British Values Statement

At St Mary’s, our Catholic ethos is rooted in the values of the Gospel: respect, honesty, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, community, servant leadership, equality, simplicity, justice and peace. These values guide everything we teach and promote in our interactions, both within school and in the wider community.

We celebrate and respect the multi-cultural and multi-faith nature of the UK, ensuring all pupils are safe from discrimination or undue influence. Our Equality Policy prevents unfair treatment based on faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality or background and supports pupils in preparing for life in a diverse and dynamic society. Understanding and living by British values is an important part of this preparation.

The fundamental British values we promote are:

Democracy

Pupils experience democracy in action through annual elections  for school council representatives in each class, fostering freedom of speech and teamwork to address school-wide needs and concerns. Within their classes, pupils vote on issues raised by their representatives, learning that every voice matters.

Pupils explore the principle of democracy through age-appropriate assemblies and curriculum links, including discussions about fairness, choice and shared responsibility. Older pupils learn about how the government works in the UK, helping them understand how democracy protects equality and fairness in society. Our Remembrance assemblies also highlight the sacrifices made by those who fought to protect these freedoms and values, deepening pupils’ respect for democratic principles.

The Rule of Law

The school has a clear behaviour policy that sets out high expectations for pupils and staff alike. Every class develops its own rules together, ensuring pupils understand their rights and responsibilities and the importance of shared standards. When issues arise, Restorative Approaches are used to help pupils reflect on the impact of their actions and repair harm, promoting accountability and fairness.

Our RE and PSHE curricula emphasise empathy and moral understanding, helping pupils to recognise the ideas, feelings and needs of others. Assemblies reinforce the message that everyone is equal under the law and that it is both wrong and illegal to discriminate against others based on disability, gender, race or faith. Visits from community authorities such as the Police Community Support Officer and Fire Service further strengthen pupils’ understanding that laws exist to protect and serve everyone.

Pupils are also taught how to recognise and challenge extremist or intolerant viewpoints, helping them to build resilience and uphold values of justice and equality.

Individual liberty

Pupils at St Mary’s are encouraged to know and understand their rights and personal freedoms and are guided on how to exercise them safely. This is achieved through our E-Safety policy, PSHE curriculum, circle times and assemblies, which help pupils make informed and responsible choices.

Pupils are encouraged to exercise their right to free speech by articulating their views to School Council representatives and through other channels such as the pupil ‘Worry Box’  which allows pupils to raise concerns, initiate dialogue and have their voices heard. This builds a strong sense of trust, as pupils know that adults take their concerns seriously, listen actively and take appropriate action where necessary.

We aim to ensure that pupils understand their rights, while also recognising the responsibilities that come with them. Teachers and staff set clear, consistent boundaries to create a safe, secure and supportive environment. Clear anti-bullying and behaviour management policies and procedures are shared openly with all members of the school community, helping pupils to exercise their liberty confidently and responsibly.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our faith. Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” At St Mary’s we recognise and celebrate the unique contribution of every person in our community. Pupils learn through their daily interactions, lessons and assemblies that their behaviour has an impact on others. They frequently work collaboratively and are encouraged to listen to and value the opinions of others.

Respect and compassion are shown through action. Each year, pupils organise and lead fundraising events for charities of their choice and support local, national and global causes. They also take part in community outreach and awareness projects, showing care for those who are less fortunate. These opportunities help pupils to develop empathy, strengthen relationships and live out the Gospel call to love and serve others.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Although St Mary’s is a Catholic school, we warmly welcome pupils from other faiths and those with none. As our community grows, it has become increasingly ethnically and religiously diverse, enriching our shared life together. Tolerance and understanding are promoted through the RE and PSHE curriculum and through assemblies that celebrate key festivals and holy days from a range of faith traditions.

Pupils learn about different communities and belief systems in the UK and around the world and are encouraged to recognise the values and customs that unite us. Parents and visitors are invited to share their cultures and faith practices, helping pupils to develop respect and appreciation for diversity. Through these experiences, children gain a strong sense of belonging in a multicultural society and leave St Mary’s equipped with the values and understanding needed to contribute positively to the wider world.

We continually review and adapt our approach to British values. Feedback from pupils, staff and parents informs our strategies, ensuring they remain relevant and impactful. By combining faith-based values with practical learning, St Mary’s ensures pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to thrive personally and socially and become responsible, caring and active members of society.