Unity for all

The Academy of St Francis of Assisi (ASFA), Liverpool has become the only secondary school in the North West to be awarded the Church and School Partnership Award.

A joint-faith Catholic-Anglican Academy, ASFA’s distinct Christian spirit is the driving force behind academy life and its commitment to maintaining strong links with local parishes. This unique position allows the academy to maintain relationships with local parishes across both faiths therefore encompassing the entire Christian community.

The Bishop of Warrington, Richard Blackburn, joined staff and pupils at a special assembly where they were presented with the award.

Ministers Phil Saltmarsh and Pastor Johnson Abimbola, David Thorpe, senior diocesan schools adviser, and school governors Lady Erica Hedley and Raymond Bissex, joined Bishop Richard.

The guests lit candles to symbolise the unity enjoyed by the school and local churches including All Saints Anglican Church, St Michael’s Catholic Church and Alive Believers Church.

The awards assembly featured songs performed by Year 7 pupils as well as talented Year 11 student Alzbeta and Mrs Greenough, head of school, and Phil Johnson, academy chaplain, led prayers.

Mrs Greenough said: “It is such an honour to be the only secondary school in the North West to be awarded the Church and School Partnership Award.

“This award is testament to our dedication to promoting Christian values throughout the community through working with our local parishes.”