Spiritual Values
Senior school
Chaplaincy and spiritual values
At St Benedict’s, our Catholic faith is at the heart of school life. We welcome students from all faith backgrounds and those with no faith, recognising that each young person brings their own perspective and experience.
We believe that education is a journey towards the full flourishing of every individual. Our aim is to inspire our students to seek meaning, to know and love God, and to show generosity in their service to others.
Mass is celebrated in the Abbey Church at the start and end of each term, and on major Feast Days.
Charities and outreach
Students of all ages are encouraged to take part in the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP), which supports those in need within our local community. Each year, SVP members join a range of activities such as volunteering with MENCAP, helping at a soup kitchen, spending time with older people, and raising awareness of those who need our support.
Through these opportunities, our students learn the importance of compassion, generosity, and active service, values at the heart of our Benedictine tradition.
Sixth Form Community Service
All students in the Lower Sixth (Year 12) take part in a weekly programme of service within the local community. They support a variety of organisations, including charity shops, residential and nursing homes for older people, primary schools, nurseries, and special schools.
Within St Benedict’s, Sixth Formers also play an active role. They help in the nursery and junior school, assist with creative displays around the school, work in the library, and support younger students at the weekly Maths Surgery.
Through these experiences, our students deepen their understanding of generosity, responsibility, and community.
Junior School
At St Benedict’s, our Junior School draws deeply on the Catholic Benedictine tradition, rooted in values that shape every aspect of daily life. Forgiveness, mutual service, stability of relationships, humility, and the discipline of routine are central to our ethos. We encourage all pupils, whatever their background or beliefs, to reflect on these values and to consider their place in a caring, outward-looking community.
Prayer and reflection are woven into the school day. Mass is celebrated regularly in the Abbey Church and in the Junior School Hall, with families warmly invited to join us. These moments offer time for gratitude, contemplation, and connection. Our Ecclesiastical and Lay Chaplains support spiritual life across the whole school, providing guidance and encouragement to pupils and students aged 3 to 18.
Religious Education Ambassadors and Minnie Vinnie (SVP) Presidents play a lively role in organising and supporting charitable work, including fundraising for CAFOD, Mary’s Meals, and The Passage. These activities help our children to see the link between faith, compassion, and practical action.
Pupils at St Benedict’s Junior School play an active role in planning and leading assemblies that reflect their exciting learning across the curriculum. These assemblies offer opportunities for the whole school community to pause and reflect on our core Benedictine values, connecting classroom experiences with moments of shared contemplation. The School Council, drawing members from all year groups, encourages every pupil to gather and share ideas about how we can strengthen our values in practical ways. This collaborative spirit has led to pupil-instigated Faith and Heritage Celebrations, which bring together the richness of our community’s traditions and beliefs in a spirit of welcome and mutual respect.
We acknowledge the major festivals of World Faiths throughout the year—such as Baisakhi, Chanukah, Diwali, Passover, Ramadan, Rosh Hashanah, Vesak , and Yom Kippur - recognising the richness and diversity of our community. All pupils are encouraged to share in these celebrations, whether from a faith perspective or simply in the spirit of learning and respect.
The school year is marked by special events including Nativity Plays, Carol Services, and Lenten Reflections. Pupils are given opportunities to lead prayer and moments of quiet reflection, helping them to develop a sense of responsibility and belonging. Stewardship of the environment is a key part of spiritual life at St Benedict’s, reminding us of our shared responsibility for the world and its future.
