St Thomas' C of E Primary School

Our school is a Church of England primary school and has close ties with our local parish, the Parish of Stockport and Brinnington. Since the closure and repurposing of St Thomas’ Church, opposite the school, as a Coptic Church, our students now regularly visit the parish church which is St Mary’s in the Marketplace. It is a short walk from the school to the centre of town. These close ties help our children to grow and develop both academically and spiritually.

 

Every year we invite our parents and carers to come and join our celebrations in church, including for Harvest Festival, our Christmas Carol Service, Easter Service and summer showcase.

 

On Mondays, either Rev Chris or one of the church team leads our assembly, with songs, a dramatised story from the Storyteller Bible, questions about what it means and a prayer. Each year, the parish also offer our Year 5-6 students an Easter workshop.

 

Ministry at St Mary’s

The church exists to serve our wider community and everyone is welcome to join any of their events and services. They regularly offer Sunday services (11am in English and 2pm in Cantonese), Bible studies (10.30am or 7.30pm on Thursdays) and introduction to Christian faith courses. You can find out more from their website - www.achurchnearyou.com/st-mary-stockport

 

The church also helps local families mark life events with baptisms (Christenings), weddings and funerals. They can be contacted through their website for more details.

 

The church buildings

St Thomas’s building, opposite the school, was consecrated in 1825 and is what is known as a “Commissioners Church” which means it was one of a hundred churches that were funded by the Government and regarded as a thanksgiving for victory over Napoleon. The church is now recognised as a building of national importance and is Grade 1 Listed.  At the time the church was built it could seat up to 2000 people.

St Mary’s in the Marketplace is also Grade 1 listed because it is the oldest building in Stockport, dating from 1320, with some elements that are older still. Its heritage is exceptional and is well worth a visit when it is open to the public and their cafe is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10.30-1.30. Stockport Heritage Trust operate out of the building and are open at the same times. If you ask, they would love to give you a guided tour!