The Holy Council meets regularly to reflect on worship, plan events and help us continually strengthen our Christian distinctiveness. Their work includes:

• Supporting Collective Worship through readings, prayers and reflections

• Helping to choose or introduce themes linked to values, Bible stories and key Christian celebrations

• Welcoming visitors, clergy and community members

• Helping to prepare the hall for worship, including music, displays and resources

• Offering pupil voice on how worship feels and how it could continue to grow

• Leading special services such as Harvest, Christmas, Easter and end-of-year celebrations

• Supporting younger pupils in understanding our school values and Christian vision

Their leadership ensures that our school’s Christian character is shaped not just by adults, but by the ideas and enthusiasm of our children.

Members of the Holy Council act as role models for others by demonstrating:

• Kindness and compassion

• Respect for difference

• Confidence in sharing ideas

• A willingness to help others

• An openness to reflection, prayer and worship

They also help younger pupils understand important concepts such as WOWs, OWs, NOWs and POWs, and encourage them to see how spirituality can inspire compassion, responsibility and courageous advocacy.

The Holy Council works closely with:

• St Nicholas Church and local clergy

• Our school’s Collective Worship Leader

• Teachers who help plan worship and spiritual development across the school

They help strengthen the relationship between school and church, taking part in services, supporting community events and sometimes meeting with clergy to discuss themes for worship or special celebrations.

Through the Holy Council, pupils gain confidence, leadership experience and a deeper understanding of how faith, values and spirituality shape our school community. They help ensure that worship is meaningful, inclusive and inspiring, and they play a central role in helping our Christian ethos grow and flourish.

At Tolleshunt D’Arcy, we believe that pupil voice matters deeply - and the Holy Council is one of the most powerful ways in which our children help us “soar on wings like eagles” as a community grounded in love, hope and faith.