Crompton House Church of England Academy has marked its centenary with a service of celebration and thanksgiving at Liverpool Cathedral.

Students, staff, governors, alumni and invited guests came together at the cathedral on Friday, October 2 to reflect on the school's history, its Christian foundation and the generations of young people who have been part of its community since 1926. The school, on Rochdale Road in Shaw, was founded 100 years ago.

The service began with a fanfare composed by Sage Avery Quinn. Guests were welcomed by Karl Newell, chief executive of Crompton House Multi Academy Trust.

The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, led the opening prayer and later delivered the address, reflecting on the significance of the occasion and the responsibility of each generation to make a positive difference in the world.

At the heart of the service was a reading from Matthew 5:13-16, with its call to be the "salt of the earth" and "light of the world". The theme of light ran throughout the celebration, connecting the school's Christian foundation with the contribution its students, staff and former pupils have made, and will continue to make, to their communities and the wider world.

Music played an important part. The congregation sang This Little Light of Mine, while the school's Chapel Choir performed WayMaker. The service concluded with the school hymn, a final prayer and blessing from Bishop David, and Widor's Toccata as the recessional.

Stephen Oldfield gave an alumni perspective on the impact Crompton House has had on his life, and prayers written by students put the voices of the current generation at the centre of the celebrations. Head Susanna Hegarty delivered the words of thanks, recognising those who had contributed to the life of the school across its first century, from its founders and former staff to generations of students, families, governors, colleagues and friends, as well as those who continue to serve its community today.

Mrs Hegarty said: "It is an enormous privilege to be head of school at such a significant moment in the life of Crompton House.

"Standing in Liverpool Cathedral and seeing our students, staff, governors, alumni and friends gathered together was incredibly moving and a moment I will never forget.

"I feel immensely proud of the school we are today and deeply grateful to all those who have shaped Crompton House over the past 100 years.

"As we begin our second century, I am incredibly excited about the future and the part our current generation of young people will play in writing the next chapter of our story."

Mr Newell added: "Reaching our centenary is an extraordinary milestone and a moment to recognise the contribution of everyone who has helped shape the school over the past 100 years.

"As we begin the next chapter of the Crompton House story, our responsibility is to build on that extraordinary legacy and ensure that the values and vision on which the school was founded continue to inspire and serve generations of young people to come."

The service was one of the centrepieces of the school's celebrations marking 100 years since Crompton House was founded in 1926.