All who attended the annual Carol Service this Monday in Croydon Minster were treated to a beautiful and uplifting beginning to the final week of term.

Pupils from Years Seven to Thirteen performed a range of classic and modern Christmas pieces, directed as ever by Mr Hann. From the pure voices of Year Seven students singing Rutter’s Angels’ Carol, to the stirring Veni Emmanuel as arranged by Zachary Steele, Croydon Minster echoed to the sound of festive music for all tastes.

The different musical pieces were punctuated by both readings from students from Years Seven to Thirteen and hymns led by the choir with congregational singing. Aarav in Year Nine gave a particularly spirited reading of little tree by ee cummings and Edward in Year Ten gave A Spotless Rose by Catherine Winkworth the profundity which it deserves.

We remain grateful to the staff and volunteers at Croydon Minster for hosting our annual service. Reverend Canon Dr Andrew Bishop welcomed our school and led us in prayer. Our retiring collection was for our two school charities: Lives not Knives and Mind.

A heartfelt thanks is owed to those members of staff who gave their time and expertise to the service: Dr Burton, Mr Hann and Mrs Fletcher, as well as to the performers and congregation for supporting the event.