First Catholic-Anglican school for Gloucestershire

The first joint denomination school in Gloucestershire officially opened on Friday 28 September in a sign of unity between the two leading Churches in Britain.

The joint Roman Catholic and Church of England Christ College in Cheltenham, which stands on the site of the former St Benedict's Catholic College in the town, aims to uphold the teachings of both Churches and emphasise shared beliefs, a spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said that St Benedict would be retained as one of the house patrons in the new school.

The Bishop of Clifton, the Rt Rev Declan Lang, said: "St Benedict's has made a significant contribution to education in Cheltenham for many years.

"Our collaboration with the Diocese of Gloucester will bring further benefits to the whole community and enhance educational opportunities for young people in the Cheltenham area."

The Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Rev Michael Perham, added: "Both our traditions have a long history of involvement in education and it is a creative move to continue this together."