What began as a dream has grown into a thriving faith community at a secondary school in West Midlands Synod.
Eva Nicholls, aged 17, a pupil at King Edward VI School in Lichfield, had a dream about having a Bible study at King Edward IV’s high school in Lichfield. Eva shared her dream with the youth workers at Wade Street Church, an LEP between the United Reformed and Baptist churches. As a group they prayed about the situation for a couple of months.
It wasn’t until Bethany Froude joined Wade Street, revealing that she had experienced a similar dream, that confirmation sparked a sense of purpose.
Together with support from Amelie Cotton, a friend of Eva and Bethany who attends Life Church Litchfield, they launched Youth Alpha sessions at the school. Alpha provided all the resources needed, making it easy to start. Their first 10-week course began in March 2025 and attracted 16 students initially, maintaining a core group of six throughout.
Encouraged by this success, the team decided to relaunch in September 2025 with a broader vision: to invite the entire school. They created a PowerPoint presentation, spoke at year-group assemblies, put up posters, and even started an Instagram account to spread the word. The response was phenomenal—weekly attendance averaged 20 students, with a peak of 29 in one session.
The group has become a safe space where students feel welcomed and heard. Fifteen have requested Bibles so far, which have been provided by the Revd Danielle Leigh, Minister of Wade Street Church. Conversations have deepened week by week.
Eva, said: “One remarkable story involves a student who began as a staunch atheist but is now open to church and Bible study.”
As the current course nears its end, the students are eager to continue. Plans are underway for a new format: weekly sessions tackling big questions like “Does God heal?” or “Why is there evil in the world?” The team hopes to use ready-made resources to keep the momentum going.
“As a CYDO I have heard all about ‘the quiet revival’ and it is fabulous to hear about this initiative, which has encouraged others to follow Jesus,” said. Helen Laird, West Midlands Synod’s Children and Youth Development Officer (CYDO).
“I am deeply proud of these young women and the faith and bravery they have shown. To step out in faith in a school environment takes real courage, resilience, and trust in God. They dared to follow a dream, speak openly about faith, and created a welcoming space for others, even when it felt risky or challenging. Their boldness and perseverance are a powerful witness, and it has been a joy to hear how God has used their willingness to say ‘yes’.
“Challenges have included engaging with students who strongly oppose faith, but even these interactions have led to growth and transformation.
“Support from teachers has been overwhelming, with many expressing admirations for the initiative.
“This journey has not only impacted the students but also strengthened the leaders’ confidence and understanding of their faith. As one organizer shared ‘Every person has a story, and creating a space where they feel safe to share is beautiful.’
“With passion, prayer, and perseverance, these young leaders have turned a dream into reality.”
Image: Meredith Spencer/Unsplash.