Bishop Martin Church of England Primary School
Ethos and Values 2025-26
Our Christian Vision and values are at the core of everything we do. They underpin our school vision which is:
Our Christian Vision
Learning Together, In God's Love
At Bishop Martin, we INSPIRE and empower all members of our school community, providing the knowledge to enable everyone to thrive and flourish. Guided by our Christian Values, we are all determined to serve and lead the diverse world we live in treating everyone with compassion, dignity and respect. With hope and aspiration we will encourage all to grow and believe that
“…with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
Ethos Statement
Recognising its historic foundation, our school will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and in partnership with the Church at both a parish and diocesan level.
Our school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. We encourage an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promote Christian values through the experience we offer to all our pupils.
Our Christian Values
These values are clear in everything we do and how we operate. They reflect the core ideology of our school and do not change over time. The person you are is an expression of these values. They determine how you think and what you do. They shape your purpose and determine your vision. They establish your character and are hugely important to who you are. Values are what we live, breathe and these are reflected in our day-to-day activities.
These are our values for 2025 to 2026
Generosity
Everything we have is a gift from God and because we are thankful for his vast generosity, we can be generous to others.
“Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
(Acts 20:35)
Spiritual: We recognise that everything we have is a gift from God, and by giving freely of our time, talents and resources we imitate Christ’s generous love for us.
Moral: We choose to act with kindness rather than selfishness; we understand that giving to others is a right choice, even when it costs us something.
Social: We build strong, caring communities when we share what we have with others, support one another and work together for the common good.
Cultural: We value the many ways different cultures express generosity – sharing food, skills, traditions, hospitality – and we seek to learn from and celebrate those examples.
Forgiveness
We mean sorry when we say it and forgive others so we can live in peace and harmony with God and others.
“But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.”
(1 John 1:9)
Spiritual: We remember Christ’s example of forgiving others and being forgiven by God, and by offering forgiveness ourselves we free ourselves and others to live fully.
Moral: We choose to release resentment, repair relationships and admit when we are wrong; we embrace the moral strength it takes to forgive and seek reconciliation.
Social: We build a community of harmony when we forgive, move on from conflict constructively, restore trust and give people a second chance.
Cultural: We acknowledge that forgiveness may look different in different cultural contexts – rituals of apology, acts of restitution or communal reconciliation – and we respect and learn from these practices.
Compassion
We love God, and we demonstrate our love and live out our faith by showing kindness and empathy to others.
“Treat others as you want them to treat you.”
(Matthew 7:12)
Spiritual: We open our hearts to others, showing Christ-like love and mercy to those in need, reflecting God’s concern for all His creation.
Moral: We act with empathy, seeking to understand how others feel, making the right choice to respond gently and helpfully instead of ignoring or judging.
Social: We nurture a community where everyone is valued, where we care for each other’s wellbeing, listen when someone is hurting and act to relieve suffering.
Cultural: We learn from the diverse practices of compassion around the world – from caring for the elderly, welcoming strangers, supporting the vulnerable – and we respect and incorporate those in our shared life.
Friendship
We are kind, caring and loving. Friendship allows us all to grow by supporting others and sharing in their journey.
“I no longer call you servants,” said Jesus… “Instead, I have called you friends.”
(John 15:15)
Spiritual: We recognise that through friendship we reflect the relationship God offers us – loving, loyal, forgiving, steadfast – and we strive to be friends in that same style.
Moral: We commit to being trustworthy, honest and faithful in our friendships, making choices that build up rather than harm, and honouring our commitments.
Social: We contribute to a welcoming, inclusive community by forming healthy relationships, resolving conflict respectfully, supporting each other and belonging together.
Cultural: We celebrate the varied ways different cultures understand and practise friendship – whether by hospitality, shared rituals, mentorship, or community support – and we draw on that richness in our own friendships.
Courage
We are brave, we face our fears and we take responsible risks.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
(Deuteronomy 31:6)
Spiritual: We draw on our faith to step out in trust when we are afraid or unsure, believing that God goes with us and strengthens us in our vulnerability.
Moral: We stand up for what is right, even when it is hard or unpopular, and we take responsibility for our choices rather than hiding from them.
Social: We support each other to face challenges together – speaking out against unfairness, trying new things, being resilient when things don’t go our way.
Cultural: We appreciate the stories of courage from many cultures and faiths, understand how bravery takes different forms, and recognise that cultural change often requires courageous action.
Respect
We value everyone and everything and celebrate our differences. We respect everyone’s feelings, wishes and rights because we are all God’s people and we all matter.
“Let the children come to me.”
(Mark 10:14)
Spiritual: We recognise that every person is made in the image of God and worthy of dignity; in treating others with respect we honour God as well as the person.
Moral: We act fairly and justly, valuing the rights and feelings of others, treating them as we ourselves would wish to be treated, and reflecting on how our behaviour affects others.
Social: We foster a community where all feel safe, included and valued; we listen to different voices, value diversity, and work to reduce prejudice and discrimination.
Cultural: We appreciate our own cultural heritage and traditions, and also learn from and value those of others; we honour the richness of a diverse society and act as global citizens in our respect for difference.
Please find a link here LDST vision and values
www.ldst.org.uk/our-visions-and-values/