It’s a great question, and it’s one I’m hearing more and more these days from friends who are now parents themselves. A good friend of mine, who isn’t religious, asked me the other day, “What is worship anyway?” It made me realise that for some, “worship” can feel like a heavy, even unfamiliar word. So, if that’s you, I hope this blog will help explore what collective worship is really all about.
“What is worship anyway?”
Worship. It’s a powerful word, isn’t it? If you’re not from a religious background, it might even feel a bit unsettling or controlling.
However, if you replace the word worship in “collective worship” with thankfulness, you get closer to what it actually means. In schools, collective worship - or collective thankfulness - is a moment to sit together, reflect, and appreciate what we have in life. It’s a time set aside to step back from the busyness of the school day, to pause and consider life’s big questions: Who am I? Why am I here? What impact do I want to have on this world?
While collective worship is rooted in Christianity, it, by law, must be an inclusive practice, even in a Church of England School. It’s not about making everyone Christian but about encouraging each child and staff member, regardless of background, to uncover who they are as individuals and as a community. I’ve even heard non-Christian teachers say they’d only work in a faith school now because they feel a “greater sense of appreciation and care.” Why, because at its core, Collective Worship should gather the school family together, not as teachers and students, but as people, united .
“So, what happens? Is it like church?"
It can be, but it also includes many creative expressions. Depending on the season, like Christmas or Easter, it may feature traditional hymns or Bible readings. Children might sing and dance to fresh, values-driven tracks, create crafts, learn about inspiring historical figures, celebrate individual achievements, acknowledge birthdays, and pray for one another or their communities. Even if prayer isn’t something your family practices at home, it’s a chance for your child to explore and voice what matters to them: their hopes, dreams, or even worries.
“This is the happiest I’ve been since I had to leave home!”
Collective Worship truly does make a difference. I’ll never forget one Year 6 leavers’ service at Manchester Cathedral, where students gathered to celebrate the end of primary school and look forward to the journey ahead to secondary school. For many, the transition to Year 7 felt a bit daunting—but the songs, the comforting prayers, the talks and the atmosphere of hope lifted everyone.
One 11-year old boy, in particular, melted all of our hearts. As the final song, 'Thank You' concluded, and the vast space began to fill again with excited voices preparing themselves to leave, one voice boomed joyously above the energy, “This is the happiest I’ve been since I had to leave home!” I later discovered this little boy was forced to evacuate his home in Sudan because of war. I don’t know if he followed any faith tradition, but the joy on his face said it all. Collective Worship had provided him a moment to feel a sense of belonging, a moment of peace. No matter one’s beliefs, this shows the power and importance of coming together to learn, reflect and be. How many times in our day do we allow ourselves that... to just, be.
At the End of the Day...
Collective worship is about creating a space where kids can slow down, ask questions, and consider life’s deeper ideas. It’s not necessarily about giving them answers but encouraging curiosity and reflection. And who knows? They might come away with a new thought, a kind word to share, or a simple feeling of peace. So next time you hear about “collective worship” at school, think of it as a gentle pause in a busy day—a time for your child to feel seen, to feel heard, and to feel valued.
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