Devon primary school’s Choir Church inspires children through music

An innovative Choir Church initiative has been making waves at St Michael’s Church of England Primary Academy in Exeter, equipping children with musical skills while strengthening ties between the school, the church, and the wider community. Launched in January 2024, the programme has flourished in its first year, offering a unique blend of music, worship, and community-building.

The Choir Church concept originated at St George in the East Church in East London and has since been adopted by communities nationwide. Built around children’s choirs in schools, Choir Church creates new worshipping communities by fostering musical excellence and nurturing relationships between schools and local churches.

At St Michael’s, the initiative is led by Father Benjamin Rabjohns, Team Rector of Heavitree and St Mary Steps, and supported by Matthew Jeffrey, a Tenor Lay Vicar in Exeter Cathedral’s Choir. The weekly after-school club is open to Key Stage 2 pupils (years three to six) and currently has 15 enthusiastic participants.

Each session begins with refreshments and a fun game, followed by choir practice where children learn and refine their musical abilities.

Father Rabjohns said: "The children enjoy Choir Church; they gain a real sense of achievement as they develop their musical knowledge in a new environment. It’s a wonderful way to deepen our relationship with the school and create a stronger bond between the church, the school, and families."

In addition to weekly rehearsals, Choir Church has introduced Eucharist services at the school for the first time. Over the festive season, the choir held a Christmas Eucharist service, performing carols and anthems in front of their families, teachers, and volunteers from the church.

Karen Leach, former Headteacher at St Michael’s, said: "The formation of our Choir Church has brought a new dimension to our school’s vision of enriching lives and enabling children to flourish. For years, we had discussed introducing regular Eucharist services, and Choir Church provided the perfect framework to explore Christian practices and broaden community participation in worship."

She added: "The opportunity for children to learn liturgical music and participate in the choral tradition enriches their musical education and prepares them for worship and life."

The Choir Church at St Michael’s has ambitious plans for 2025. Organisers hope to grow participation and extend the choir’s role to performing in church services as well as school Eucharists.

Father Rabjohns is optimistic about the future, and said: "We want to build on this momentum, adding value to what the school already offers and giving pupils a deeper musical and educational experience. This programme is about more than music; it’s about fostering community, faith, and joy."