Wall mural of a tree with birds, listing the school's core values: Kindness, Courage, Respect, Trust, Forgiveness, Hope.

Our vision, values and ethos

Our vision is based on Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed, which describes the Kingdom of Heaven growing and flourishing from small, humble beginnings.

We believe that our school is like that tree, which grows over time as wide as we can with branches that reach out into our community, providing shade, shelter and life for Staverton. The tree is home to the children, parents, staff and community members, who are like the birds nesting within its branches. They are nurtured in our school, and in time flourish, developing skills, attitudes and values which are important for adult life.

This parable is a powerful reminder that incredible things come from the humblest of beginnings but it also illustrates the abundant life-giving nature of God’s kingdom for all who seek it.

We place importance on every child belonging to our school and encourage the children to show their uniqueness, every child has a unique song to sing. By the end of their time at Staverton, they will be able to spread their wings and fly high.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

Mark 4 30-32

Our core values

Staverton provides a deep and rich education that encompasses not only academic knowledge and skills, but also teach spiritual, moral, social and cultural learning. Throughout a child’s journey through school, they will be taught key values, rooted in Christian distinctiveness.

Two pupils looking at a laptop screen together in class.

Courage

We encourage children to try new things, speak up, and keep going when something feels difficult, knowing that mistakes are simply part of learning.

Two pupils sitting outside, one eating a snack, watching something off camera.

Forgiveness

We teach children that everyone makes mistakes, including themselves, and that moving on from them with grace is part of growing up.

Two young pupils reading a book together at a table.

Hope

We want every child to leave Staverton believing that things can get better, that their actions matter, and that they have something worthwhile to contribute to the world.

Two smiling pupils in school uniform hugging in a classroom.

Kindness

We want every child to notice when someone needs support, and to act on that instinctively – through small, everyday acts as much as bigger gestures.

Three laughing pupils with arms around each other outdoors.

Respect

We help children understand that respect means valuing people and places, even – especially – when they're different from what's familiar.

Four smiling pupils piggybacking each other in the playground.

Trust

We build a culture where children feel safe to take risks in their learning, be honest when things go wrong, and rely on the adults around them for support.

How our values come to life

High-quality literature embedded throughout the curriculum
Developing children's understanding of democratic processes through our School Council
A curriculum that weaves spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding through every topic
Welcoming the local community into our school, and joining in with community events

Building children's awareness of, and care for, wider world issues through assemblies and worship
Charity fundraising events, chosen by the children
A clear, effective behaviour policy rooted in fairness and respect
Reward systems and certificates that recognise children living out these values

High-quality literature embedded throughout the curriculum
Developing children's understanding of democratic processes through our School Council
A curriculum that weaves spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding through every topic
Welcoming the local community into our school, and joining in with community event
Building children's awareness of, and care for, wider world issues through assemblies and worship
Charity fundraising events, chosen by the children
A clear, effective behaviour policy rooted in fairness and respect
Reward systems and certificates that recognise children living out these values

"I am always made to feel welcome and part of the Staverton family."

On-site IT Support

"The one thing that has always remained is the heart of the school."

Parent (10-year family)

"Mr Powe has changed Staverton from just a school to a school with a heart and a real community feel."

Parent

"It has the feel of a much smaller 'village' school."

Parent

You can tell that every child feels they are a part of the school and that it is a real community.

Bishop Road ECT Visit

"I realised that the school's ethos is a 'real thing."

Parent

"It is truly lovely to visit a school which cultivates a culture for being kind and considerate."

Speech and Language Therapy Assistant

Our ethos

So, if the school is to reflect this idea of being a life-giving tree, then it’s important to identify what this looks like in practice. This is not easily grasped and may look different depending on the circumstances. This is something that will need constant review and reflection and is not achieved by rehearsing buzz-words. The real question is ‘how should we be’? We have summarised our ethos below:

‍The school community has no walls. Children and adults should be open, honest and vulnerable, knowing that they are accepted for who they are and that God turns our weaknesses into his opportunities. There should be open lines of communication between parents, the wider community and the school. Those who belong to Staverton should feel safe and therefore able to be themselves

The school community has no ceilings. We shouldn’t put a limit on what we expect from people and we should encourage all to reach their full potential and beyond. This means that children and adults should be challenged in their learning, to move from good to great

Theological foundations

The image of God’s kingdom being like that of a life-giving tree (arbor vitae) is a thread which runs through many passages of scripture. In John’s gospel, Jesus describes himself as the vine, providing nourishment to the branches, without whom no fruit can grow. The psalmist David describes those who meditate on God’s word as being like ‘trees that are planted in streams of water, who produce fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither’.

‍

However, regardless of religious upbringing or belief, the idea of Staverton school being this life-giving tree is an image with universal appeal and one that is ingrained in countless cultures and traditions. This universal appeal is also true of birds. Children and adults alike can identify with birds representing freedom, aspiration and joy.

‍

Nevertheless, it’s important to recognise that living by this vision as a school isn’t easy. It requires the school to be counter-cultural. In a world of instant judgements, it asks the school to be accepting of all. Where it would be easy not to help and support those around us, it means that the school should offer its help regardless.