The Academy of St Nicholas in Garston welcomed the new Bishop of Liverpool, Right Reverend Doctor John Perumbalath, ahead of his official installation on 22 April. 

  

Bishop John will be the ninth Bishop of Liverpool and joins the city from the Diocese of Chelmsford. 

  

Before being installed, the Diocese of Liverpool hosted a mini tour around the region and chose The Academy of St Nicholas as the first secondary school to visit. 

  

Bishop John was welcomed by staff and students and the visit began with a speech from head of school, Mr Gary Lloyd, and chaplain, Sarah-Joy Gillard. 

  

In the academy’s chapel, the honoured guest was treated to a musical performance, and was then presented with a framed piece of artwork that was hand painted by a student in Year 11. 

  

Later a Q&A session was held between the bishop and students from Years 7 to 11 as well as All Saints Sixth Form students.  

  

Students and staff were later able to talk to Bishop John about the school community. 

   

Bishop John Perumbalath said: “It was an absolute pleasure to meet students and staff at The Academy of St Nicholas. I received a really warm welcome and enjoyed hearing the students’ stories of what they have been doing and their achievements.” 

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Mr Gary Lloyd, head of school, said: “It was an honour to welcome Bishop John into The Academy of St Nicholas and we feel very privileged to be the first secondary school he has visited in the city.”  

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The Academy of St Nicholas is a unique joint Catholic and Church of England secondary school. It is proud to be part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust which is inspired by the ecumenical vision of Bishop David Sheppard and Archbishop Derek Worlock that ‘we are stronger and better together’.