Collective Worship is the heartbeat of our school and a vital expression of our Christian distinctiveness. As a Church of England school, we welcome and respect all faiths and none, ensuring worship supports the spiritual, moral and cultural development of every child. It also plays a key role in promoting the British Values of Democracy, the Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect, and Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs. 

Our Worship Ethos: Invitational, Inclusive & Inspirational 

The Church of England states that worship in its schools should be inclusive, invitational and inspiring. These principles align directly with British Values by fostering freedom of thought, respect and understanding. 

Inclusive 

Worship is accessible to all, providing space for participation, reflection, questioning or simply being present, honouring children of every faith background and none. This reflects the British Values of Mutual Respect and Tolerance.  

Invitational 

Children are invited but not compelled to engage. Everyone is free to join in as much or as little as feels right for them, reflecting the British Value of Individual Liberty. The CofE describes this as “warm fires and open doors” — clear Christian teaching offered warmly, without pressure.  

Inspirational 

Worship should motivate children to ask big questions, grow spiritually, think deeply and act with compassion, which supports the Rule of Law (understanding right and wrong), Mutual Respect, and personal development.  

Our Worship Welcome 

Our welcome statement states: 

“Whatever your faith, beliefs or background, you are welcome here. We invite you to join this time of worship in your own way.” 

This welcome matters because it: 

• Affirms Individual Liberty — pupils choose how they take part 

• Strengthens Mutual Respect and Tolerance — every identity is valued 

• Models the CofE expectation of inclusive worship rooted in Christian hospitality  

British Values Through Our Christian Values – G.R.O.W.T.H. 

Each half-term we explore one Christian value in depth. These values reinforce and illuminate British Values throughout the year: 

• Autumn 1 – Wonder 
  Builds curiosity, openness and respect for diverse beliefs (Mutual Respect & Tolerance). 

• Autumn 2 – Gratitude 
  Encourages appreciation and fairness (Rule of Law and Mutual Respect). 

• Spring 1 – Trust 
  Links to honesty, safety, reliability and community (Rule of Law and Democracy through trust in shared processes). 

• Spring 2 – Outreach 
  Teaches compassion, helping others and social responsibility (Mutual Respect & Tolerance). 

• Summer 1 – Harmony 
  Promotes peace-making, cooperation and understanding (Tolerance & Mutual Respect). 

• Summer 2 – Resilience 
  Builds perseverance and positive self-belief (Individual Liberty and responsibility). 

These themes shape behaviour and character across the school. 

Our Worship Themes Across the Year (Explicitly Linking British Values) 

1. Values-Based Worship (GROWTH Themes) 

We explore Bible stories, global faith stories, music and reflection activities that help children consider how Christian values support British Values — such as fairness (Rule of Law), service (Mutual Respect), and community (Democracy through shared responsibility). 

2. Roots and Fruits & Wider Resources 

We use the Roots and Fruits worship programme alongside a rich range of additional materials to provide breadth, diversity and global Christian perspectives, in line with CofE guidance for inclusive worship.  
This supports the British Values of Mutual Respect and Tolerance by showing Christianity as a global, diverse faith.  

3. Religious Festivals from All Faiths 

Although our worship is Christian, we ensure pupils learn about and value key festivals from different world religions, reflecting Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs. 

• In worship, we acknowledge and celebrate major festivals. 

• In the curriculum, children explore them in depth through RE and themed learning. 

4. Celebration Worship 

Celebration assemblies acknowledge effort, compassion, leadership and citizenship, reinforcing Democracy (pupil participation), Individual Liberty (recognising personal achievements), and Mutual Respect. 

5. Pupil-Led Worship 

Collective Worship Leaders help plan and lead worship. This models Democracy (pupil voice), encourages Individual Liberty (freedom to express ideas), and supports inclusivity as recommended by the CofE.  

How Our Approach Promotes British Values 

Through our worship, pupils learn to: 

• Appreciate and respect differences (Tolerance & Mutual Respect) 

• Understand fairness, justice and shared rules (Rule of Law) 

• Participate in decision-making and leadership (Democracy) 

• Express themselves freely and responsibly (Individual Liberty) 

• Reflect spiritually and morally (All British Values together) 

This ensures that worship is a place where pupils flourish spiritually, socially and morally, in line with both British Values and Church of England expectations for inclusive, invitational and inspirational practice.