St Gregory's Catholic School

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Catholic Life at St Gregory's

What is a Catholic School?

A Catholic school is more than just a place of learning – it’s a community rooted in faith, guided by Gospel values, and committed to helping young people flourish in all aspects of life.

At its heart, a Catholic school seeks to provide an excellent education while nurturing the spiritual, moral, and personal development of each student. Grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church, it encourages students to grow in their relationship with God, understand their purpose in the world, and develop a strong sense of compassion, justice, and responsibility.

While academic achievement is a core focus, Catholic schools also place great importance on:

Faith and Worship: Students participate in regular prayer, liturgies, and religious education that inspire reflection and spiritual growth.

Moral Development: Catholic schools help students develop a strong ethical foundation, encouraging them to act with integrity, empathy, and respect for others.

Service and Community: Inspired by Christ’s example, Catholic education promotes a spirit of service – locally and globally – fostering a deep sense of social responsibility and active citizenship.

Inclusivity and Care: Though rooted in the Catholic tradition, Catholic schools welcome students from all backgrounds and beliefs, offering a warm, inclusive environment where every child is known, valued, and supported.

Ultimately, a Catholic school aims to educate the whole person – mind, body, and soul – preparing students not just for exams, but for life. It helps young people to become confident, compassionate individuals who are ready to make a positive difference in the world.
CSI Report

Religious Education at St Gregory’s

At St Gregory’s, Religious Education is central to our curriculum and lies at the heart of our Catholic ethos. Through RE, we not only teach about the Catholic faith – its origins, development and relevance in the 21st century – but also explore other world religions, social issues and relationships, all within the context of Gospel values.

We aim to support each student on their journey of faith and personal growth, helping them to understand more deeply what it means to be human. Our curriculum is shaped by the Religious Education Directory, published by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales in 2023, ensuring that our teaching remains rooted in the mission of the Church and responsive to the needs of the modern world.

The RE curriculum at St Gregory’s fosters an appreciation of Catholic beliefs, values, and ethical perspectives that challenge societal norms and encourage students to reflect on their own morals and values. It is a foundation for holistic education, offering students the opportunity to explore purpose, identity, and their role in making the world a better place.

We strive to form young people who are:

  • Ambassadors of faith and social justice
  • Committed to serving the poor and marginalised
  • Leaders in building vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally responsible communities

Working in collaboration with our Diocese, parish community and other faith traditions, we offer a range of enriching activities that reinforce learning and highlight the relevance of Religious Education in today’s society.

Our department is committed to upholding the values of Catholic education, with Christ – the perfect teacher – as our model. Students are encouraged to think independently, develop religious literacy and appreciate both faith and non-faith perspectives in our diverse world.

In lessons, students deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, explore Christian traditions and learn about other world religions. They are assessed through a combination of end-of-unit tests and targeted tasks, enabling teachers to monitor progress and tailor support to individual needs.

Chaplaincy

Chaplaincy is at the heart of life at St Gregory’s. We are blessed to have a dedicated School Chaplain, Jane Burton, who leads our chaplaincy work with compassion, creativity and a deep sense of mission.

Chaplaincy is a ministry rooted in every part of our school community. It supports us in living out our mission that every child is known and loved, and that every person is made in the image of love. Jane is a visible and supportive presence in the school, accompanying students and staff on their spiritual journeys – wherever they may be – and always meeting people exactly where they are.

Jane offers time and space for conversation, reflection and prayer, and provides a wide range of opportunities for spiritual growth and faith development.

These include:

  • Alpha Youth
  • Youth St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP)
  • Lumen Spiritus Liturgy Team
  • Morning Prayer and other regular times of prayer and reflection

Meet our Chaplain

“I love reading, going to the theatre, painting, and – of course – having fun with tea and cake! I’m married with one wonderful son, and I feel incredibly lucky to serve as Chaplain here at St Gregory’s.

What I love most about this role is sharing my faith with those around me, meeting so many different people, and walking alongside students, staff, and families on their own faith journeys. Worship music is a big part of my life – you’ll often hear it playing in the background while I work. And if I’m not in the Chapel or the Chaplaincy office, I’m probably curled up with a good book, a slice of cake and a strong cup of tea!”

Favourite Bible verse:

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.”Exodus 14:14

Further news and information about our current Chaplaincy activity is available on the St Gregory’s Chaplaincy Instagram page: Chaplaincy Instagram

Student Chaplaincy Team

At St Gregory’s, our Student Chaplaincy is dedicated to fostering a vibrant spiritual life and supporting charitable initiatives within our school community. The Student Chaplaincy is divided into two key groups: Lumen Spiritus and the Youth St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP). Both groups receive support and guidance from our School Chaplain, Jane Burton.

Lumen Spiritus

The Lumen Spiritus team is at the heart of our school's prayer and liturgical activities. These dedicated students ensure that our prayer opportunities are meaningful and relevant to everyone in our community. They play a crucial role in:

  • Preparing and organising school prayer and liturgy
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of prayer and liturgical events
  • Leading various aspects of prayer and liturgy, such as reading, bringing up the offertory, leading prayers and so much more.

Youth St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP)

The Youth SVP is part of the international St Vincent de Paul Society, which is committed to helping those in need. Our Youth SVP members are passionate about making a difference both locally and globally. They work closely with the Adult SVP Conference at St Augustine’s Catholic Church and spearhead our school's fundraising and charity events.

Joining the Youth SVP offers students the chance to:

  • Make a real difference to the lives of people in your community
  • Meet like-minded people wanting to make a difference
  • Put faith into action
  • Gain a better understanding of Catholic Social Teaching
  • Participate in fun activities
  • Be a role model for others

Prayer and Liturgy 

At St Gregory’s, prayer and liturgy are at the heart of our school community. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and inspired by our Catholic faith, we seek to create opportunities for all students and staff to encounter God, grow in their spiritual lives, and live out the Gospel values each day.

Prayer shapes the rhythm of our school life. Each day begins with prayer in Tutor time, which explores a variety of ways to pray. We take the opportunity to give thanks for our food by saying Grace before meals and, finally, we conclude our school day by praying the Glory Be to glorify all God has done. Every week, each year group engages in a Celebration of the Word in our school Chapel, reflecting on the themes within that week’s Gospel and the liturgical year. We also mark the seasons of the Church’s year – such as Advent, Lent, and Easter – with special liturgies and services, including penitential services.

The Celebration of the Holy Mass is central to our worship life and we offer Masses at key times, including Holy Days of Obligation and important school events. Students also have opportunities to participate in voluntary Masses and times of Adoration.

We believe that liturgy is not just something we attend, but something we live. Through music, scripture, art, and silent prayer, we invite every member of our community to deepen their relationship with God. Retreat experiences and days of reflection give students space to encounter Christ in new ways and to grow in their faith journey.

At St Gregory’s, we are proud to be a community of prayer, hope and service, supporting each other to live out our mission to ensure every person in are community is known and loved.

For further information, please refer to our Prayer and Liturgy (Collective Worship) Policy which is available on our Policy page.   

Policies

Charities

At St Gregory’s, charity is a key expression of our faith in action as we seek to live out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Inspired by the example of Jesus, we are committed to showing compassion, solidarity, and hope to those in need – locally, nationally and globally.

Throughout the school year, students and staff take part in a wide range of fundraising activities in support of both Catholic and secular charities.

These include:

  • CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) – supporting communities affected by poverty, conflict, and climate change around the world.
  • Aid to the Church in Need – standing in solidarity with persecuted Christians and funding projects that bring faith, hope, and practical support to those suffering.
  • Catholic Children’s Society – helping vulnerable children and families across our region with practical and emotional support.
  • Macmillan Cancer Support – raising funds to support those affected by cancer, ensuring no one faces it alone.
  • Mind – promoting mental health awareness and offering support, particularly for young people.

These are just a few of the charities we support. We also actively encourage students to champion causes that are close to their hearts, developing a genuine passion for service and advocacy. We believe that every student can make a difference, and we encourage them to use their gifts creatively and generously in the service of others.

We are especially proud of the work of our Youth St Vincent de Paul (SVP) Society, which provides students with opportunities to live out their faith through practical acts of service, friendship, and outreach.

Catholic Social Teaching at St Gregory’S

At St Gregory’s Catholic School, our mission – Every child is known and loved – is deeply rooted in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST). These teachings, drawn from Scripture and the wisdom of the Church, guide us in living out our faith through action, fostering a community that reflects the love and justice of God.

CST provides a moral framework that informs our approach to education, relationships, and social responsibility. It challenges us to see every person as made in the image and likeness of God, deserving of dignity, respect, and compassion. By embracing these principles, we aim to nurture students who are not only academically accomplished, but also morally grounded and socially conscious.

The Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

We integrate the following core principles of CST into the fabric of our school life:

  • Human Dignity: Recognising the inherent worth of every individual, we strive to create an environment where all students feel valued and respected.
  • Solidarity: We stand together as one human family, promoting unity and understanding across diverse backgrounds.
  • The Common Good: Our community works collaboratively to ensure that the wellbeing of all is prioritised, fostering a spirit of mutual support.
  • Option for the Poor and Vulnerable: We are committed to supporting those in greatest need, encouraging students to engage in service and advocacy.
  • The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers: We teach the value of work and the importance of fair treatment for all workers, preparing students to contribute ethically to society.
  • Care for God’s Creation: Environmental stewardship is integral to our ethos, inspiring initiatives that promote sustainability and respect for the Earth.
  • Rights and Responsibilities: We educate students about their rights and the corresponding responsibilities, fostering active and informed citizenship.

These principles are not only taught in the classroom, but are also lived out through various school activities, including community service projects, environmental programmes and social justice initiatives. By embodying CST, we aim to develop compassionate leaders who are equipped to make a positive impact in the world.

For more information on Catholic Social Teaching, you can visit CAFOD’s CST resources.

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