The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, this week presented an icon of the Holy Trinity to Barnsley’s Holy Trinity Academy head teacher Simon Barber and teacher Lissa Oldcom.  The Archbishop had promised to give the icon after visiting the chapel at the purpose built state-of-the-art school in September 2012.

Holy Trinity teaches children aged 3 to 16 and is the first Academy to offer the Archbishop of York’s Young Leaders Award for all Key Stages.

The Archbishop of York Youth Trust Young Leaders Award is offered at Key Stage 2, 3, 4 and Post 16.  There are currently over 60 schools involved with over 8000 students taking the Awards so far. The Award encourages schools to teach the importance of young people taking practical action to improve the areas in which they live.

Head teacher Simon Barber said:

“It was a real thrill to receive this kind gift from the Archbishop this week and it will take pride of place in the chapel at Holy Trinity.  It’s just another wonderful good news story which has come from our association with the Youth Trust”.

The Archbishop of York said:

“I was delighted to be able to present this wonderful Icon to Simon and Lissa, not just because it is an icon of the Holy and Blessed Trinity which will fit perfectly in their school’s chapel, but also in recognition of the way that they are making such a difference to their community through doing the Young Leaders Award. God tells us to go and live the Gospel in our communities and it is wonderful that in Barnsley, young people from Holy Trinity are being encouraged to show that love in action”.