FAQ's
I am of a different faith, can my child attend your school?
Absolutely! We welcome children from all faiths and from none. A Church of England school is, like community schools, funded through the Local Authority, but the building is owned by the SDBE. A majority of the governing body posts are 'Foundation' governors, with a specific role to support the Christian foundation and ethos of the school. Church schools undergo SIAMS inspections, as well as government OFSTED inspections. Church schools set their own admission criteria.
In the every day running of the school, there is little difference between a Church school and a community school. However, the ethos of a school can be strongly influenced by it's Christian foundation. While recognising that the pupils and staff are of all faiths and none, the school as a whole holds an act of 'collective' worship every day. The love and kindness for each other, which is at the heart of the Christian faith, is exemplified in the attitudes and relationships found and encouraged at the school.
Do the pupils learn about other faiths in Religious Education?
Yes. RE is an important curriculum subject. It is important in its own right and also makes a unique contribution to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils and supports wider community cohesion. The Government is keen to ensure all pupils receive high-quality RE and this includes learning about Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism & Buddhism
I have questions about inclusion and diversity in a church school.
We are a welcoming community who goes above and beyond in our day-to-day practice and our curriculum to support the protected characteristics of any person. We challenge gender stereotypes, we stand up for racial equality, support our LGBTQ+ community members and break the barriers many face in an ever changing society!
Your child will thrive in our progressive community!
Does my child have to participate in prayer?
We have daily prayers that are led by staff members of differing faiths. Your child will be asked to show respect in a number of ways. This may include putting their hands together in traditional prayer, closing their eyes or sitting quietly. There will be no pressure to repeat given words as we have a multitude of faiths within our school that we recognise and respect.
We have staff of varying faiths who offer an insight into their own practices during Worship. This widens the pupil's view of the world around us and how others show faith in action.
Does my child have to go church?
We believe that our visits to our local church serve to enhance our understanding of faith and community. We encourage classes to visit other places of worship as part of their Religious Education. We would recommend your children joining us, regardless of their faith. You can also speak to the Senior Leadership Team if you have any questions regarding church visits.
Can I withdraw my child from RE or Worship?
In England and Wales Parents have the statutory right under Section 71 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 to withdraw their children from RE lessons and acts of Collective Worship in schools. You can also request a withdrawal from any subjects, lessons or assemblies involving discussions on the topic of sex and relationships.
As parents you are not obliged to give a reason for requesting the withdrawal.
However before exercising any right of withdrawal we would recommend you discuss your concerns with the Headteacher
Should a student be withdrawn from those learning activities/lessons they will be directed to supplementary humanities lessons instead.
Requests for withdrawals are made in writing