A Celebration of Heritage, Community and Learning

On Tuesday, pupils, students, staff, Governors and families from across The RGS Worcester Family of Schools gathered in Worcester Cathedral for the annual Commemoration Service, an occasion that celebrates the Schools’ shared heritage while looking ahead with confidence to the future.

Led by The Very Revd. Dr Stephen Edwards, Dean of Worcester Cathedral, the Service brought together the communities of RGS Worcester, RGS The Grange, RGS Springfield and RGS Dodderhill to give thanks for the generations of founders, benefactors, staff and pupils who have shaped the Schools over many centuries.

Music played an important role throughout the Service. The RGS Worcester Senior Choir opened with a performance of Unwritten, before the Chamber Choir performed Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit and The Night. RGS Dodderhill Chamber Choir also gave a moving rendition of Grow, while the Senior Choir concluded the Service with A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman.

Pupils from across The RGS Worcester Family of Schools directly participated in the Service. Year Six pupils from RGS The Grange, Lower School pupils from RGS Dodderhill and RGS Worcester, Year Ten pupils from RGS Dodderhill and RGS Worcester, and one of the School Captains from RGS Worcester led prayers and readings, reflecting on gratitude, learning, service and the opportunities that education provides. Their contributions highlighted the shared values that unite the four Schools and the importance of supporting one another within a strong and caring community.

Guest of Honour Rev. Dr Rich Johnson, Vicar of All Saints’ Church, reflected on the enduring partnership between the Cathedral, All Saints and RGS Worcester, whose histories have stood side by side for more than 1,300 years. In an inspiring address, he encouraged pupils to consider the kind of lives they wish to lead, contrasting a life centred on personal success with one dedicated to service, generosity and contributing to the common good. Drawing on the example of cathedral builders and the benefactors who helped shape RGS Worcester, Rev. Dr Johnson challenged pupils to become “builders and benefactors” of a better future. He concluded by encouraging pupils to use their talents and education not only for their own success, but in service of others and future generations.

The congregation joined together in hymns including Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven, I Vow to Thee, My Country and Jerusalem, before the Service concluded with a blessing from The Very Revd. Dr Stephen Edwards.

Headmaster, John Pitt, said: “The Commemoration gives us the opportunity to come together as one Family of Schools, celebrate our remarkable heritage and recognise the many people whose generosity, vision and dedication have helped shape our Schools over the centuries. We were delighted to welcome Rev. Rich Johnson as our Guest of Honour and are very grateful to all of the pupils and staff who contributed to such a memorable Service. It is always wonderful to see our pupils travel through Worcester and come together to fill the Cathedral and celebrate all things RGS.”

We are grateful to the Dean and Chapter of Worcester Cathedral for once again hosting the Service and to everyone who contributed to this special occasion.