Vision and Values

Our Christian Vision

“Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

This command of Jesus is at the heart of our life together at Bentley Heath.
It inspires us to be a community where:

  • Every person is valued, unique and cherished
  • Everyone feels welcomed, nurtured and supported
  • We celebrate each individual’s gifts and talents
  • We practise compassion, kindness and forgiveness
  • We grow in confidence, hope and wisdom
  • We work together to make our school – and our world – a better place

Our Christian vision is also rooted in the belief that we are shaped and guided by God. We understand ourselves as being lovingly formed and continually refined, with purpose and potential, as we grow together as a school family.

This vision underpins everything we do — in our learning, our relationships, our worship and our community life. It is brought to life through our six Christian values, each explored deeply over one half‑term of the school year.

Our Christian Vision Document can be viewed here.

Our Christian Values

There are many Christian – and human – values that enrich a community. At Bentley Heath, we focus on six core values, chosen because they help us live out our Christian vision in meaningful and practical ways.

Each half term, one value becomes our focus in Collective Worship, class reflection, curriculum links and daily interactions.

The values are:

  • Perseverance
  • Peace
  • Compassion
  • Forgiveness
  • Creativity
  • Hope

Below is the full wording for each value, including what it looks like in the lives of both children and adults in our school family.

PERSEVERANCE – keep going, even when it’s difficult

“Let us run with determination the race that lies before us… keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:1–2)

As a child at Bentley Heath:

  • I’m always willing to try new things
  • I don’t give up
  • I encourage others to keep trying

As an adult at Bentley Heath:

  • I am open to change and challenge
  • I am determined to do all I can to make things work
  • I support the work and needs of those around me

PEACE – being at ease with yourself, others and the world

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled.” (John 14:27)

As a child at Bentley Heath:

  • I’m proud of who I am
  • I value who others are
  • I work with others to make the world a better place

As an adult at Bentley Heath:

  • I am confident in who I am
  • I value who others are in our interactions
  • I strive to make our community and world peaceful

COMPASSION – reaching out and making a difference for others

“Do for others what you want them to do for you.” (Matthew 7:12)

As a child at Bentley Heath:

  • I notice and reach out to those who are sad or alone
  • I try to make a difference for those who have less than I do

As an adult at Bentley Heath:

  • I recognise when others in our school family are suffering or in need
  • I try to make a difference for those who have less than me and encourage children to do the same

FORGIVENESS – giving and receiving opportunities to start again

“If you forgive others, your heavenly Father will forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14)

As a child at Bentley Heath:

  • I say sorry and put things right if I make a bad choice
  • I give others a chance to start again
  • I work with others to make the world a better place

As an adult at Bentley Heath:

  • I am ready to admit when I am wrong
  • I seek reconciliation when I disagree with others
  • I don’t hold grudges

CREATIVITY – using your gifts as the person God made you to be

“Let’s be what we were made to be…” (Romans 12:6)

As a child at Bentley Heath:

  • I recognise and use my gifts and talents for the good of everyone
  • I express my thoughts and feelings confidently

As an adult at Bentley Heath:

  • I recognise my gifts and talents and use them for the common good
  • I equip and encourage children to do the same

HOPE – trusting that the future holds promise

“May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him…” (Romans 15:13)

As a child at Bentley Heath:

  • I look forward to the future
  • I believe I can succeed
  • I am positive about myself and others
  • Every day is a new start

As an adult at Bentley Heath:

  • I am positive about myself and others in my attitudes and language
  • I have a ‘cup half full’ mindset
  • I have a hopeful approach to challenges and difficulties
  • I am aspirational for all children

Living Out Our Vision and Values

Together, our vision and values shape the culture of Bentley Heath.
They help us create a school where:

  • Children flourish academically, socially and spiritually
  • Adults model the behaviours we want to see in our pupils
  • Relationships are rooted in respect, compassion and forgiveness
  • Worship, curriculum and community life all reflect our shared purpose

By loving one another — as Jesus taught — we grow into a community that nurtures hope, celebrates creativity, seeks peace, forgives generously, shows compassion and perseveres through challenge.

This is the Bentley Heath way.