Pupils, parents and staff gathered in Bredon School's sports hall for the annual Carol Service, which was led by Reverend Christopher Moss and introduced by the Juniors singing Once in Royal David's City. The Bible readings included one in Spanish from Luke's gospel by Cristina San Juan Yague. Cristina is a pupil from one of Bredon School's Colegios Laude sister schools, the International School of Aravaca, who is spending the academic year at Bredon. There was also a reading by Principal David Keyte. A retiring collection was taken in aid of Tewkesbury Cottage Hospital and Queenhill Parish Church.

In his address to parents, Mr Keyte said: "2009 has been one of the most significant years in the history of the School." He highlighted the announcement last January of the acquisition of Bredon School by the Colegios Laude group and reminded parents of the commitment given at that time that there would be no change in Bredon's unique ethos. "I strongly believe that we have delivered what we said we would: as we have seen today, Bredon School continues to provide a traditional English education."

Mr Keyte also introduced Mr John Hewitt, who will be Bredon School's eighth Headmaster, taking up his post in September 2010. Mr Hewitt attended the Carol Service with his wife, Lynne, and daughter, Lucy. Further information about this is available in our press release. Mr Hewitt is pictured in the final four pictures below.

Below is a selection of photos from the Carol Service, which was held in subdued lighting. To see an image at full size please click on it, then follow the instructions to move to another image.