Newtown C of E Controlled Primary School is a Church school within the Diocese of Portsmouth. As a Church school, we have a distinctly Christian character that underpins every aspect of school life. Our ethos, vision, and values are firmly rooted in the teachings of the Christian faith, providing a strong foundation for our work with children, families, staff, and the wider community.

Our Christian values are woven throughout the curriculum and daily life of the school, shaping the way we learn, interact, and support one another. We strive to create an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and encouraged to flourish. Through the principles of love, compassion, forgiveness, honesty, perseverance, and respect, we seek to nurture children both academically and spiritually, enabling them to develop into confident, responsible, and caring members of society.

This Christian foundation gives our school a unique sense of community and belonging. We are committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to achieve their full potential. Our beliefs are reflected in the behaviour, attitudes, and achievements of learners and staff alike, fostering a culture of kindness, service, and mutual respect. We encourage children to reflect on their own values and beliefs, whilst also developing an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of faiths, cultures, and backgrounds within modern Britain.

Collective worship plays a central role in the life of our school, providing opportunities for reflection, prayer, celebration, and spiritual development. Through worship, children are encouraged to explore Christian teachings and consider how these can be applied in their own lives. Worship themes are closely linked to our school values and often provide opportunities to discuss important local, national, and global issues.

We are fortunate to enjoy extremely strong links with Christ Church on Stoke Road, which enrich the spiritual life of our school community. Members of the church, including Ray Driscoll and Anna Mellers, are regular visitors to the school and make a valuable contribution through leading whole-school worship, supporting special events, and helping children deepen their understanding of faith and Christian values. These relationships provide children with meaningful connections to the local church community and help them to see faith in action.

Throughout the year, we gather as a whole school community at Christ Church for a variety of services and celebrations, including key events within the Christian calendar such as Harvest, Christmas, Easter, and leavers’ services. These occasions provide valuable opportunities for reflection, celebration, and community participation, strengthening the partnership between school, church, and families. Through these experiences, children gain a deeper understanding of Christian traditions and the importance of belonging to a caring and supportive community.

As a Church school, we are proud of the strong partnership between school, church, home, and community. Together, we work to ensure that every child is known, valued, and loved, enabling them to thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually during their time at Newtown C of E Controlled Primary School.