The Parish Church - St. Peter's, Newnham on Severn

Our parish church is dedicated to St. Peter and is open every day between 9am and 5pm for those wishing to visit. The church website contains information about services and activities at the church. St. Peter's Church is part of wider Benefice (a grouping of churches) with St. Andrew's in Awre and All Saints in Blakeney.

Church of England School Status

Our school is a Church of England school. This does not mean that only members of the Church of England or only Christians are welcome. The school is for everybody. Nevertheless, there is a Christian ethos that runs through the whole school. The day begins with an act of worship. Children and staff know that there are places in the school where they can go to reflect and to pray, should they wish to do so. Although we hope that our values are ones that everyone can share, we take inspiration from the Christian tradition for these values. These values are deeply present in the teachings of Jesus, such as the story of the Good Samaritan.

Dr Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, explained that the ethos of church schools runs deep:

"A Christian school is one in which the atmosphere has that kind of openness about it, that sense that people are worth spending time with, that people need time to grow, need loving attention. The Christian Gospel says that every person has a unique task to do, with God, and for God, whether they know it or not.

It doesn't necessarily mean than everyone involved has to share the same theology or philosophy. It doesn't mean that everyone knows that they have this relationship with God, and is consciously working at it. But a Christian school is one in which the entire atmosphere is pervaded by the conviction that there is something mysterious, and potentially wonderful, in everybody."

Our school has strong links with St Peter's church which is situated a short walk away in the village. The school logo depicts the church together with the symbols of crossed keys (Peter's symbol) and a fish (Peter was a fisherman, but the fish is also a symbol used for Jesus Christ in the early days of the church, when being a Christian was illegal and dangerous).

Once each term the children and staff meet at the church at the start of the school day for a service. Special services are held at the time of the Christian festivals (especially Christmas and Easter). Parents and other family members are most welcome to join the school in church for these services.

As a Church School, the Governing Body includes Foundation Governors. The school has the added benefit of Diocesan support and advice. Further information regarding the Church of England's 'Vision for Education' can be found on the Church of England website.