Values and Ethos

“Belonging, Serving, Succeeding”

At Banks St. Stephen’s Church of England Primary School, our ethos is built around the core values of Belonging, Serving, and Succeeding, which guide our approach to education, relationships, and community life.

Belonging is fundamental to our school community. We foster a deep sense of pride and connection, where every individual feels welcomed, valued, and part of something greater. We actively promote inclusion and celebrate the diversity of our pupils, staff, and families, ensuring that everyone feels they belong in our vibrant school.

Serving reflects our commitment to living out our Christian faith. We lead by example, striving to serve God by serving others. Our collective worship and daily practices focus on the Christian values of Thankfulness, Compassion, Endurance, Hope, Friendship, and Service. These values shape the way we treat one another, supporting each individual to grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially. As a school, we encourage pupils to put others before themselves, recognising that true service is rooted in love and kindness.

Succeeding means that we are ambitious for every child in our care. We believe that all children can achieve their best, and we are committed to helping each individual flourish, both academically and personally. We instill in our pupils the importance of hard work, resilience, and the belief that with God's strength, they can overcome challenges. Our motto, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13), reminds us all of the power of faith and perseverance in the pursuit of success.

Our school also upholds British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect. These values are integral to our ethos and are actively promoted to ensure a school environment where all members feel respected and valued, and where diversity in faith and belief is celebrated. These values were first set out by the government in the ‘Prevent’ strategy in 2011.

Our four Houses—Hesketh, Fleetwood, Greaves, and Scarisbrick—represent the spirit of unity and teamwork, further enhancing the sense of community and belonging within the school.

Together, through Belonging, Serving, and Succeeding, we create a nurturing environment where each individual is encouraged to grow in faith, strength, and knowledge, preparing them to lead lives of purpose and service.