Year 9 and 10 students meet the Pope on “extraordinary” trip to Rome

The five-day trip with Voyager Travel formed part of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year 2025 and marked the beginning of the school’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

32 pupils and five members of staff from the Suffolk school visited the Italian capital from 10th to 14th November, where they visited historic and cultural sites and had the rare opportunity of a papal audience with Pope Leo XIV, who personally greeted several students, shaking hands and offering his blessing. 

School chaplain Paul Gilbert said: “For students from a small school in Suffolk, it was a truly extraordinary experience and one they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”

Other highlights included exploring Rome’s religious and historical landmarks, beginning with a welcome Mass and a visit to the Basilica of St Mary Major. 

The Year 9 & 10 pupils also took part in a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel where they saw Michelangelo’s frescoes and had the opportunity to ask questions about the recent conclave.

The penultimate day of the trip was packed with sightseeing opportunities, spending time at the Pantheon and other classical sights, including the Colosseum, Forum, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. 

The packed overseas visit was brought to a fun end with a hands-on gelato-making workshop, followed by an evening of bowling.

Headteacher Simon Corless added: “I am deeply grateful that our students were able to experience Rome during the Jubilee Year of Hope and to meet Pope Leo XIV in his first months as Pope.

“It was a privilege for them, and I am thankful for the staff whose dedication ensured this was not only a memorable trip but a formative educational experience.”