British Values
“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their colour.”
At St Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School & Nursery, we are proud to serve a community that celebrates diversity. We value the unique ethnic and cultural backgrounds of all pupils and families and we ensure that our curriculum, assemblies and events reflect and honour this richness.
We are fully committed to preparing our children for life in modern Britain, promoting fundamental British Values alongside our Gospel Values. Together, these values underpin every aspect of school life — from our teaching and curriculum to our relationships and community partnerships.
The Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development of our pupils is at the heart of what we do. Through Gospel teaching, our collective worship, PSHE curriculum and daily interactions, children are encouraged to develop as thoughtful, compassionate and active citizens who contribute positively to society.
Our Gospel Values — courage, creativity, thankfulness, responsibility, compassion, peace, service, justice, trust, hope, love, forgiveness, friendship, humility, generosity, reverence and respect — are central to our mission and guide the way we live, learn and grow together in faith.
As a school, we actively promote both Gospel and British Values. Equally, we challenge any attitudes or behaviours (from pupils, staff, parents, visitors) that go against these principles, including extremist views.
We recognise that the term ‘British Values’ may seem specific, but these values are shared across many countries and cultures. They reflect principles of respect, dignity, fairness and community that align with both Gospel teachings and the universal rights of all people.
We also uphold our statutory duty under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act (2015) to have due regard for preventing people from being drawn into extremism or terrorism (the Prevent Duty).
Guidance and resources to support parents in discussing this can be found at the bottom of this page.
DEMOCRACY: Respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process.
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
UN Convention of Children’s Rights Article 12:
Children have the right to express their views and be listened to when decisions affect them.
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Children help agree class and school rules and take part in discussions about conduct and learning.
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Our School Council, elected democratically by peers (Years 1–6), represents pupil voice and helps shape school life.
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Pupils learn to share opinions respectfully, understand majority decisions and stand up for their beliefs with confidence and kindness.
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Debates, PSHE, circle times and assemblies help children explore moral dilemmas and develop critical thinking skills.
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Pupils are rewarded for demonstrating equality and respect — such as welcoming new children, showing empathy and valuing difference.
THE RULE OF LAW: Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England. Support for equality of opportunity for all.
“It is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law.”
UN Convention of Children’s Rights Article 19:
Governments must protect children from violence, abuse and neglect.
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Each class agrees its own conduct charter each September.
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Behaviour policies promote fairness, forgiveness and restorative approaches.
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Pupils learn about the structure of Parliament, with our School Council visiting Liverpool Youth Parliament | Town Hall.
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Assemblies, PSHE and RSHE help children understand justice, rules and moral choices.
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Visits from local police and councillors help pupils understand their role in the community.
INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY: Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law.
“The one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty… will be blessed in his doing.”
UN Convention of Children’s Rights Article 15 & 31:
Every child has the right to relax, play, join groups, and express views safely.
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Pupils are encouraged to develop confidence, independence and self-belief.
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PSHE, RSHE and our Live Life to the Full curriculum teach children about personal choices, ambition and well-being.
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We promote online safety and awareness through Computing and PSHE lessons.
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History and RE explore how liberty and justice have evolved through courageous individuals and key events.
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Children access a range of extra-curricular clubs and enrichment activities to develop their God-given gifts.
MUTUAL RESPECT & TOLERANCE OF THOSE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS & BELIEFS: Respect for and acceptance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs.
“Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.”
UN Convention of Children’s Rights Article 14:
Children have the right to think and believe what they want, and to practise their religion.
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Our RE curriculum (Come & See | To Know You More Clearly) includes multi-faith learning.
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We celebrate world faith days and festivals such as Ramadan, Diwali and Hanukkah.
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Religious leaders from different communities visit our school and pupils visit various places of worship.
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Assemblies and class displays celebrate the common values shared across faiths.
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We teach children to resolve conflict, promote peace, and act as peacemakers.
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Parents and the wider community are regularly invited to join us in worship.
Our Commitment
We are dedicated to nurturing a community rooted in faith, respect and understanding, where every child is encouraged to grow academically, spiritually and morally. Our Gospel and British Values guide all that we do — helping children to act with compassion, show courage, and make positive contributions to the world around them.
In all aspects of school life, we live out our motto:
“Only My Best Will Do. Be Kind to One Another.”
This simple yet powerful statement reflects our belief that every child should strive to achieve their best in all that they do, while showing kindness, empathy and love — values at the heart of both the Gospels and modern British life. Through these shared principles, our children learn to celebrate difference, challenge injustice, and live out the teachings of Jesus Christ in their everyday actions.