This week marks the beginning of the school year.

As chair of governors of Keighley St Andrew’s Primary School and Nursery, I am well aware of all the hard work put in by the children and staff to master the ‘3 Rs’, and through them the rest of the curriculum. The overall aim is not just to get a qualification for a job, but rather to enjoy life in all its fullness, as Jesus put it.

Or as St Paul wrote to the Church in Philippi: ‘Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – think about such things.’ The Church of England still puts a great deal of money, time and energy into church schools, not primarily to get more bums on pews on a Sunday, but rather to serve the local community.

I ask you to pray for all the staff and children in our schools this coming year, that they may make the most of their opportunities to flourish.