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St Thomas More Catholic Primary, Bexleyheath

3 min read

St Thomas More Bexleyheath Prayer garden

Creating a peaceful outdoor space for prayer, reflection and connection

St Thomas More Catholic Primary in Greater London is a school where faith, learning and personal growth go hand in hand. Rooted in Gospel values, the school is committed to nurturing the whole child, encouraging kindness, respect and compassion throughout everyday school life.

When the school first met Phoenix Play at a conference, it was the beginning of a conversation about how their outdoor spaces could better support their wider educational and pastoral aims.

Headteacher Grace welcomed our Outdoor Learning Consultant, Rachel, to meet at the school to begin developing a long-term, phased plan for the school. The first stage focused on transforming a tired and previously unused area into three connected spaces: a Prayer Garden, Sensory Garden and Music Garden.

The next stage of the wider scheme is already underway, with a new EYFS area soon to be installed.

Transforming an unused space

The existing area had plenty of potential but was uneven, tired and no longer being used to its full potential. Grace wanted to create something genuinely special for the whole school community.

At the heart of the vision was a peaceful prayer garden that reflected the school's Catholic faith, while providing somewhere children and staff could pray, reflect, spend quiet time and connect with God.

It was important that the space could be enjoyed by everyone. The design therefore included areas for individual reflection as well as opportunities for children to gather in small or larger groups.

Planters were incorporated to create a beautiful garden that would remain practical and manageable, while all-weather surfacing means the space can be used throughout the year. Storage provides a dedicated place for different religious resources, helping the area to remain organised and welcoming.

A design shaped by the school

The project was a true collaboration between the school and Rachel. Grace and the team came with a clear vision and plenty of ideas, and Rachel worked closely with them to develop these into a practical, cohesive design.

Aesthetically, the natural timber elements work beautifully alongside the existing Magnolia tree, while the planters, trellis and chalk boards create a softer, more enclosed feel. The chalkboards add further opportunities for interaction and learning.

Together, these elements have transformed the character of the space. Although it sits alongside a busy playground, it now feels calm, welcoming and purposeful.

The design also supports a range of educational and developmental outcomes, including RE, communication and language, and personal, social and emotional development.

A space for everyone

One of the most meaningful details was the inscription chosen for the entrance arbour.

Grace worked with the whole school community to decide what words should welcome children into the space. After careful consideration, they chose:

“Let Your Light Shine For All.”

It perfectly captures the school's vision for the garden. This isn't simply a space for prayer. It is a place for everyone to pause, reflect, connect with nature, spend time together and enjoy some quiet away from the energy of the main playground.

Bringing the vision to life

For Grace, seeing the project develop from the initial ideas into the finished space was particularly rewarding.

“From the beginning, Rachel was fantastic at understanding our vision and really took the time to listen to our ideas. She was able to take everything we had imagined and bring it to life beautifully.

“Watching the design develop from our initial ideas on paper into a real, finished space was a wonderful experience, and we were thrilled to see our vision become a reality.”

The impact has extended beyond the physical transformation.

“The finished prayer garden has made such a difference to our school. What was once an unused and tired area is now a beautiful and meaningful space that all of our children can enjoy.”

And the relationship between St Thomas More Catholic Primary and Phoenix Play isn't stopping here.

“We have loved working with Phoenix Play so much that we will be welcoming them back to our school very soon for another project! We couldn't be happier with our prayer garden and the lasting difference it has made to our children and our school.”