Retreats

Soli House

Every year, we strive to take a small group of Year 9 pupils on a residential retreat to Soli House. Soli House is part of the Kenelm Youth Trust (run by the Archdiocese of Birmingham, in partnership with Birmingham Catholic Youth services). The centre is in Staffordshire, next to it’s sister centre, Alton Castle.

During their stay, students take part in a variety of teambuilding activities. These may include cycling, trekking, archery and low-ropes. As well as this, a big focus of the visit is on personal and spiritual development. Pupils participate in a variety of workshops and they also have the opportunity to celebrate Mass together. At the end of the retreat, students should return refreshed in faith and blessed with fun, new friendships.

If you would like to find out more information, please visit https://www.kenelmyouthtrust.org.uk/soli.html.

Here is a short video, showing some highlights of a previous visit:

Lourdes

In May 2025, for the first time in many years, a small group of our Year 12 pupils joined the Birmingham diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes in France. Led by Mr Jenkins and Miss Ross, the pupils had a phenomenal and unforgettable adventure to the south of France, meeting many like-minded friends and deepening their relationship with Mother Mary and God the Father.

It was in Lourdes, France, that a young St. Bernadette first encountered Mary on 11th February, 1858. This was the first of eighteen apparations, all of which took place in the same sacred grotto. Last year, our students had the opportunity to visit this grotto and to follow in St. Bernadette's footsteps. They were also able to see and drink the water from the spring that appeared beneath Mary's feet in one of St. Bernadette's visions. Over seventy-two miracles have been recorded at Lourdes ever since the apparitions first began, most often linked with physical healing.

Whilst on pilgrimage, our Year 12 pupils had a profound experience of helping the assisted pilgrims (those with disabilities, illnesses and frailty), by talking with them, praying with them and by running the accueil (accommodation). For many, this was the greatest highlight of their visit.

Moving forward, we hope to venture on this pilgrimage every single year, with a new group of Year 12s.