Bishop James welcomed the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Dr Rowan Williams to Abbey Court School in Rainham on Wednesday 11 July 2012. The school is a special school for pupils aged 3-19 with severe and profound learning difficulties.

The evening began with the Archbishop presenting certificates to pupils for their personal development such as communication, mobility skills, self esteem, confidence and their academic work. He also presented a special award for Sports Achievement to Jamie Harris (18).

Paul Horsman, Deputy Headteacher said, “It was wonderful that the Archbishop was able to take time out of his very busy schedule to join us at Abbey Court to celebrate the many achievements of our pupils. It was a marvellous recognition of all their hard work and efforts.”

Bishop James said, “I have visited Abbey Court myself in the past and know it to be an excellent and happy school working with pupils who face profound challenges in their lives. It was very good indeed that Archbishop Rowan visited the school for their prize-giving evening. His visit was a source of huge excitement and meant a great deal to staff, pupils and their families.”

At the end of the night the Rev Elizabeth Cox presented Jordan Alexander (19) with The Ben Cox award for effort. The award is presented to a pupil who exhibits the most all round effort in both their learning and personal development and is in memory of Elizabeth’s son, Ben, who was a pupil at the school.  There was also an opportunity for the school to say farewell to their further education pupils aged 16-19 who are leaving to go onto the next stage in their lives.

Pictured: the Rev Phil Barnes, Archbishop and the Rev David Green