Step
Step Days
Step Days are immersive, full-day retreats for secondary school students that create space to explore life’s big questions around identity, values, wellbeing and purpose. Delivered by Step, a Christian charity working across St Albans and Harpenden, each Step Day offers a carefully designed mix of creative workshops, reflective moments and community experiences. Rooted in a Christian worldview but open to students of all faiths and none, Step Days support moral, emotional and spiritual development in a safe, non-pressured environment. They complement RE and PSHE learning while giving young people time to pause, reflect and grow.
Who We Are
Step is a Christian charity with over 30 years of experience working in secondary schools across St Albans and Harpenden. We currently partner with 15 local schools, supporting over 14,000 young people through religious education, pastoral engagement and relational support. Our team of staff and trained volunteers works closely with school leaders, teachers and SEN staff to ensure our work is inclusive, sensitive and tailored to the needs of each school community. While our ethos is Christian, our work is for everyone - students of all faiths and none are welcomed, valued and respected.
What Are Step Days?
Step Days are our flagship retreat experiences, offered to whole year groups as an intentional pause from the usual school timetable. Each Step Day is built around creative workshops, interactive activities, moments of reflection and opportunities for connection. Students explore key life themes such as identity, relationships, justice, mental health, purpose and moral decision-making.
We currently deliver on average one Step Day every week during term time, working in partnership with organisations including the 267project, Network Pottery and Haven Hope mental health support. Step Days make up over a quarter of our face-to-face work with young people and are carefully designed to support RE and PSHE objectives while encouraging curiosity, dialogue and personal reflection.
As Step Days continue to grow, we are refreshing content, updating technology, creating reflective spaces and developing new standalone days - including Ethics Days, Cultural Days and Staff INSET retreats - to respond to the evolving needs of schools and students.
Why Step Days Matter
Young people today face increasing pressure around academic performance, identity, mental health and future uncertainty. Step Days create a rare opportunity to step back, ask meaningful questions and engage with deeper values in a supportive and non-judgemental setting. We believe faith cannot be forced and that every individual deserves the freedom to explore beliefs at their own pace. Our role is to offer thoughtful Christian perspectives alongside space for personal choice, reflection and discussion.
The long-standing trust we have built with schools, interacting with over 90% of their students regularly, demonstrates the impact and value of this work. Ofsted has recognised the contribution of Step as an external partner, and feedback from schools consistently highlights the depth, care and relevance of Step Days. Through these retreats, we aim to nurture resilient, compassionate and reflective young people equipped to navigate life with confidence and integrity.
For more information please see the Step website by clicking here.
