What is a Church School?

“A community school with a distinctive Christian character.”

Church schools have Christian beliefs and values at their heart. This means that every child and adult associated with the school is not just important because they are members of the school but also because they are seen as unique individuals within God’s creation.

Church schools recognise that as well as academic and emotional intelligence human beings also have spiritual intelligence. The spiritual aspects of life will be recognised, and nurtured alongside the academic and emotional needs of all.

St. Peter’s Church, West Tytherley

As a Church of England School, we retain strong links with the village church of St. Peter’s, our community, and our parish.

In the words of the report from our most recent inspection by the Diocese, ‘the school has a close relationship with the local church. Services for staff, pupils and families are regularly held in the church for festivals such as Harvest, Christmas, Easter and Candlemas. Parents, governors and members of the local community look forward to worshipping alongside staff and pupils at these services. Clergy and members of the congregation are regular visitors to the school to lead collective worship. West Tytherley's effectiveness as a Church school is strengthened by its close relationship with the local church’.

Our Vicar

Rev James Pitkin visits the school once a week and the children enjoy listening to his stories during our collective worship sessions. James not only plays a key strategic role as a Foundation Governor, but the school benefits from his pastoral care for the children, staff and community.

The Portsmouth and Winchester Diocesan Board of Education

As a Church of England Primary School, we are guided by our local Diocese and more information about this may be found at:

• www.portsmouth.anglican.org

• www.winchester.anglican.org

We are also inspected by the Diocese under the SIAMS inspection framework (‘Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools’). To view our latest statutory inspection report (the SIAMS report - 2024), click here.