Menu

Following three successful years of delivery, the Diocese has appointed a dedicated schools worker to expand The Alban Way schools programme, helping more churches and schools support children as they prepare for the move from primary to secondary school.

Building on a successful programme

The Alban Way was developed by the Diocese of St Albans and has already supported hundreds of Year 6 pupils through one of the most significant changes in their educational journey. Thanks to additional investment, the programme can now be offered to more churches and schools across the Diocese.

Helen Walker, who has more than 20 years’ experience in education, has been appointed to help lead this next stage of growth. Working alongside churches across the Diocese, she will equip clergy, children’s and youth workers, and volunteers to deliver the programme, enabling more children, schools and church communities to benefit from its proven approach.

The Alban Way combines practical wellbeing and spiritual development, helping children build resilience, explore faith and spirituality, and reflect on the changes they face as they move to the next stage of their education. The programme concludes with a day at the local parish church, giving pupils an opportunity to deepen their learning while getting to know the church community.

Helen shared:

“I recently completed the first module of The Alban Way at Raynsford C of E Academy in Henlow alongside the Revd Shaun Speller. It’s been encouraging to see pupils engage so enthusiastically with the programme and begin developing strategies for wellbeing and resilience as they prepare for the move to secondary school. It’s also been a pleasure to build on the strong relationships already established between the church and the school.”

Funded by the National Church, The Alban Way equips churches to engage meaningfully with children and young people in their local communities. The creation of this new role reflects the programme’s success and will enable its reach and impact to grow in the years ahead. During the first year of the programme at each parish, Helen co-delivers sessions alongside clergy or church volunteers before supporting churches to run the programme independently in subsequent years.

Growing connections with young people

Over the past three years, The Alban Way has had a positive impact across the Diocese. Schools have welcomed the programme’s contribution to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, while children have valued the opportunity to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with moving to secondary school.

For churches, the programme has often acted as a catalyst for wider work with children and young people. Several participating churches have gone on to develop new youth activities and opportunities for families, helping them build confidence in ministry with younger generations and establish a stronger presence among local children and young people.

Helen added:

“Having worked in schools for many years, I know how important strong relationships between local churches and schools can be. I’m looking forward to helping churches build lasting connections with their school communities and creating opportunities for children and young people to engage with church life.

“Life for many young people in 2026 can feel uncertain and challenging, with growing pressures on their wellbeing and mental health. The Alban Way gives them space to reflect, build resilience and explore questions of faith as they navigate the transition to secondary school. It is a valuable opportunity to help young people develop a strong foundation of wellbeing and faith during an important stage of their lives.”

The programme is open to both Church of England and community schools and is provided free of charge to schools and churches. While primarily designed for Year 6 pupils preparing for the move to secondary school, the Diocese is also currently piloting a version of the programme for Year 4 children attending schools within Bedfordshire’s three-tier education system.

For more information, contact Helen Walker at helen.walker@stalbansdiocese.org.