At Bridge & Patrixbourne CEP School, we are committed to nurturing not only academic excellence but also the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of every pupil. Central to this commitment is our active promotion of fundamental British values, which align closely with our Christian vision and core values of Service, Forgiveness, Trust, Generosity, and Compassion.

What Are British Values?

The government requires all schools to promote fundamental British values as part of pupils’ personal development. These values are:

  • Democracy
  • The Rule of Law
  • Individual Liberty
  • Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

These values prepare pupils for life in modern Britain and reflect the principles that underpin our school community, inspired by Jesus’ teaching: “I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5). Just as branches rely on the vine to grow and flourish, our pupils thrive in a community where respect, responsibility, and kindness are nurtured.

What Does This Mean for Your Child?

Our approach to British values helps pupils to:

  • Understand the importance of combatting discrimination in all its forms.
  • Appreciate how democratic processes, such as voting and petitioning, allow individuals to influence decisions.
  • Recognise their freedom to choose different faiths and beliefs within the protection of British law.
  • Understand that laws exist to keep us safe and that respecting these laws is part of being a responsible member of society.

How British Values Are Lived Out at Our School

Democracy

  • Pupils actively participate in the school’s democratic processes through the School Council, with councillors elected annually by their classmates.
  • We conduct an annual pupil survey to gather their views on school life, which helps shape our community and learning environment.

The Rule of Law

  • Our school rules are clear, consistently applied, and displayed throughout the school.
  • Pupils learn about the importance of laws in assemblies and lessons, including the consequences of breaking them.
  • We use Restorative Justice principles within our Behaviour for Learning Policy to encourage responsibility and reconciliation.
  • Regular visits from the Police, Fire Service, and other authorities reinforce respect for the law and community safety.

Individual Liberty

  • Pupils are encouraged to make safe and informed choices in a secure and supportive environment.
  • Through lessons like PSHE and e-Safety, children learn about their rights and how to exercise their freedoms responsibly.
  • Pupils enjoy freedom of choice in their learning, such as selecting challenges, reading books, and participating in a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

  • Our ethos emphasises respect as a core value, and pupils discuss and reflect on what respect means in their daily lives.
  • Classroom rules and behaviour policies promote a culture of kindness and tolerance.
  • Pupils explore diverse cultures and beliefs through Religious Education, History, Geography, and PSHE lessons.
  • We welcome members of different faiths to share their knowledge, enriching our pupils’ understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child still be able to express his/her faith at school?

Yes. Respect and tolerance for all faiths are fundamental British values we uphold. British law protects the freedom of belief, and any form of discrimination is not tolerated at our school.

How will this affect my child’s lessons?

Your child will experience British values across the curriculum, especially in Religious Education (RE) and Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE), reinforcing lessons in respect, democracy, and responsibility.

Will there be major changes to the school’s ethos?

Our ethos already embodies many fundamental British values. Promoting these values formally reinforces and complements our existing Christian vision and core values.

Where to go for more information 

If you have any questions about how we promote British values at Bridge & Patrixbourne CEP School, please feel free to contact us. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how these values support your child’s growth and development within our caring community.