Department for Education guidance requires schools to actively promote fundamental British Values as part of ensuring pupils are prepared for life in modern Britain.

At Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, we fully embrace this responsibility. We are committed to promoting the fundamental British Values of:

• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

In line with guidance from the Diocese of Westminster, we recognise that these values are not separate from our Catholic identity; rather, they are deeply rooted in the Gospel and in Catholic Social Teaching. Our mission is to place Christ at the centre of all we do, forming pupils who grow spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, so they are well prepared to take their place in modern British society and contribute to the common good.

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How We Promote British Values

Democracy
We teach that every person is valued and has a voice. Through the school council, pupil leadership roles and class discussions, pupils learn to participate responsibly in decision-making and to work for the good of others. This reflects the principle of participation within Catholic Social Teaching.

The Rule of Law
We emphasise that laws and rules exist to ensure fairness, justice and protection for all. Pupils develop an understanding of the importance of rules in school and society, alongside their moral responsibility to act with integrity, linking to our understanding of God’s law and the call to live justly.

Individual Liberty
We support pupils to develop independence and make positive choices within a safe and supportive environment. We help children to form their conscience, encouraging them to reflect on their actions and to choose what is right and loving.

Mutual Respect
Rooted in the belief that all are created in the image and likeness of God, we promote dignity, kindness and forgiveness. Our community strives to follow Christ’s example by loving our neighbour and valuing each individual.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
As part of our diverse Islington community, we promote respect for people of all faiths and none. Through our curriculum and wider experiences, pupils learn to understand and appreciate differences, recognising the right of each person to live their beliefs freely.

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Catholic Distinctiveness

As a Catholic school, our promotion of British Values is enriched by Catholic Social Teaching, which provides a moral framework for living out these values. Key principles include:

• Care for Creation

• Option for the Poor

• Community and Participation

• Solidarity and Peace

• Dignity of workers

• Dignity

These principles are embedded across our curriculum and wider school life, including through Religious Education, PSHE, SMSC development and our wider creative curriculum. Pupils learn about democracy, civic responsibility, rules and laws, equality, environmental stewardship and respect for other faiths, making meaningful links between their own lives and those of others locally, nationally and globally.

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Preparing Children for Life in Modern Britain

Promoting British Values is integral to our Catholic mission. By embedding these alongside Gospel values, we nurture pupils who are:

• Confident in their identity and faith
• Respectful and inclusive of others
• Able to think critically and act responsibly
• Committed to justice, peace and the common good

Through this approach, we prepare our pupils to become active, compassionate citizens who contribute positively to society and live out the values of Christ in the modern world.

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Catholic Education Service Statement

Sacred Heart is a Catholic school which seeks to live out the values of Jesus Christ. We promote these values by our words and deeds, and Catholic doctrine and practice permeate every aspect of the school’s life. We provide a broad and balanced curriculum recognising that every pupil is unique and created in the image of God (Gen 1:27). Our curriculum enables each pupil to discern their vocation and to be well-equipped as active citizens in service of the world. We incorporate democratic principles, value the rule of law, support individual liberty and foster a community in which different faiths and beliefs are respected.