Nick and Becky Drake, the creative duo behind Songs for School, are set to release a new music resource for schools and churches exploring the theme of pilgrimage. The PilgrimPilgrim 1. In the New Testament and Christian thought, someone engaged in the Christian journey through life towards heaven. 2. Someone who journeys to holy places (such as biblical sites or shrines of the saints) to seek God's help, to give thanks, or as an act of penance Way is a joyful, accessible song designed especially for young voices, encouraging reflection on life as a shared journey of faithFaith 1. Belief and trust in someone or something. 2. Acceptance of particular religious teachings.. The song will be available to listen to on all major streaming platforms from 27 February.
Pilgrimage is not only about travelling long distances, but about pausing to reflect on where we have come from, where we are now, and where we are going. The Pilgrim Way captures this idea in a way that is engaging and easy for all to learn and sing, making it suitable for use in schools, churches, and worshipWorship 1. Doing homage and giving honour and respect to God. The Bible includes a wide range of physical expression in worship, including bowing down, lifting hands, dancing, processions and singing. The main day on which Christians gather for communal worship is Sunday (the day when Christ is believed to have risen from the dead). 2. Christian liturgy including sung material and prayers of thanksgiving and praise. settings.
Nick and Becky Drake said:
“We wanted to write a song that helps children understand that being a pilgrim isn’t just about the destination, but about the journey itself — with all its joy, challenges, and moments of hope. Our hope is that The Pilgrim Way encourages children to keep going, knowing that God walks with them every step of the way.”
The resource includes a full music score and a free backing track to sing along with. To ensure the song is as inclusive and accessible as possible, Makaton and British Sign Language (BSL) video resources will also be released.
Theo Sheridan-Watts, Faith in the North Programme Manager, said:
“We can’t wait for people to hear The Pilgrim Way. We’re hugely grateful to the team at Songs for Schools for producing the song as part of an exciting new boxset of resources for schools, focused on pilgrimage and the Northern Saints. Alongside The Pilgrim Way, schools will have access to a range of newly developed materials, including collective worship resources, guidance for visits to churches, and a new resource, Light from the Past, Hope for the Future, helping children explore the stories and significance of the Northern Saints. Further details about these resources can be found on the Faith in the North website.”
Stephen Cottrell, ArchbishopArchbishop Bishop who also presides over a group of dioceses or provinces. of YorkYork 1. A Roman city and early centre of Christianity. 2. Diocese and province under the leadership of the Archbishop of York., said:
“Pilgrimage lies at the heart of the ChristianChristian Name originally given to disciples of Jesus by outsiders and gradually adopted by the Early Church to designate all members of the church. faith, reminding us that God journeys with us through every season of life. We hope these resources will inspire children and young people, enriching their faith and deepening their understanding of what it means to follow JesusJesus (Greek form of Hebrew 'Joshua' meaning 'Yahweh [God] is salvation') Also given the title Christ, meaning 'anointed one' or Messiah. His life is recorded mainly in the Four Gospels although he is also mentioned by the Jewish historian Josephus (c. 37-c.100) and the Roman historian Tacitus (c.110). today.”
The Pilgrim Way forms part of Faith in the North’s wider commitment to prayer, storytelling, and church planting, and connects with Archbishop Stephen Cottrell’s plans to teach The Lord’s Prayer at events across the Northern Province of the Church of England during 2026.
For more information, visit faithinthenorth.org or follow @songsforschool on social media.
You can watch a short teaser clip of the song here.