Church School
At Bitterne Church of England Primary School, our Christian vision shapes everything we do. We are a welcoming and inclusive community, where every child is valued as a unique individual, created and loved by God. Guided by our Christian values of Hope, Courage and Creativity, we work together so that all our pupils flourish — confident in who they are, ambitious in what they can become, and fully prepared for the next stage of their learning.
We are proud to be a Church of England school that serves its whole community. We warmly welcome children and families of all faiths and of no faith, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels respected, included and able to thrive. Our Christian ethos is lived out through our relationships, our curriculum and the care we show for one another, encouraging children to learn with curiosity, act with kindness and live with hope.
As a Church school, we are supported by the Diocese of Winchester, which provides guidance and encouragement as we develop and celebrate our Christian character. This partnership supports us in ensuring our vision is clearly articulated, consistently lived out and responsive to the needs of our children and community.
We welcome SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) as an opportunity for reflection and growth, helping us to ensure that our Christian vision and values continue to support the wellbeing, spiritual development and flourishing of all members of our school community.
Partnership with Holy Saviour Church
We value our close and active partnership with Holy Saviour Church, which plays an important role in the life of our school. Our local vicar, Reverend Tony Palmer, visits the school weekly to lead Collective Worship and is also a valued member of our Governing Board, currently serving as Chair of Governors (Church School). This strong link ensures that our Christian vision is clearly supported at both a strategic and day-to-day level.
Our Trust Deed
Our Trust Deed, dated 2014 following the amalgamation of the infant and junior schools, underpins our Christian foundation and purpose:
Recognising its historic foundation, the school will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church at parish and diocesan level. The school aims to serve its community by providing education of the highest quality within the context of Christian beliefs and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers all its pupils.
This guides the work of the Headteacher and Governing Body in leading the school with integrity, ambition and care.
Collective Worship
Collective Worship is a central part of daily life at Bitterne and plays an important role in bringing our school community together. It provides time and space for reflection, gratitude and spiritual growth, rooted in our Christian values of Hope, Courage and Creativity.
Led by the Headteacher, staff and Reverend Tony Palmer, Collective Worship is inclusive and invitational, allowing children to explore Christian teachings through stories, Bible readings, music, prayer and quiet reflection. Children are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions and reflect on how our values help them to live well together.
Church Visits and Celebrations
We hold regular services at Holy Saviour Church, where children celebrate key Christian festivals such as Harvest, Christmas and Easter, working closely with the church community.
Our Year 6 pupils attend the Winchester Diocesan Leavers’ Service at Winchester Cathedral each July. They also help to lead a Leavers’ Service at Holy Saviour Church, celebrating their achievements and journey through primary school with their families.
These experiences help children to develop a sense of belonging, understand faith in action and recognise the wider Christian community they are part of, as they prepare for the next stage of their learning.