We are hugely blessed at Worksop College and Ranby House by the heritage and legacy of the Christian foundation of our schools, which is upheld and celebrated to this day. It forms the heart of our ethos, mission, and values, and has been central in shaping the generations of Worksopians who have been part of this community for more than one hundred years.
The great privilege we share as a college community in meeting together regularly for prayer, song, and worship in St Cuthbert’s Chapel is expressed through our fine musical tradition. The very regular times the whole college gathers in Chapel speak of how vital and strengthening these moments of worship and reflection can be, as we grow as individuals and as a school family.
One of the purposes of St Cuthbert’s Chapel is to help equip our pupils with experiences that offer them the spiritual resources and guidance they will need for the next stages of their journey through life. The Chapel is a starting point for an adventure that will be unique for each person as their life unfolds. It sits at the heart of this community and is a quiet space for retreat and reflection, for renewal and healing, and for asking challenging questions. It provides the space and context to reflect upon them meaningfully.
Pupils take on leadership roles in Chapel – there is a large team of House Sacristans and other officers who help lead worship. Each House has regular opportunities for leadership, and any pupil may serve in Chapel – as acolytes (candle bearers, crucifer, and other servers) and by reading from the Bible or leading prayers each week, representing their House and demonstrating leadership skills to the whole school.
We are fortunate to have inherited one of the finest educational chapels in England – a chapel that is large enough to house the entire school community. It is a place for public celebration, recognition, and dedication, uniting the college community – past, present, and future. It is a laboratory and crucible for the developing minds and spiritual lives of our pupils. It welcomes all and explores universal values and ideas through the rich resources and inspiration of an authentic Christian faith.
Chapel is here for all the times of our lives – both happy and sad – as a place of sanctuary, refuge, and healing.
Chapel unites the whole college community, and all are expected to attend services. The Christian values and wisdom we explore in Chapel are universal, so those of every belief and faith are included and able to draw something meaningful from our worship. For those more interested in faith and Christianity, we are a lively expression of the Church of England, and we tend to worship most often in the High-Church tradition.
In our busy school week, Chapel time is warmly welcomed by the whole school community as a time of unity, stillness, reflection, and peace. It’s also a great opportunity to have a good sing!
Chapel connects us to a story much bigger than ourselves, giving our lives perspective and making our community a part of the worldwide Church – the largest movement and charity on earth.
Chapel is serious, of course, because life is serious. But it can also be fun! From pancake flipping on Shrove Tuesday, Mexican waves to demonstrate our unity, rocket balloons launched to represent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, to paper gliders thrown from the balcony to remind us of the Ascension of Jesus – Chapel is a place where we can enjoy one another’s company as a whole community.
Chapel leads the school in shaping our shared values and virtues – the qualities that help our community flourish. We have high standards in Chapel, and pupils are given the opportunity to learn the discipline that comes with this. Different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs have always been celebrated at Worksop College. Pupils join us from all over the world as well as from nearby, and this diversity adds depth, richness, and meaning to our calling and ethos as a Christian school.
All are welcome.
Fr Matthew SR
School Chaplain