For the first time, there were so many new girls welcomed into Godolphin this year that the annual welcome service, known affectionately as the 'Pinny Service', had to be repeated to fit everyone in. In the service, new girls and their families mark the start of their time at the school, with hymns, prayers and and an address. They receive the specially printed Godolphin Hymn Book and the iconic Godolphin blue pinny.

The pinnies, as well as the girls who will wear them, are blessed with water sprinkled from the herb of remembrance, rosemary. Stella Wood, School Chaplain, says that beginning a new school is a milestone in the life of any family and the pinny service represents a moment when we can recognise that and welcome them into the Godolphin community. We have fun and there are a lot of smiles, but the serious point of moving into a new chapter of life and asking God's blessing as we go is one that underpins that. We want the girls to flourish and find who they are and to pray together for that never loses its power or importance.

Photos from the service can be found here.