Author: Sutton Schoolswork

Spring 2026 update from Sutton Schoolswork

What a privilege to be a part of this wonderful, God-inspired organisation! The first 3 months of activity of 2026 have been as busy as any we’ve known.

Autumn 2023 update from Sutton Schoolswork

Well, how do I sum up all that’s happened this term? It’s been incredibly busy, and we’ve seen change we weren’t expecting. New initiatives have launched, and old ones have remained strong. We’ve made new friends, opened doors that were previously closed, and witnessed God moving in ways that have simply astonished us! 

In terms of simple numbers, this term we have delivered –  

Primary 

• 78 assemblies delivered to 36 schools 
• And workshops –  
• 27 RE days 
• 1 Iwonder space 
• 16 Discover Christmas  

Secondary 

• 5 Christian Unions per week on average, with 3 others being supported occasionally 
• 590 pupils across 2 schools participating in our Positive Choices (Knife crime and County Lines) sessions 
• 580 pupils across 2 schools participating in our Positive Choices (Sex and Relationships) sessions 
• 12 GSUS RE lessons at Sutton Grammar School 

Churches 

• 2 churches visited to speak at Sunday services 
• Monthly church leaders’ breakfasts 
• 2 new grant-making Trusts supporting our work 
• Financial support across all sources rising 

And what’s changed?  

Well, Sarah departed at the end of September to have her second child (welcome to the world, Benjamin) and we were joined by Charis Miles, who is with us for a full academic year whilst Sarah is on maternity leave.  

Then, in November, Ella followed God’s calling on her life to move into a new area and is now working amongst domestic abuse victims in Surrey. We advertised for a person to come in to continue that work in her stead, but it appears God has other plans. Consequently, Simon is moving to full time, and will now cover the role of Secondary School worker, supported by Beca and our fantastic team of volunteers, as well as the Director role, until we advertise again in late Spring.  

And so the work continues!  

We trialled GSUS at Sutton Grammar School, which went down extremely well, and we pray that God will enable us to launch this in even more secondary schools next September. For details of what this entails, go to their website, countiesuk.org

In answer to our prayers, 3 old schools have made new contact and asked us to come in to discuss working together; Wallington County Grammar (boys), Glenthorne and Greenshaw, which we’re very excited about.

We were able to deliver our annual series of workshops at Cheam High and Oaks park about choices around Knife Crime and County Lines. This became particularly poignant as the tragic murder of the young girl in Croydon occurred whilst we were in Oaks Park, and this had a dramatic impact on the degree to which the pupils responded.

Our already strong relationship with Cheam High has developed even further. In September they allowed us to start a prayer group for students every Monday morning at 8.20am, and they provided us with a suitable room. We’ve seen a consistent number of Christian youngsters attend, and we have a real sense that God is moving in this particular school.  

And we’ve delivered all those assemblies too! Our amazing team of enthusiastic volunteers never cease to astound us with their determination to let children know about God and His story. Every time we arrive at any school, we are greeted by smiling children who remember our last one, and are delighted to welcome us back. Oh that this joy will translate into personal faith! 

Charis has delivered 27 RE days, which has enabled her to communicate personal faith in an educational environment, letting the children know that following Jesus is very relevant and just as appropriate today as at any time in history.  

And our 16 Discover Christmas presentations and workshops are simply outstanding. So many children (6 to 7 year olds) hearing the Good News, and realising that the story of Christmas doesn’t end with the wise men leaving. It ends with Jesus ascending to heaven over 30 years later! Hallelujah for the opportunities to tell the children to truth of this in a classroom, and that the teachers are happy to let us do so. Maybe a teacher might consider this story as being true for them as well? 

And our finances continue to show God’s undoubted support for our work. Giving from churches and individuals has risen, and a major contribution from a national charity to enable us to develop new areas has been granted. We also have another charity expressing interest in supporting our work, and we remain convinced that God has some great things lined up! 

And so we remain steadfast, bringing the name of Jesus confidently into the classrooms and halls of our local schools. We enjoy the result of the outstanding work of so many people who have come before us, and the reputation of Sutton Schoolswork remains incredibly strong, and we are in the privileged position of being welcomed in all our regular schools. They all seem delighted to allow us to proclaim His name in everything we do, He is mentioned in every one of our activities, and, especially in the primary schools, staff are more than happy to let us tell their charges that we believe Jesus is the Light of the World. What a delight!!!! 

But our core aim remains; to enable every child to hear the true story of Jesus as presented in the Word of God, and to offer them all the opportunity to consider this as being true, and worthy of response.  

So, although this is a Newsletter and not a prayer update, I would ask you all to offer one prayer.  

That the children, young people and staff members who have heard the name of Jesus being spoken this term may have cause to stop and think about Him this Christmas.  

Thank you for all your support, prayers and financial contributions. This is a team job, and we’re all doing our little bit! 

Simon