This week in our school community: 8 May 2026
Every student is an individual starting out on their life journey...
Supporting our students in prayer as they begin exams
Today students begin their final exams, bringing an end to 5-7 years of hard work, study and dedication. Amongst our students there are many who are confident and keen learners, finding new and effective revision strategies. Others have done everything they can but don't feel as confident as they should and then there are those that would self confess that they need all the luck (or prayers) that they can get. However, all of the above need our prayers in their own way over the coming weeks. Every student is an individual starting out on their life journey. Every journey is special for that young person even if they don't quite realise their own potential right now. Reinforcing belief in them and supporting each student is at the heart of all we can do at this time of year.
While study and preparation is necessary, prayer can open students up to receive the grace to be calm and confident as they approach their GCSEs and A Levels. While God may not give the exact answers to exam questions, he doesn't mind giving a little extra grace at exam time that will help them approach the exam with peace. If your child is in need of a little saintly help to get through those exams, there are many powerful intercessors we can look to and we can pray for your children. Taking exams can be a huge source of stress for students, but also for you, the anxious parents. However, for people of faith there is help to be had from some incredible holy men and women of the Church throughout history. If you take a look at some of the saints below you'll see that they have many virtues that would be inspiring for those working hard on their exams, while also reminding them that their spiritual life can act as the ultimate useful revision tool.
St Thomas Aquinas
A renowned theologian and philosopher, St Thomas Aquinas is known for his intellectual rigor and pursuit of truth. His dedication to scholarship and rigorous inquiry serves as a model for students facing academic challenges. One of the most common prayers for passing a test is from St Thomas Aquinas, patron of students and universities:
Creator of all things, true source of light and wisdom, origin of all being, graciously let a ray of your light penetrate the darkness of my understanding. Take from me the double darkness in which I have been born, an obscurity of sin and ignorance. Give me a keen understanding, a retentive memory and the ability to grasp things correctly and fundamentally. Grant me the talent of being exact in my explanations and the ability to express myself with thoroughness and charm. Point out the beginning, direct the progress and help in the completion. I ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
St Joseph of Cupertino
St Joseph was desperate to become a priest yet with his severe learning difficulties it was a real struggle. Thankfully he didn't give up. He worked hard for several years doing menial jobs with the Conventual friars where his devotion and humility didn't go unnoticed, and Joseph was finally allowed to become a priest. For students who are really struggling and feeling inadequate, this Italian saint is the perfect intercessor.
St Teresa of Ávila
A mystic and reformer, St Teresa of Ávila emphasised the importance of prayer and contemplation alongside scholarly pursuits. Her integration of spirituality and learning reminds students to nurture their inner lives for holistic growth and resilience. Teresa can encourage students to take study breaks from time to time and spend some moments in contemplation
St Ignatius of Loyola
As founder of the Jesuits, St Ignatius developed the Spiritual Exercises to help individuals discern God's will in their lives. His emphasis on discernment and reflection can guide students in making wise choices amidst academic pressures and uncertainties. This can be particularly helpful when students feel overwhelmed by all the material they have to learn.
St John Baptist De La Salle
As we approach Founder's Week, the time when all Lasallian schools celebrate the mission of St John Baptist De La Salle, it makes sense to also seek the intercession of De La Salle. As patron saint of all teachers we ask his intercession for all those who continue to devote their time and expertise to ensuring each student reaches their full potential. De La Salle was adamant that all children deserved an equal opportunity in education, being taught in a way that they would comprehend and focusing on the individual learner. We pray to De La Salle that all students in our school have a fair and equal starting point as they begin exams.
Mr Robinson
Lay Chaplain