On Monday 8 September, Bishop Nick officially opened Windmill Church of England Primary School in Batley - the first new school in the Diocese of West Yorkshire & the Dales.
After speaking at a service at St Saviour’s Church, he officially opened and blessed the school buildings.
Headteacher Tim Scargill said, “Our strong links with the Church are important in order to nurture our children and support them in becoming well rounded, caring individuals. We feel honoured that Bishop Nick is able to officially open our school and meet the hard working staff, governors and most importantly, our wonderful children.”
For the service at 10am, all 400 children processed from the school to St Saviour's Church, following a banner made especially for the occasion. Bishop Nick spoke, and the children sang songs and read poems and prayers.
After the service (10.45am), the children walked back to school, where Bishop Nick blessed the buildings and unveiled a plaque.
Afterwards, the children had a picnic near the remains of the district's only windmill which stands in the grounds of the school and after which the school is named.
(The new school was created from St Saviour's Junior School and Brownhill Infants.)