The most senior Church of England clergyman in Suffolk has returned to the school he visited 10 years ago when it was first set up. 

Trinity Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School in Combs, near Stowmarket, marked the start of the new school term with a celebration of its 10th anniversary.

As part of the celebration, the Rt Revd Martin Seeley, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, made a visit to the school on Wednesday where his nomination for the Diocese was announced 10 years ago. 

The Bishop of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich The Right Reverend Martin Seeley holding the 10th Anniversary cake with deputy headteacher Mrs Sarah Terndrup,The Bishop of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich The Right Reverend Martin Seeley holding the 10th Anniversary cake with deputy headteacher Mrs Sarah Terndrup, (Image: Keith Mindham)

Bishop Martin was given a tour of the school, presided at a special school Eucharist and enjoyed birthday cake. 

He said: ‘‘It was a joy to be back at this school, a school which promotes Christian values and embodies everything that the Diocese aims to achieve with Church of England schools. Their aim to be kind, welcoming and to care for God’s creation sums that up.

‘‘Everyone gave me such a warm welcome and I was delighted to hear how it has flourished in the last 10 years. 

“Trinity has such spacious school grounds and this enables staff and children to fully embrace the outdoors within their extensive, broad and balanced curriculum.

‘‘Many of the classrooms have direct access to outdoor learning spaces and I discovered how they are fully used to ensure that learning is enjoyable and fun for the young children.’’

The Lavenham Way school was the first Church school in the Diocese for 40 years when it was unveiled. 

It has 160 pupils aged between four and 11. 

Linda Curran-Spain, the school’s headteacher, said: ‘‘We had such a wonderful celebration of what is so special about Trinity, our children and our community. 

‘‘Sharing the day with Bishop Martin who has been part of the school since its first days was really special."