Our Church and Schools

The Parish of Old Basing and Lychpit is served by two excellent primary-phase schools:

• Old Basing Infant School– a County Maintained school (ages 4–7)
• St Mary’s Church of England (Voluntary Aided) Junior School– (ages 7–11)

Together, they provide a seamless journey through the Primary Key Stages of the National Curriculum and are central to the life of our parish.

A Long-Standing Partnership

Our relationship with St Mary’s CE Junior School stretches back to the 19th century,  when the original parish school was founded in the Bolton Chapel of St Mary’s Church itself. That historic link continues to flourish today, grounded in shared Christian values, pastoral care and collective worship.

The incumbent serves as an ex officio Foundation Governor, alongside Foundation Governors appointed by the PCC. There is a strong and active partnership between church and school leadership.

Worship and Spiritual Life

• The incumbent leads a fortnightly Act of Worshipat the Junior School.
  The church regularly hosts class-led worship, year-group services, and whole-school celebrations each term.
• A special highlight is the Year 6 Pilgrimage Day, hosted by the church each summer, giving pupils a space to reflect, pray, and prepare for their transition to secondary school.

At the Infant School, regular assemblies are led by church members, and we enjoy a warm and growing relationship with staff and pupils.

Curriculum and Church Visits

St Mary’s Church plays an active role in supporting the RE and history curriculum of both schools. Pupils from nursery, infant and junior classes visit the church throughout the year to:

• Explore Christian festivals and traditions
• Learn about the church’s history and architecture
• Experience the church as a place of peace, wonder, and belonging

We greatly value the presence of children and young people in the church and look forward to deepening these vital partnerships.