A school steeped in tradition and underpinned by an Anglican ethos and the Parish of St George
1. Personal and Vocational Background
Uplands has long stood as a place where faith, learning and community converge, a school steeped in Anglican tradition and deeply connected to the Parish of St George. At the heart of this connection is the partnership between Mark, the Rector of St George’s, and Matthew, Uplands’ Chaplain. Matthew brings a pastoral warmth and daily presence that anchors faith life on campus. Mark, in turn, leads the Eucharist services and ensures the school remains true to its Anglican foundation. Together, they meet weekly to share reflections, offer mutual support, and coordinate their ministry. Their relationship is one of genuine friendship – relaxed, humorous and deeply respectful – a partnership that beautifully bridges parish and school life.
2. Faith and Spiritual Development
The spiritual fabric of Uplands is woven through its Anglican ethos – one that honours tradition while embracing inclusivity and understanding. Mark, as custodian of this ethos, ensures that the school’s worship remains authentic to Anglican values, while Matthew brings an accessible, compassionate approach that resonates with today’s pupils.
Through chapel services, assemblies and informal moments of prayer and reflection, pupils are encouraged to grow in faith and understanding. Worship is not confined to formality; it is made personal, relevant, and shared among “different voices,” enriching the spiritual life of both parish and school.
3. Pastoral Care and School Life
Matthew describes his ministry as being about guidance, presence and connection. He is a visible and approachable figure on campus – in classrooms, the staff room and during playground moments – offering quiet guidance and pastoral care.
He works closely with Dr Mark Blew, Deputy Head of Pastoral Care, and Mbali Mashaba, the School Counsellor, forming a supportive team that tends to both spiritual and emotional well-being. Their shared focus is to create a safe and open space where pupils feel free to ask questions, wrestle with doubt, and explore faith at their own pace.
The result is a growing sense of comfort and authenticity among learners, particularly at College level, where faith engagement had once been a challenge. Through camps, boarding activities and Christian Committee initiatives, students are now finding meaning, connection, and confidence in their spiritual journeys.
4. Teaching and Engagement
Faith at Uplands is not limited to worship services. It is lived daily through values, moral guidance, and respect for all. The school remains firmly rooted in its Christian ethos, yet welcomes learners of all backgrounds with openness and inclusion.
Routine and respect underpin this approach – ensuring that Anglican traditions remain honoured, while all students are invited to participate fully. Every pupil is given the opportunity to encounter Christian values and to reflect on their own spiritual path. In doing so, Uplands nurtures independence, moral strength, and readiness for life beyond school.
5. Community and Outreach
The partnership between Uplands and St George’s Parish is one of the strongest in recent memory – founded on trust, acceptance, and shared purpose. Mark’s involvement in school life extends beyond Sunday services: he participates in campus activities, engages with pupils and staff, and embodies the living presence of the Parish on Uplands grounds.
Looking ahead, both Parish and school are eager to deepen this bond. Plans include bringing boarders to the Parish to support Sunday services, quarterly joint services where the choir and pupils participate, and ministry visits to local old-age homes.
This December, the Carols Evening on 26 November 2025 will be a beautiful expression of this unity – a picnic-style celebration inviting the wider community and local elderly residents to share in the joy of Christmas together.
6. Vision and Reflection
By 2030, the shared vision is clear: a harmonious and fluid partnership between Uplands and St George’s, where rhythm and routine create a familiar “drumbeat” of faith throughout the year. The dream is one of unity, stability, and outreach – where parish and school collaborate on diverse initiatives that serve others and strengthen community ties.
Both Mark and Matthew believe this journey of faith will continue to shape Uplands’ heart – a school where every child is guided, nurtured, and encouraged to explore their place in the world with courage, compassion and conviction.
In essence, “Uniting Uplands” is not just about preserving tradition. It is about living it – faithfully, inclusively and joyfully – in the service of the next generation.