On Monday 7 October almost 400 children visited St Albans Cathedral to help celebrate 40 years of schools learning through the Education Department. Since the first pupils were welcomed in 1984, over 500,000 have visited to learn about this special, place, its history, its role as a place of worship, the story of Alban and many others. Among a number of special guests at the event was the award winning author Cressida Cowell, who delighted those present with an engaging presentation about her life, works and the power of storytelling. The event was supported by a number of partners, including the Spiral Academy Trust, Chiltern Bookshops and St Albans Cathedral Education trust.

Steve Clarke, Education Officer said:

"It was wonderful to enjoy such a fantastic celebration with schools, teachers, cathedral staff and cathedral volunteers, all of who have contributed to the success that the department has been for 40 years. We were delighted as well to be joined by Cressida Cowell, who shared an amazing and engaging presentation to us all. Here’s to many more years of Cathedral learning in the future. "

A competition earlier in the year ran where students could design an image celebrating this year's anniversary. The winner had their design put on this year's special bookmark. The winner was presented at the event with a special prize given out by Cressida.

 Throughout its long history St Alban’s Cathedral has been committed to learning as part of human flourishing and to welcoming all. As we celebrate forty years of school visits resourced by highly professional staff and volunteers it is both humbling and a privilege to know that over half a million children have benefited from this first class experience. We look forward to inspiring many thousands more with the story of St Alban and this iconic building.