The Crompton House Church of England Academy has marked a remarkable milestone in its history, bringing its school community together for its 100th anniversary with a special service of celebration and thanksgiving at Liverpool Cathedral.
Students, staff, governors, alumni and invited guests came together at the cathedral on Friday 2 October to celebrate 100 years of Crompton House and reflect on the school’s history, Christian foundation and the generations of young people who have been part of its community since 1926.
The service provided a unique opportunity for the whole school community to come together in worship and celebration, reflecting on Crompton House’s Christian foundation and the values which have remained at the heart of school life throughout its history: Loving God, Caring for Each Other and Achieving Excellence.
The occasion began with a fanfare composed by Sage Avery Quinn, before guests were welcomed to Liverpool Cathedral and to the centenary celebration by Mr Karl Newell, Chief Executive Officer of Crompton House Multi Academy Trust.
The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, led the opening prayer and later delivered the address, reflecting on the significance of the occasion and the responsibility of each generation to make a positive difference in the world.
At the heart of the service was a reading from Matthew 5:13–16 and its powerful call to be the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world”. The theme of light ran throughout the celebration, connecting the Christian foundation of Crompton House with the contribution its students, staff and former pupils have made – and will continue to make – to their communities and the wider world.
Music played an important part in the celebration. The congregation joined together to sing This Little Light of Mine, while the school’s Chapel Choir performed WayMaker. The service concluded with the school hymn, a final prayer and blessing from Bishop David, and Widor’s Toccata as the recessional.
A particularly important element of the service was the opportunity to connect Crompton House today with its past. Stephen Oldfield provided an alumni perspective on the impact Crompton House has had on his life, while prayers written by students ensured that the voices of the current generation were at the heart of the centenary celebrations.
Head of School Mrs Susanna Hegarty delivered the words of thanks, recognising those who had contributed to the life of Crompton House across its first century – from its founders and former staff to generations of students, families, governors, colleagues and friends of the school – as well as those who continue to serve its community today.
The service formed one of the centrepieces of the school’s celebrations marking 100 years since Crompton House was founded in 1926. Although the school has grown enormously during that time, its Christian character, commitment to young people and strong sense of community have remained central to its identity.
Mrs Hegarty said:
“It is an enormous privilege to be Head of School at such a significant moment in the life of Crompton House. Standing in Liverpool Cathedral and seeing our students, staff, governors, alumni and friends gathered together was incredibly moving and a moment I will never forget. I feel immensely proud of the school we are today and deeply grateful to all those who have shaped Crompton House over the past 100 years. As we begin our second century, I am incredibly excited about the future and the part our current generation of young people will play in writing the next chapter of our story.”
Mr Newell added:
“Reaching our centenary is an extraordinary milestone and a moment to recognise the contribution of everyone who has helped shape the school over the past 100 years. As we begin the next chapter of the Crompton House story, our responsibility is to build on that extraordinary legacy and ensure that the values and vision on which the school was founded continue to inspire and serve generations of young people to come.”
