"I am with you, always"- School Leavers' Reminded of God's Promise

Llandaff Cathedral was full to bursting on Monday morning as the Education Team hosted the Annual Year 6 School Leavers' Service with invitations extended to pupils and teachers from all of our church primary schools.

Music from iSingPop filled the air as schools from across the diocese came together for this year’s vibrant celebration of endings and beginnings, all grounded in the beautiful promise of Jesus: “I am with you always.”

The children arrived brimming with excitement—many of them clutching handmade banners, others proudly wearing school jumpers one last time. It was more than just a service; it was a moment of shared faith, gratitude, and joyful expectation. Through prayers, bible readings and lively music (with a few dance moves sneaking in!), the message rang clear: God goes with us into every new adventure.

Clare Werrett, Head of Education for the Diocese of Llandaff and Monmouth said; “Our Leavers’ Service is a very important day for us all. It celebrates the end of primary school and looks forward to the next step in each child’s journey.

We come together as a church school family, with all our primary schools in attendance, to mark this important point for our children and to ensure that they know they are making this step together, with our love and prayers.

The theme this year is based on the last verse of the Gospel of St. Matthew, where Jesus promises us that he will always be with us.

This is the message that we want our children to take with them as they move forward, that they are not alone and Jesus is always with them. We are extremely proud of our children and wish them the very best for the future."

As we celebrated all that Year 6 pupils have achieved, the friendships they've made, the challenges they've overcome, and the faith they've discovered, we also looked ahead. Moving on to secondary school can feel a little daunting, but our young people were reminded again and again that they are never alone. Whether walking through new school gates or sitting in unfamiliar classrooms, Jesus promises to walk beside them.

This service was not just a farewell, but a joyful sending-out. Our Year 6 leavers go with our love and our prayers, and with the unshakable promise that wherever they go next, God is already there, waiting to welcome them in.

Here’s to the next chapter, full of promise, purpose, and the presence of Jesus, always.