ALMOST 600 pupils from 12 Church of England schools came to Bradford Cathedral to mark the end of their time at primary school, and to look ahead to secondary school in September.

The theme for this year's leavers' services was "Journey On!" and the children were welcomed in by journey-related themes and by the sight of hundreds of footprints festooned around the nave.

In the weeks before the event, each pupil was invited to write a hope or prayer on a footprint so they could be displayed for the services.

Dramatised pieces were contributed by Helme Church of England Academy in the morning and St Oswald's CE Primary in the afternoon.

Pupils from St Luke's CE Primary School, Bradford, wrote and read their own prayers at the morning service and pupils from Shipley CE Primary School wrote and read their own prayers at the afternoon service. 

Maggie Myers, Director of Education and Visitors at Bradford Cathedral, said: "These were our first Leavers' Services since 2019, which made them extra-special celebrations."

In addition to the schools mentioned above, Burley Woodhead CE Primary, Westminster Academy, Wycliffe CE Primary, All Saints CE Primary, St Andrew's CE Primary in Keighley, Woodlands CE Primary, St John's CE Primary, Bierley, and Baildon CE Primary also took part.