Chaplaincy is a central and integral part of the life and work at UAI; a place where young women can grow in faith and in belonging to the school community. Its purpose is to support the spiritual development of students and staff and to offer pastoral support as part of the wider staff team. This encourages discipleship amongst our students which helps and inspires them to live out our Ursuline virtues, in the spirit of SERVIAM with the three persons of the Trinity at the heart of everything we do.

To welcome God into our school life daily, all form classes at UAI start the day with prayer when pupils do not have a designated assembly. Students are encouraged to lead prayer, write prayers and the whole school community pray as one. This is particularly evident in each main hall assembly when we say together the school prayer, ‘Gracious God….’

We are proud of the range of faiths that make up our school community, and a Prayer Room designed to be an inclusive space for all is available in the English department. Whether one wishes to offer prayers, meditate, or simply take a moment for personal reflection, it is a resource for all who wish to use it. It serves as a platform for students to embrace their faiths, share their beliefs, and learn from one another; we are ‘United in harmony’. It is open to all staff and to students when supervised. 

A range of activities take place each week in the chapel where the pupils are able to discuss aspects of their faith, pray, develop leadership skills and come together for form masses.

Retreats take place at Walsingham House for Year 7 and Year 9, where a range of workshop activities to deepen student understanding of key themes including the Ursuline Virtues. Year 10 have engaged with a summer term drop down day, the theme last year was, ‘Being sent out…’ This has involved workshops, discussion, prayer, invited speakers and a chance for our girls to mix with other Ursuline girls from other Ursuline schools.

Student Chaplaincy Team 2024-25