--- title: "Year 9 Pupils Enjoy Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Visit to St Walburge’s Church" url: "https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/news/2026-11-11-year-9-pupils-enjoy-exclusive-behind-the-scenes-visit-to-st-walburge-s-church" school: "Penwortham Priory Academy" --- # Year 9 Pupils Enjoy Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Visit to St Walburge’s Church ![Image of Year 9 Pupils Enjoy Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Visit to St Walburge’s Church](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/images/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6482_cropped.jpeg) 11 November 2026 Year 9 pupils recently enjoyed a fascinating visit to the magnificent St Walburge’s Church in Preston as part of a cross-curricular trip exploring the impact of History and Religious Education on our local area. During the visit, pupils were given a guided tour of the mid-19th Century Gothic church, learning more about its rich history, striking architecture and significance within the local Catholic community. This year’s visit also included a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes and gain exclusive access to the sacristy, where pupils were able to view some of the priceless chalices used during Mass. The group also met seminarians currently training for the priesthood, giving pupils the chance to ask questions and gain a greater understanding of their vocation and daily life. Pupils and staff were once again able to climb the church’s famous steeple, the tallest on any parish church in England. While the 150-plus steps proved challenging for some, the spectacular views across Preston made the effort worthwhile. The visit was made possible thanks to the generosity of Canon Cristofoli, Rector of St Walburge’s, who helped to provide pupils with these special opportunities. Mr Eccles, Lead Teacher of History, said: “Visits like this bring classroom learning to life. Our pupils were able to explore the historical significance of an important local landmark, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the role faith continues to play within the community today. The exclusive access to areas not normally open to visitors made the experience particularly memorable.” ### St Walburges Church Visit November 2026 [![](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6449.JPEG)](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/images/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6449.JPEG) [![](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6458.JPEG)](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/images/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6458.JPEG) [![](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6463.JPEG)](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/images/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6463.JPEG) [![](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6465.JPEG)](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/images/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6465.JPEG) [![](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6470.JPEG)](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/images/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6470.JPEG) [![](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6478.JPEG)](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/images/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6478.JPEG) [![](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6479.JPEG)](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/images/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6479.JPEG) [![](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6480.JPEG)](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/images/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6480.JPEG) [![](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6482.JPEG)](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/images/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6482.JPEG) [![](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6485.JPEG)](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/images/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6485.JPEG) [![](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6486.JPEG)](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/images/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6486.JPEG) [![](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6482_cropped.jpeg)](https://files.schudio.com/penwortham-priory-academy/images/gallery/st-walburges-church-visit-november-2026/IMG_6482_cropped.jpeg) [History](https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/news/tag/history) [Trips](https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/news/tag/trips) [Religious Education](https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/news/tag/religious-education) [Humanities](https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/news/tag/humanities) [Culture](https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/news/tag/culture) [ Remembrance at Priory 2026](https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/news/2026-11-08-remembrance-at-priory-2026) ### Penwortham Priory Academy Crow Hills Road Penwortham Preston Lancashire PR1 0JE 01772 320250 ### Useful Links - [New Year 7 Transition](https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/about-priory/transition) - [The School Day](https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/parents/the-school-day) - [Facility Hire](https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/facility-hire-at-priory) - [Term Dates](https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/parents/termdates) - [Letters](https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/parents/letters) ### Useful Links - [Newsletters](https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/parents/newsletters) - [OFSTED](https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/about-priory/ofsted-report) - [Online Payments](https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/parents/internet-payments) - [Staff Contact](https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/staff/staff-contact-list) - [Vacancies](https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/staff/vacancies) ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/priorystc) - [X](https://twitter.com/@priorystc) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/penworthampriory/) Penwortham Priory Academy Trust is operating as a single academy trust. It is an exempt charity and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England with Company Number 08133703 School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://www.priory.lancs.sch.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)