Carol Service at Bath Abbey
Senior School, Boarding, Music
On Wednesday 10 December, our school community gathered in the magnificent setting of Bath Abbey for the annual Royal High School Bath GDST Christmas Carol Service, a truly special occasion in this milestone year as we celebrate 150 years of educating girls in Bath.
The service was filled with warmth and festive spirit. We enjoyed listening to beautiful readings and were uplifted by stirring performances from our choirs and orchestra, alongside some stunning individual contributions. Highlights included Flora’s solo introduction to Once in Royal David’s City, and the exceptional organ playing by Sophia and Bea, which added grandeur to the occasion.
A particular moment of pride was hearing Winter’s Banquet, a poem written especially for the service by Tatyana, our Poet Laureate. Her words captured the magic and meaning of the season perfectly.
We are grateful to Reverend Phillip Hawthorn, whose warm and humorous address reminded us of the joy and hope that Christmas brings. Everyone left the Abbey with hearts full and the promise of Christmas lying ahead.
This year’s service was especially poignant as it marked 150 years since Bath High first opened its doors in 1875, becoming one of the original Girls’ Day School Trust schools. From those pioneering beginnings to today’s Royal High School Bath, our community has been empowering girls through education for a century and a half. We are proud to continue this legacy of confidence, curiosity, and connection.
Finally, a huge thank you to Mr Hardcastle, who captured the beauty of the service in these wonderful photographs.
Please enjoy the gallery below and take a moment to view the Order of Service, which reflects the richness of this cherished Royal High tradition.