Schools join forces to deliver joyful advent service

Students from Durham Academy, in Ushaw Moor, were joined for a special Advent Service by three of its feeder schools – New Brancepeth Primary Academy, Edmondsley Primary School, and Brandon Primary School – in the magnificent St Cuthbert’s Chapel, at Ushaw Historic House.

Together, performers from the four schools delivered a festive programme combining traditional and modern music with a mix of secular and religious readings.

Alison Jobling, headteacher of Durham Academy, said: “We were delighted to be able to hold our final assembly of the year and our community service in such a fabulous location. It was brilliant to see students from our local primaries and Durham Academy working together to create Christmas memories through music.

“We have a great deal of talent within our schools, we are extremely proud of all our students and look forward to many more joint ventures.”

Other performances included the Durham Academy Choir, soloists, duets, and three Durham Academy guitarists covering Christmas classics.

Durham Academy guitar group covered a selection of festive favourites. Jenson Boughen, and Marsden Garner, supported by Paul Elliott of Durham Music Service (Image: Chris Barron)

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Durham Academy, New Brancepeth Primary Academy, and Brandon Primary School are all members of the Advance Learning Partnership, a multi-academy education trust which oversees 17 schools across the North-East.

Kelvin Simpson, CEO of the Partnership, said: “It was a pleasure to see three of our amazing schools, together with Edmondsley Primary, come together to put on a fabulous show for parents and visitors, and we couldn’t ask for more impressive surroundings than Ushaw’s magnificent St Cuthbert’s Chapel.

“The show was fabulous, and a perfect way to end the school term. I’d like to congratulate all the staff who made this happen, our families for coming down to enjoy the event, and especially the children for a fantastic performance. Happy Christmas!”