St John the Baptist Church in Wales High School Marks 50th Anniversary

St John the Baptist Church in Wales High School marked a joyful milestone this week as the community gathered to celebrate the school’s 50th Anniversary. Bishop Mary, Archdeacon Anne‑Marie, Rev’d Emma, Head of Education Claire, and Head of Communications Nicola, herself a former pupil, joined staff, governors, pupils, alumni, clergy, and local dignitaries for a special Eucharist of thanksgiving.

At the beautiful Eucharist service, held in the transformed school sports hall, the school’s worship band offered a moving rendition of Oceans (Where Feet May Fail), setting a prayerful tone for the celebration. Staff members led the intercessions, giving voice to the hopes and gratitude of the whole school community.

The service offered a moment of deep gratitude for five decades of faith‑based secondary education in the valleys, honouring the school’s enduring commitment to nurturing young people academically, spiritually, and socially. We continue to hold the school in our prayers as it steps into its next chapter of service and learning.

In her sermon Bishop Mary addressed the current pupils, saying, “A school named after John the Baptist should always be a place where all are encouraged not only to learn answers, but also to ask good questions.

As we celebrate fifty years, we can give thanks for all those who have done exactly that: For governors who had a vision. And community leaders, fund raisers and local politicians who made this possible, for staff who built that vision, for parents who supported it, for chaplains and clergy who helped keep faith at the heart of school life, and for pupils whose lives have been shaped here and who have gone on to serve their communities in countless different ways.

And now the story continues with you.

You are part of the next chapter. The next fifty years of this school's story will be written by young people who are sitting here this afternoon.

You will discover gifts you do not yet know you have.

You will make friendships that may last for years. You will learn things that will shape your future.

And, perhaps most importantly, you will continue learning what it means to live with kindness, courage, integrity and hope.”

The school stands on a site rich with heritage. Glandare House once occupied the grounds. In the 1950s it became a Barnardo’s Home for around 30 boys, later welcoming both boys and girls, from 1966 until its closure in 1970. The house was demolished the following year, making way for the construction of St John the Baptist High School, a new chapter in the story of education and care on this historic site.

As the school celebrates its golden anniversary, the Diocese gives thanks for the generations of pupils, teachers, clergy, and families who have shaped its life.

Clare Werrett, Head of Education for Llandaff and Monmouth said, “It was a privilege to attend the 50th anniversary of St John Baptist High School.

This was a wonderful celebration where the whole school family came together to reflect on the years past and the growth and development of the school.

The pupils, as always, were such advocates for the school, we are so proud of them!”

Rev’d Peter Godsall, Chair of the Board of Governors, said, “It was a great honour to be part of the celebrations marking 50 years since the school was founded.

We are a proud faith school, and it was so appropriate that Bishop Mary led us in a Holy Eucharist service, where we remembered the past but equally look forward to the future.”

We pray that St John the Baptist Church in Wales High School will continue to flourish as a place where young people grow in wisdom, compassion, and confidence.

“Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.” — Proverbs 22:6