Being a Church of England School
What It Means to Be a Church School
At Limpsfield Church of England Infant School, being a church school is at the heart of who we are. Our Christian foundation shapes every aspect of school life—from the way we teach and learn, to how we care for one another and serve our community. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the values of the Church of England, we strive to be a place where every child is nurtured, valued, and inspired to flourish.
Our school vision, "Achieving together in God’s Light," reflects our commitment to growing together in wisdom, compassion, and faith. We believe that education is not only about academic success, but also about developing the whole child—spiritually, morally, socially, and emotionally.
Our core Christian values of Peace, Joy, and Love are woven into daily life at Limpsfield:
- Peace is nurtured through a calm, respectful environment where children learn to resolve conflicts, care for one another, and become peacemakers in their own right.
- Joy is found in our love of learning, our celebrations of achievement, and the delight we take in discovering the world together.
- Love is the foundation of our relationships—with each other, our families, and our wider community. We encourage kindness, empathy, and a deep sense of belonging.
We are proud to be part of the Southwark Diocesan family of schools, which supports us in delivering high-quality education rooted in Christian values. Through this partnership, we benefit from expert guidance, resources, and a shared commitment to inclusive, life-giving education for all.
Our close links with St Peter’s Church in Limpsfield and other local churches enrich our worship, RE curriculum, and community outreach. Together, we celebrate the Christian calendar, explore big questions of faith and meaning, and support one another in living out our values in everyday life.
As a Church school, we welcome families of all faiths and none. Our aim is to create a loving, inclusive environment where every child can thrive and grow into a confident, compassionate individual—ready to make a positive difference in the world.
A Rich Heritage of Church Education
Long before the government took responsibility for providing universal education in England, the Church played a vital role in establishing schools for children of all backgrounds. Many Church of England schools, including those like ours, were founded in the 1800s as part of a national movement to offer education rooted in Christian values. These early schools were guided by two key principles: to provide religious instruction in the Christian faith and to hold regular acts of collective worship.
As the state began to develop a national education system, church schools became part of the maintained sector—publicly funded and working alongside community schools. Today, Church of England schools continue to follow the national curriculum, while also offering a distinctive Christian ethos. All maintained schools, including church schools, are required to teach Religious Education and provide a daily act of worship.
The purpose of a Church school is not only to educate minds but also to nurture the spirit. In a world that is increasingly secular, Church of England schools offer a spiritual dimension to life, grounded in the traditions of the Church. Today, around 25% of primary schools in England have a Church foundation, continuing this long-standing commitment to holistic, values-based education.