartbeat’ of a church school community, providing a space where pupils and staff can come together to worship God, to reflect on ‘life in all its fullness’ and allowing opportunities for all to grow spiritually.
All schools are required by law to provide a daily act of collective worship. In Church of England schools, the Bible and the life and teaching of Jesus underpin collective worship which is inclusive, invitational and inspirational.
For more information or support with Collective Worship in your school, please contact our RE and Christian Ethos Adviser Ryan Parker (rparker@stalbans.anglican.org / 07508 802198).
Please download the document below for the new guidance on Collective Worship in Church of England schools published by the Church of England Education Office:
Collective Worship Guidance – May 2021
To facilitate planning, please see below collective worship plans for the spring term 2021.
Collective Worship Plans
Autumn Term 2022 – pdf version
Autumn Term 2022 – Word version
Spring Term 2023 – pdf version
Spring Term 2023 – Word version
‘In Conversation With…’ Thinking About Collective Worship in Church of England Schools.
The ‘In Conversation With…’ series presents interviews with experienced practitioners in the world of collective worship. Supplementing each video is a ‘top tip and take-away’ resource, providing think-pieces, signposts and questions to reflect on in school. Do check back here regularly for new videos.
‘In Conversation with Jamie Prouse’: Prayer in Schools
Jamie’s top tips and take-aways
‘In Conversation with Rebecca Swansbury’: Pupil-led Worship
Rebecca’s top tips and take-aways
‘In Conversation with Ronni Lamont’: Supporting the Spiritual Development of All Within Collective Worship
Ronni’s top tips and take-aways
‘In Conversation with Margaret Pritchard Houston’: Storytelling
Margaret’s top tips and take-aways
‘In Conversation with Gill Hipwell’: Connecting the jigsaw of collective worship from Monday to Friday
Gill’s top tips and take-aways
‘In Conversation with Helen Matter’: Purpose, Structure and Variety in School/Class-based Worship
Helen’s top tips and take-aways
‘In Conversation with Elisabeth Sutcliffe’: Spiritual Development and Class-based Worship
Elisabeth’s top tips and take-aways
Understanding Christianity – Bible references
Need help with Collective Worship? Try these websites:
For music resources, explore www.fischy.com, a charity with which RE Today works. Fischy have just launched a new set of Health and Wellbeing resources, details can be found here.
AHRC Network Report: Collective Worship and Religious Observance in Schools: an evaluation of law and policy in the UK
