He was joined by Bishop David Walker and Archbishop Mark Davies, alongside colleagues from the Diocese of Manchester, marking a visit that placed young people, faith, and community at its centre.
Students led the way throughout the morning, showcasing their talents through musical performances and engaging thoughtfully with the themes of worship.
Mr Ford opened by sharing the importance of faith, before introducing an interactive activity that brought energy, connection and a sense of togetherness to the hall. Selected students worked together to match phrases and build connections with audience members before bringing them to the stage, creating a moment that was both engaging and symbolic of the relationships within the school community.
One of the most powerful moments came as students spoke the Lord’s Prayer line by line in different languages, reflecting the rich diversity of the school. It was a moment that captured not just faith, but unity, a shared expression of belonging across cultures and backgrounds.
At the heart of the Archbishop’s message was the enduring relevance of the Lord’s Prayer, not simply as words to be recited, but as a framework for how we live, support one another, and find purpose in everyday life.
Speaking after the visit, the Archbishop reflected on the significance of what he had witnessed:
ARCHBISHOP OF YORK
Students played a central role throughout the visit, particularly during a lively and engaging question-and-answer session.
They asked honest, thoughtful questions about faith, the world around them and the Archbishop’s role, demonstrating both confidence and curiosity. The discussion created space for reflection on the relevance of the Lord’s Prayer in everyday life, and how its message continues to offer guidance, hope and purpose.
A key theme throughout the visit was belonging, recognising our shared humanity, embracing difference, and building community.
This is central to the vision of Cranmer Education Trust, where schools are committed to creating environments in which every young person feels valued, heard and supported to grow.
At The Blue Coat School, this was evident in every part of the morning. From the way students engaged with one another, to the pride with which they represented their school.
Reflecting on the visit, staff described it as a “really special time” for the whole school community, an opportunity not only to welcome a national church leader, but to pause, reflect and engage with ideas that matter.
We are incredibly proud of our students for the way they contributed, and grateful to the Archbishop and the Diocese of Manchester for spending time with our school.
Moments like this remind us of the importance of creating space for reflection, dialogue and connection, and of the powerful role young people play in shaping the future.
