British Values

Promoting Fundamental British Values at St James’

Our Commitment to British Values

At St James’ Church of England Primary School, we are committed to preparing our children to become responsible, respectful and active citizens who make a positive contribution to their communities and wider society.

As a Church of England school, our Christian values of Love, Courage and Respect underpin everything we do. These values complement the fundamental British Values and help us create a welcoming, inclusive and nurturing environment where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated and every child is encouraged to flourish.

The Department for Education expects schools to actively promote the fundamental British Values of:

1. Democracy

2. The Rule of Law

3. Individual Liberty

4. Mutual Respect

5. Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

These values are embedded throughout school life and are promoted through our curriculum, collective worship, relationships, behaviour expectations and the many opportunities we provide for pupil leadership and personal development.

Through Religious Education (RE), Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE), Relationships Education and our wider curriculum, children learn about their rights and responsibilities, the importance of fairness and equality, and how to respect and appreciate the beliefs, cultures and experiences of others.

We believe that British Values are not simply taught as individual concepts but are lived and demonstrated through our daily actions, relationships and experiences.

Democracy: Every Voice Matters

At St James’, we believe that every child has a voice and that their opinions and ideas matter. We actively encourage pupils to contribute to decisions, express their views respectfully and understand how democratic processes work.

Our children experience democracy through a range of pupil leadership opportunities, including our School Council, Worship Committee, Online Safety Champions, Carbon Neutral Pioneers and WOW Ambassadors. Pupils have opportunities to stand for election, share their ideas, vote for representatives and contribute to improvements across school. Our Year 6 pupils can also apply for leadership positions, including Head Boy, Head Girl and prefect roles, through an application and interview process. Through class discussions, pupil questionnaires and school improvement activities, children learn the importance of listening to others, respecting different opinions and recognising that decisions are sometimes made through a majority vote. These experiences help our pupils understand that their voices can make a difference and that they have a responsibility to contribute positively to their school community.

The Rule of Law: Understanding Rights and Responsibilities

At St James’, we recognise the importance of rules and laws in keeping people safe, protecting individual rights and creating a fair and respectful society. Our behaviour expectations and Christian values provide a clear framework for how we treat one another. Children are supported to understand why rules are necessary, how they help our community and the importance of taking responsibility for their actions. Through our curriculum, collective worship and everyday school experiences, pupils learn about fairness, justice, responsibility and the consequences of their choices. We also welcome visitors from organisations such as the Police and Fire and Rescue Service, who help children understand the role of laws, public services and those who work to keep our communities safe. Our approach encourages children to make positive choices, develop self-discipline and understand that everyone has a responsibility to contribute to a safe and caring environment.

Individual Liberty: Making Safe and Responsible Choices

We believe that every child should feel confident to express themselves, develop their own interests and make informed choices within a safe and supportive environment. At St James’, we encourage children to become independent, resilient and responsible learners who recognise their own strengths and understand the importance of respecting the freedoms and rights of others. Through PSHE, Relationships Education, online safety lessons and our wider curriculum, pupils learn about personal freedom, individual rights, consent, keeping safe and making responsible decisions. Children are encouraged to exercise choice in their learning, participate in extracurricular clubs, take on responsibilities and contribute to school life. We promote an environment in which children feel safe to ask questions, share their views, seek support and develop the confidence to make positive decisions.

Mutual Respect: Living Our Christian Values

Mutual respect is at the heart of our school community and is closely connected to our Christian values of Love, Courage and Respect. We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, dignity and compassion, regardless of their background, beliefs, abilities or differences. Through collective worship, classroom learning, positive relationships and everyday interactions, children are encouraged to demonstrate respect for themselves, others and the world around them. We celebrate pupils who demonstrate our school values and encourage children to recognise the positive impact their words and actions can have on others. Our curriculum and wider school experiences provide opportunities to explore friendship, empathy, equality, inclusion and the importance of standing up against discrimination and bullying. By modelling respectful relationships and encouraging children to show compassion and understanding, we aim to develop a school community where everyone feels safe, included and valued.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs: Celebrating Diversity

As a Church of England school, our Christian foundation inspires us to welcome and respect people of all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds. We recognise that Britain is a diverse society and believe that children should develop the knowledge, understanding and attitudes needed to live harmoniously alongside others. Through Religious Education, PSHE, collective worship and our wider curriculum, pupils explore different religions, worldviews, cultures and traditions. They are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, recognise similarities and differences, and develop respect for beliefs and perspectives that may be different from their own. We provide opportunities for children to learn about and celebrate significant religious festivals, cultural traditions and national events. Visitors from different faith communities, educational workshops and links with other schools help to broaden pupils' understanding of the diverse world in which they live. We also teach children to recognise and challenge stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination, helping them understand that differences should never be a barrier to friendship, respect or belonging. Our aim is for every child to develop curiosity, empathy and appreciation for the rich diversity of our local, national and global communities.

British Values Across Our Curriculum

Fundamental British Values are woven throughout our curriculum and wider school experiences. They are particularly evident through:

• Collective Worship: Exploring Christian values, moral choices, respect, responsibility, justice and our role in the wider world.

• Religious Education: Developing understanding of Christianity, other world religions and non-religious worldviews, while promoting respectful dialogue.

• PSHE and Relationships Education: Teaching children about healthy relationships, personal safety, rights, responsibilities, equality and respectful behaviour.

• History and Geography: Exploring democracy, Parliament, significant historical events, different societies and the diversity of modern Britain.

• Online Safety: Supporting pupils to exercise their rights and freedoms responsibly and treat others respectfully in the digital world.

• Pupil Leadership: Providing meaningful opportunities for children to influence school life, make decisions and take responsibility.

• Community Engagement and Global Citizenship: Encouraging children to consider social justice, environmental responsibility and how they can make a positive difference locally and globally.

Preparing Children for Life Beyond St James’

At St James’, promoting British Values is an important part of our commitment to providing a broad, balanced and inclusive education. We want every child to leave our school with the knowledge, confidence and character to make responsible choices, respect the rights of others, celebrate diversity and contribute positively to society. Guided by our Christian values of Love, Courage and Respect, we strive to ensure that all children feel a strong sense of belonging and are equipped to flourish as compassionate, responsible and active citizens. 

If you would like further information on British Values in schools, please visit these websites: