Spiritual Life

We are a Catholic school with strong traditions that date back to the RCE Sisters who founded the school in 1889.  We pride ourselves on being a warm, welcoming and inclusive community, where we celebrate and nurture the unique gifts that God has given each person.  Spiritual life at Farnborough Hill is very full.  Every day begins with prayer and there are many opportunities for communal worship, retreat, celebration and contemplation.  Much of the spiritual life is led by the School Chaplain with help from the RE Department and the Music Department.  We come together for Mass approximately five to six times a year - including the Catholic Holy days.  The Chapel is used weekly for Assemblies and various other school gatherings, since it is possible for our whole school to come together in this space. 

Pupils are encouraged to take part in the liturgies by reading, serving on the altar, animating gospel stories through drama and dance, serving as Eucharistic Ministers and singing in the choir.

Co-Curricular

The Chapel is always open during school hours and pupils are welcome to visit it at any time.  The architect was Sir Adrian Gilbert Scott and the Chapel was completed and opened in 1932 when it was dedicated to the Sacred Heart.  It seems appropriate that the physical location of the Chapel is at the heart of our school. 

We are part of the Diocese of Portsmouth and have a Diocesan Validation of the School - the published report can be viewed and downloaded here.

Mrs Nelle Dalton

Mrs Nelle Dalton

Chaplain

The role of the Chaplain is inherent in the vision and Mission Statement of the School: to support and develop the spiritual life and Gospel values of the School community.

Mrs Nelle Dalton works closely with the RE Department and other members of staff to facilitate many of the aspects of the School's spiritual life - daily prayer, whole school Mass, CAFOD Youth Leadership, Social Justice Club, annual retreats and more. She can be found in the Chaplaincy by the Year 7 form rooms, where her door is always open.

Read some of our recent articles below: 

Lenten Charity Fundraising Events

Pupils, staff and families are always eager to help support those less fortunate than themselves and those in times of crisis, whether that is close to home or further afield.  This year we are keen, once again, to use Lent as a time to give to others, and are excited to share with you the plans for the coming half-term.

Ash Wednesday Mass

On Wednesday 22 February, we welcomed The Right Reverend Dom Cuthbert Brogan OSB, Abbot of Farnborough, who presided at our Ash Wednesday Mass.

Year 11 Unwind on Retreat Day

The Year 11 Retreat Day was one of reflection and spiritual well-being after a period of mocks. The day included a walk to St Peter's Church, where they heard from Youth Minister Beth Perkins, Old Girl Jaithra Manoj, and the founder of Squat2Fit, Kim Valente.

chaplain and altar servers
Farnborough Hill Chapel
altar server with candle