St Thomas’ Church in Bradwell on Sea has a close connection with St Cedd’s School. As a Church School, the Priest In Charge of the Church- Reverend Steven Poss, sits on the Governing Body, looking after Collective Worship and RE on behalf of the Governors. This role also involves undertaking regular in-school monitoring. The Priest also works closely with the school to support the SIAMS inspection, supporting the school to achieve a good grade.
The Priest in Charge also carries out weekly Collective Worship at the school and these are based on the School Values. The Priest also supports teachers in developing their RE knowledge alongside working with the children in classes. Furthermore, he is available as the local Priest to all within the school.
St Thomas’ Church is also used by the school for services throughout the year, including: Harvest, Remembrance Day, Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Easter and for the Year 6 Leavers Service. The church meeting room is also used by the school and there are plans for the children to help create an area in the churchyard to grow flowers, during their Forest Schools sessions. A member of the Church PCC, Ella Hand, also provides a singing assembly once a month, to help children learn the different hymns and songs sang in church.
Also, within the parish of Bradwell on Sea is the ancient Christian Chapel of St Peter’s on the Wall. This 7th Century building was built by St Cedd on an old Roman Fort and the school were instrumental in starting a now Diocesan wide schools Pilgrimage for the children. This enables the children to learn of the rich Christian history in the area and has enabled other schools from across the Diocese to come and spend time in this ancient place.
St Thomas’ Church is part of a wider group of churches in the Dengie area also overseen by Reverend Steven Poss, which includes: St Lawrence Church in St Lawrence, St Nicholas Church in Tillingham and St James’ Church in Dengie & Asheldham. St Cedd’s has children attend from these neighbouring villages and works with St Nicholas Church Primary School in Tillingham on Joint Benefice Services including the Plough Sunday Service.
Members of these churches also sit on the Dr Buckeridge Trustee group which oversee some of the land of the school, including the school flat. The money raised from this property is used to support the school with curriculum resources, school trips, after school clubs and to supply Bibles to the children of the School.
