Faith in the Nexus: Listening to children on how schools help them spiritually flourish

Twenty years of research reveals the significance of spiritual development for the well-being of young people as a distinctive component of human flourishing. This chapter offers insights into how schools help children flourish spiritually. The authors draw on children’s voices from ten years (2014-2024) of empirical funded research projects at the National Institute for Christian Education Research, Canterbury Christ Church University. The research took place in preschool settings, Church of England and Catholic schools in England and Wales, in primary (4-11 years) and secondary schools (11-18 years). Several approaches were used, including observational studies, focus groups, interviews and surveys engaging 6,500 children in 35 schools. This chapter provides an overarching analysis to deepen understanding about flourishing from across these projects, (Lessons in Spiritual Development; Faith in the Nexus; Spiritual Flourishing of very young children), using select quotes to demonstrate the contributing insights. An analysis of the voices of young people through a relational spirituality framework reveals that students value how schools facilitate opportunities to seek meaning and purpose in a safe and reflective environment, enabling moments of awe and wonder. We conclude with a consideration of how schools enhance opportunities for spiritual flourishing within the school environment.