Following the example of St Chad

Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. 

Martin Luther King Jr.

The story of St Chad of Lichfield offers timeless lessons for our school community. As the first Bishop of Lichfield, St Chad was known for his humility, faith, and commitment to service. He walked everywhere he went - choosing simplicity over status - and met people where they were, with compassion and understanding. It was a very special choir tour in October half term, that took us to Durham, Lindisfarne and Lastingham in the steps of St Chad.

For our pupils, St Chad’s example speaks directly to our values of faith, learning, leadership, and service. His life reminds us that leadership is not about power, but about example; that learning is not only intellectual, but spiritual; and that faith is lived out through our daily actions.

Modern educational research echoes this ancient wisdom. Dr Brené Brown’s studies on leadership emphasise that “true leaders are those who take responsibility for finding potential in people and processes.” This spirit of servant leadership - embodied by St Chad - guides much of what we aim to do as a school community.

As we visit the Cathedral or study the region’s history, we are reminded that we walk in the footsteps of someone who transformed lives through gentleness, wisdom, and courage. Encouraging our pupils to lead through service, to listen as well as speak, and to act with kindness, honours that legacy.

In following St Chad’s example, we discover that faith and learning are not separate paths, but one journey towards understanding how best to serve others.

Inservi Deo et laetare