Christian Ethos

Who Was St Wilfrid? 

St Wilfrid was a determined and influential figure in the early church, particularly in northern England. He dedicated his life to establishing and strengthening the Christian faith, often in the face of considerable opposition. Despite the many challenges he encountered, St Wilfrid showed remarkable resilience and stood firm in his convictions. 

The New Testament book of James offers timeless wisdom on developing strength of character through perseverance. In James 1:4, we read: “…so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” This verse is preceded by a profound encouragement: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” 

Just as St Wilfrid persevered through trials while seeking to follow God’s call, we hope that all students at St Wilfrid’s Church of England Academy will grow in perseverance and character and see the fruit of their efforts as they mature both academically and spiritually. 

Worship at St Wilfrid’s: Form, Collective, and Cathedral 

Worship is central to life at St Wilfrid’s Church of England Academy and reflects our Christian distinctiveness. It is embedded in both how we live together as a community and in our shared worship experiences. While we recognise and value the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of our students, we are committed to creating an environment where everyone's God-given potential is nurtured, so they can thrive in all areas of life. 

Worship offers us a moment to pause and focus our attention on God—our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. It is a time to reflect on how we can live life to the full, inspired by our Academy values: to learn with wisdom, inspire hope, value others, and experience the fellowship of a supportive community. 

We are proud to be a diverse school community that includes students of all faiths and none. Everyone is invited to engage meaningfully with worship, reflect on personal beliefs, and explore what it means to be guided by purpose and faith in daily life. 

At St Wilfrid’s, students encounter a variety of Anglican worship styles and spiritual opportunities that support them on their individual journeys of faith and personal growth. Worship is led by our Worship Coordinator, senior leaders, staff, and governors. Our student musicians also play an important role in leading worship through music, setting the tone each morning with carefully chosen pieces. 

Collective worship is experienced in many ways: in form groups, year groups, house assemblies, and whole-Academy gatherings. Each year, a central theme informs our form worship, collective worship, and assemblies, creating consistency and depth across all acts of worship. 

One of the unique privileges of being part of St Wilfrid’s is participating in worship at Blackburn Cathedral. Students attend special services there throughout the year, including for St Wilfrid’s Day, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, and Ascension Day. These formal Eucharistic services are led by Cathedral clergy, and enriched by our school choir, organist, and music ensemble. 

Form tutors are key to the faith experience at the Academy. Through their close relationships with students, they support their academic and emotional development. Form worship often includes thought-provoking materials that encourage reflection and discussion, helping students to engage with the weekly theme. These reflections are revisited and built upon over time. 

Additionally, form groups have the opportunity to worship in our purpose-built Chapel, located at the heart of the Academy. This reflective space allows students to explore their personal faith journey and consider how their beliefs shape their lives now and into the future. 

Faith clubs

St Luke's are our local church partners who are, 'A family on a mission, to love God, love each other and love God's world'. Their provision in the academy is spearheaded by their Youth and Student coordinator - Grace, and their team.  

Lunch clubs are one of the ways we build our partnership as an academy, with the focus on building relationships, strengthening students and growing in faith. St Luke's offer an extensive programme of community and spiritual development opportunities throughout the week.

Partnerships 

Our connection with Blackburn Cathedral continues to thrive through whole-school celebrations and special partnership opportunities with the Cathedral’s education team. These shared experiences deepen our Christian ethos and enrich the worship life of our Academy. 

St Wilfrid’s Church of England Academy is also blessed to be located within the parish of St Luke’s and St Aidan’s, just a short walk from the school. This proximity enables a strong and growing relationship with the parish community. The team at St Luke’s—led by Reverend Jason and Rachel Gardner—provides valued support for our in-school worship, runs a variety of lunchtime clubs, and offers pastoral support beyond the school day. 

In addition, students are invited to explore and grow in their faith through opportunities such as the 'Youth Alpha’ courses—safe, engaging spaces for open discussion and personal reflection on the Christian faith. 

We are also proud to be supported by the Blackburn Diocese Board of Education. Through this partnership, we benefit from close collaboration with other Church of England secondary schools, sharing good practice and strengthening our collective Christian witness in education. 

Faith in Action 

At St Wilfrid’s, we encourage all students to live out their faith by serving their families, school, and wider communities. We seek to develop young people as courageous advocates—individuals who stand up for what is right and act with compassion and integrity. 

One of the key ways students live out their values is through our ongoing support of Compassion, a Christian charity working to release children from poverty. As an Academy, we sponsor five children and support their families and local projects. Fundraising activities across the year allow students to make a real difference in the lives of others. 

Through these efforts, our students gain a deeper understanding of global issues, particularly the challenges faced by families in Rwanda. This awareness helps shape a culture of generosity and justice in our Academy, as we learn together what it means to share what we have and respond to the needs we see in the world around us.