About
Our School
The Priory School is a one-form entry Church of England Primary School.
The school was built in 1867, although its foundations go back to the Sixteenth Century when a grammar school was established in St Michael’s Loft of the Priory Church. It is situated in the heart of Christchurch with its main entrance in Wick Lane. It was granted Voluntary Aided status under the 1944 Education Act, which enables it to remain faithful to its Church of England foundation.
We are one of the smallest primary schools in BCP Council and, as a consequence, there is an intimate family feel to our school. We are able to encourage and celebrate the talents of all our pupils, to enable all to flourish regardless of starting points.
Headteacher’s Welcome
When you visit The Priory School, you will immediately see symbols of flourishing, both inside and outside the building. An array of flowers, plants and nature remind us that we all have the potential to grow.
At The Priory School, we recognise God as the master gardener, the creator of all life, who tends His garden with eternal love. Likewise, we recognise each child as a tender, young seed ‘Made to Flourish’. Every child is valued as an individual and is nourished and nurtured into full bloom.
Children are encouraged to ‘find their thing’ so that they experience the feeling of fulfilment and purpose. We promote wellbeing and support our pupils to have positive self esteem, where mistakes and challenges are accepted as part of the flourishing process.
Spirituality is at the heart of each school day and allows all children to fully understand themselves and how they connect with others. Laughter, curiosity and stillness are embraced.
We strive for outstanding outcomes for all our pupils – to be the best that they can be. A bespoke curriculum and a ‘Bucketful of Experiences’ is carefully planned and sequenced so that every child develops academically, physically and socially.
The Christian act of service is valued. Our children aspire to contribute to and help others in our community, both locally and globally, actively making a difference in our world.
As a school leader, my greatest reward and pleasure is in watching the children, families and staff of The Priory School thrive, all achieving their personal best.
It is with a full heart I welcome you to our school. We hope that our school website will provide you with much useful information about our school. However, there is no substitute for a personal visit and you are warmly invited to contact the school to arrange a visit during which time you will be able to meet the children, staff and myself.
Best wishes,
Sarah Richardson
Headteacher
Our Mission
'Inspiring a generation to learn, flourish and achieve in a caring, Christian community.'
Inspiring: Each child, uniquely made in the image of God, has a spark of greatness. We want to be a school that breathes life into children, so that they achieve their dreams and God-given potential.
Learn: Life is rich and complex – there is always more to explore and discover. We want our school community to develop a deep and life-long love of learning. We aspire to share the very best of what has been thought and said, across continents and cultures.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things." Philippians 4:9
Flourish: We want to deliver a rounded education, educating the heart as well as the head. We want to celebrate those who excel at sport and the arts and friendship, as well as our authors and scientists and mathematicians.
"I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." John 10:10
Achieve: We want all the children, no matter their starting points, to feel confident and ready for the next stage in their education. As a fully inclusive school, we are passionate about wanting all children to achieve their full potential and be proud of who they are.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Caring, Christian Community: One of the distinguishing marks of the Priory School is our caring community. Visitors often remark on the ‘family’ feel of the school. Staff genuinely know, care for and protect each child. Being a community, we recognise that it takes all of us to support a child. As a Church of England school for over 150 years, our Christian heritage and ethos is part of our DNA. We welcome families of all faiths and none to become part of our school family as our intention is to serve the common good. We also recognise the important role that Christianity plays in shaping our school culture and calendar.
Our Vision
Our school will breathe life into every child, educate the heart as well as the head, encouraging them to achieve their God-given potential.
Every child will have the opportunity for spiritual development and to become a good neighbour by living sustainably, serving locally and caring globally.
#TeamPriory
Our Values
Love
This means that we always put the welfare of our children first and we encourage everyone in our school community to be ‘more kind than is necessary’, as Auggie in ‘Wonder’ so helpfully put it.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 14:4-8
Forgiveness
There are consequences for wrong actions and we need to learn from our mistakes, but we also move on from them. Holding grudges only makes life more miserable. Saying sorry is important. Accepting an apology is important. Every day is a fresh start.
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32
Respect
We think and act in a way that shows we care for the well-being of others. We think and act in a positive way about ourselves. We take pride in our work, our appearance and our school. We treat people who are different to us with respect.
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." Matthew 7:12
Aspiration
There is a spark of greatness inside everyone of us. We strive for high standards and have high expectations in all that we do.
"May He give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed." Psalms 20:4
