Flourishing together, in love, to be the best we’re meant to be
As a Christian school, we are uniquely placed to provide a firm foundation for a more just and inclusive multicultural society. We value every child equally and aim to create an environment where cultural diversity is celebrated.
Through our curriculum, attitudes, and values, we warmly welcome and embrace people from different backgrounds and walks of life. Our intention is that all children - regardless of language, faith or culture - are valued as individuals.
Our School Vision
Our vision is for St Philip’s to be a place where love is the foundation. Jesus taught us that “you are enough” and that love is at the heart of everything that we do. When we love as God loves us we become the best version of ourselves and inspire others to do the same. For us, at St Philip’s this looks like a community where we celebrate who we are, where we rejoice in all of the different things that make us special. It is a place where we strive to create the conditions where everyone can flourish. Where we strive to do things better, for ourselves and for each other, not to try and reach some unachievable goal but because to love someone is to want the best for them.
Our Ethos
At St. Philip’s Church of England Primary School, we value our opportunity to contribute to the local community in a positive way. The phrase “Let everything you do be done in love” underpins everything that we do.
We believe that people whose actions are based on love are rich in confidence, resilience, empathy and heart. They are positive people who wish to make the world a better place, trying to understand others and respecting who they are: their neighbours, in Christ’s words, who share their human nature and many of their hopes, dreams and aspirations. They believe that everyone is a small, yet vitally important, part of a bigger picture.
St Philip’s has a unique opportunity to shape our community, which is a privilege. It is our hope that everyone who comes into contact with us is able to help us learn to act towards each other in love and care. In turn, we hope that they will learn to do the same.
Gavin Shortall, Executive Headteacher
It has been said that as human beings we need to remember that there is – in every situation and scene of life – more that unites us than divides us. We need to recognise each other and rejoice that we are indeed all neighbours and potential friends. We live in the same area, we have many of the same preoccupations. Whatever our cultural, linguistic, faith or heritage background, we need to remember that we are all God’s beloved children.
St Paul’s message to a new and growing church community reminds each of us that we are valued and owe ourselves care and esteem. That sense of being loved should in turn inspire us to love others. In day to day forgiveness, in living and learning as a community, in acknowledging that what is the same about us should always overcome difference, we are answering that call. Kindness, generosity of spirit, good humour, forbearance, self-control – fruits of the spirit that help us to grow and learn, be curious, creative, enjoy and achieve our best.
This ethos expresses itself in the everyday life of the school, in the links to the wider community and in the relationship with the parish in which it lies. In thoughtfulness, prayer or silence, in assemblies and worship, all are invited and encouraged to be themselves and to support others through the challenges and changes of their years at St Philip’s School.
Hilary Jones, School Governor
Holy Innocents Church
Our Values
At the heart of our school are a set of values that guide everything we do. These values were developed together with our whole community – pupils, staff, parents, and governors – to ensure they truly reflect what matters most to us.
Our values are more than words; they shape the way we learn, play, and grow together each day. They provide a foundation for the choices we make, the relationships we build, and the aspirations we hold for every child.
Through living out these values, we bring our school vision to life. They help us to create a caring and inclusive environment, where every child feels valued, inspired, and equipped to achieve their very best.
We are proud that our values are owned and embraced by everyone in our school community. They are the thread that runs through our teaching, our curriculum, and our daily life, ensuring that together we grow not just in knowledge, but in character and kindness.
Our Values are:
• Aspiration
• Collaboration
• Honesty
• Kindness
• Resilience
• Respect