Ethos

The ethos of the school will set the foundations upon which the distinctiveness of the school is built. Most Anglican schools have adopted an ethos statement that includes the following wording, or something similar:

“Recognising its historic foundation, the school will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church at parish and diocesan level. The school aims to serve its community by providing education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all its pupils.”

Whilst not using the same wording the principles underlying Catholic schools are the same, with structured teaching and learning underpinning the teachings of the Church. The school’s ethos statement will appear as part of its Instrument of Government. This is the legally required document that defines:

• the school’s name, and that of the governing body;

• the category of school (e.g. Voluntary Aided, Voluntary Controlled, Foundation or Academy);

• the agreed constitution of the governing body, including the number and type of foundation governors.