“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” Matthew 5:9
Peace is about being in harmony with each other.
When someone has a different opinion, find a way to listen, compromise,
and, from two halves, make a whole.
Negotiate without conflict – be a peaceful problem-solver.
Be humble, don’t be boastful; everyone is equal … that way no-one needs to be angry or hurt.
The Holywell Vision.
At Holywell, our vision is that everyone in our community chooses to
'LIVE LIFE IN ALL ITS FULLNESS' (John 10:10).
Inspired by the teachings of Jesus, the Good Shepherd,
we choose
to live our values
being the best we can be
in community.
Follow us on social media
X (Twitter): @HolywellCoE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolywellCoE
Instagram: @HOLYWELLCOE
Welcome to Holywell School.
Holywell School
A Church of England School
providing a values-based education
Holywell is a 9-13 Middle School with 720 students in Cranfield, Bedfordshire in the Diocese of St Albans. We aim to continue the historic tradition of Church of England Schools by providing a Christian Values-inspired education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. As a school, we are a loving, supportive community with high aspirations for all. We promote inclusion, we are welcoming of all faiths (and people of no faith), we are proud to belong and we value each individual. We look after each other, believe in second chances and aim to be the best we can be so we can serve and support the common good.
The fundamental guiding values for Holywell stem from our character as a Church of England school. Our purpose is to make a difference in the lives of each and every child in our care. To enable each and every member of our community at Holywell to ‘live life in all its fullness’. This quote from John 10:10 is used to headline our purpose. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus promises that if we choose to follow Him, we will find safety and will have life in great abundance. Whilst not all of our ‘sheep’ are Christians, we ask that everyone who chooses to be a part of our community at Holywell tries to live and uphold our Christian values in their day-to-day life, that they strive to be the best they can be (academically, socially and personally), and that they do this ‘in community’ – ie. with due regard to ensuring that personal actions and choices have positive impacts on others. We ask that our school is filled with learning and love and our hearts are filled with kindness and care. “Which commandment is the most important of all?” “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second most important commandment is this: ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself’.” Mark 28-31 Simply put; we aim to treat others as we would like to be treated.
“Pupils at Holywell School attend a school with values rooted in its Christian ethos. They are welcoming and friendly. They take on responsibilities that make their environment and community richer and more rewarding.” (Ofsted, July 2023)
Christian Ethos & Values.
The Christian-inspired, Values-led approach and ethos drives the work of the school in its mission to provide education for the young people of the parish. The explicit focus on being inspired by Christian values results in polite, confident young people whose enthusiasm for learning is only equalled by their care and consideration for each other. The values are modelled by all staff and expected of all students and parents. Our values permeate the whole school and this was commented on in our most recent Ofsted inspection: "Pupils are tolerant and respectful of each other’s differences. They understand that everyone is an individual. They know it is unacceptable to be unkind because someone is different. Bullying is not tolerated, and cases are rare. If it does happen pupils know they have someone to talk to and are confident it will be dealt with." (Ofsted, July 2023). Values also underpin our curriculum model and this is a strength of the school.
Students speak very proudly of the impact of or values on both themselves and the school. They say that the school’s values make them think and act more thoughtfully and positively as well as making the school a better place: "Holywell is friendly and full of people (children and adults) who make your day amazing. People don’t judge you no matter how unique you are. Can’t is not an option.” (Yr 6 student). “Holywell is a school where everyone feels safe. Everyone is one big, happy family where everyone is willing to help each other out.” (Yr 8 student). “Holywell is very welcoming; everyone feels happy when they’re here and safe. Anyone can learn just as well as anyone else. (Yr 8).
Our School Prayer
Heavenly Father
Thank you for our school.
Fill our classrooms with learning and love,
Fill our hearts with kindness and care.
Lord Jesus
Help us to find peace when we are angry,
Compassion to forgive when we are wronged
And courage to try again when we fail.
Holy Spirit
Guide us in our darkest moments
And lead us towards your Light.
Amen.