Church Worship

St Mary the Virgin Parish Church, Leigh.

At Leigh St Mary’s C of E Primary School, our deep-rooted connections with St Mary the Virgin Parish Church play a pivotal role in shaping the holistic development of our pupils. We believe that the interaction between the school and the church is not just a partnership; it is an essential part of our educational philosophy.

At Leigh St Mary’s C of E Primary School, we are proud of our close links with our parish church which is part of the Diocese of Manchester.  We visit church often and work extremely closely with the clergy, who we include in school worship and governance and who provide support with religious education and pastoral care.

Visiting Church

St Mary the Virgin Parish Church is a beautiful, iconic building in the heart of Leigh town centre.  

Spending time in church is a special time for our pupils and we consider ourselves fortunate to be able to gather here for whole-school or class worship.  We also like to invite our families and members of the local community to join us at church during times of celebration in the Christian calendar.  Our pupils often visit this special place of worship in their class groups for RE lessons or to spend time in quiet reflection. 

Spending time in church allows our students to explore their beliefs beyond the conventional boundaries of Religious Education lessons. In visiting church, the teachings of Christianity come alive, supporting a deeper connection with faith.  Our pupils are able to explore many of the Christian celebrations in an interactive, creative and engaging way.  This immersive experience goes hand in hand with our commitment to providing a broad, balanced, and coherent curriculum.

Expanding Our Experience

Religious Education is a cornerstone of our curriculum, contributing significantly to the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of our pupils.  

We actively seek rich and engaging opportunities for our pupils to experience Christianity and also explore world faiths, for example through visits to different places of worship or in welcoming visitors to our school.

We aim to show our pupils that Religious Education extends beyond the classroom. At Leigh St Mary’s, we believe that teaching RE means more than simply imparting knowledge; we strive to create an environment where students develop their own beliefs and values, encouraging a sense of spiritual awareness that permeates into their daily lives.

St Mary’s Church Info

St Mary the Virgin Parish Church is one of the oldest buildings in Leigh town centre and is situated in the heart of Leigh town next to the Civic Square.  As well as an important place of Christian worship, St Mary’s the Virgin Church also serves as an essential focal point for the local people and various groups in the area. 

The church is a busy and welcoming hub, not just for school but for the whole community and is host to many events throughout the year. 

The church website is updated regularly with information and details of upcoming events.

Details of the history of the building can be found here.

For details on how to find St Mary the Virgin Parish Church follow the link below.

Expanding Our Experience