School Leaver Services take place across the Diocese.
More than 3,600 Church of England primary school pupils across the Diocese will take part in a celebration service, marking their transition to secondary school.
The services are being held at venues across the diocese, including Chichester Cathedral, Hurstpierpoint College, Christ’s Hospital Chapel, and churches in Hove, Eastbourne, Crowborough, and Hastings.
Led by the Bishops of Lewes and Horsham, alongside other members of clergy from across the Diocese, the events feature colorful processions where each attending school marches behind its official banner. As part of the diocese's "Year of St Matthew" for 2026, every Year 6 pupil is being presented with a specially commissioned copy of the Gospel of Matthew.
The children lead the prayers, give readings, and perform dramatised biblical scenes.
Speaking at one of the first services to take place, in Chichester Cathedral, Kim Huggett, headteacher at Yapton Church of England Primary School, explained the significance of the event for students and families:
"This is a really important day in the calendar for us as not all of the students will be going on to a faith school for Year 7. The service is fully inclusive, and the hymns and the prayers that are chosen and that we have participated in today are ones that are favorites and will remain in the hearts and the souls of our young children as they prepare to move forward."
Christina Chamberlain, headteacher at West Wittering Parochial Church of England Primary School said:
"It's a great celebration of God's faithfulness throughout their primary school years."
Reflecting on the service, Bishop Will said:
"The gospel passage was all about Jesus calming the waters, the fact is that he's in the boat with us, and I hope all the students and families know that, and that that helps them face any storms that they might have in the future".
Lesley Hurst, Diocesan Director of Education said:
"It's an amazing opportunity for young people and their parents to experience a church service, and it's our hope that this makes them feel like they belong to a wider household of faith and that they will always be welcome in church".
Picture: Chichester Cathedral school leaver service 2026