THE new headteacher of St Edward's Church of England Comprehensive School in Romford is a priest. Revd Alan Perry, who took over as head last September, has the distinction of being the only secondary headteacher in Chelmsford Diocese who is also ordained. Alan knew from an early age that he wanted to be a priest but after graduating in theology he tested his vocation by teaching Religious Education. It was while working at Boswells School in Chelmsford five years ago that he became ordained. Events which have helped to shape Alan's ministry include conducting the memorial service for the husband of a colleague at Boswells and taking the funeral of a nine-yearold boy whose father worked at Central Foundation, Alan's previous school where he was deputy head. Being a teacher as well as a self-supporting priest has placed Alan in an influential position. He says: "I am passionate about the comprehensive school ideal. Thecomprehensive principle that every student is included andvalued regardless of background resonates with the Christian belief that every human being is made in the image of God. I want every person, both student and adultand every department in this school to be the best they can be."St Edward's is the oldest and most ethnically diverse school in the London Borough of Havering.The school is also special because it is the only Church of England school serving the 11-18 age range in Chelmsford Diocese. Some 180 of the 210 students who join the school each year are Christian. They come from as far afield as Tower Hamlets, Barking, Leytonstone, Stratford and Walthamstow. Worship is strongly supported at St Edward's. The students share in a Eucharist in school once a term and attend one of the local churches for communion twice a year. The school also celebrates St Edward's Day, in honour of its name. Prayer is part of every assembly and chaplains are attached to every year group. "The older the students become, the stronger they tend to grow in their faith," adds Alan. "We even have students in the Sixth Form who are exploring the possibility of ordination." The school seeks to live out its Christian ethos in relationships of mutual respect. Students are committed to raising funds for charity both locally and abroad. In 2010 St Edward's will celebrate its 300th anniversary. The school has come a long way since it began life inside St Edward's church in Romford. It is now a language college with international links. There are links with China, South Africa, Cuba and Gambia as well as mainland For its tercentenary St Edward's is planning to visit the tomb of St Edward the Confessor as part of a pilgrimage day to Westminster Abbey. It will also make an appeal for a purpose-built Sixth Form suite with more adaptable study space, recreational and catering facilities. There are also plans to build a chapel, which will create a sacred space for private prayer and reflection.
Europe. The first students will be taking GCSEs in Mandarin this year. However, the school is staying true to its Christian roots.
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