Ethos, Faith & Spirituality
Our Catholic Ethos
Every student at St Paul’s is encouraged to become the person God calls them to be.
Our faith isn’t just taught, it’s experienced in how we learn, how we care, how we grow, and how we support one another every day.
Our mission as a Catholic school is simple: to live out the teachings of Jesus Christ through love, service, and community. Inspired by the example of St Paul, we strive to be a place where every person is valued and every voice is heard.
Prayer and Worship
Faith is not confined to a single lesson or event at St Paul’s, it’s part of the rhythm of each day. Morning begin with prayer and reflection during tutor time, using worship resources thoughtfully prepared by our Chaplaincy team. These moments help students pause, reflect, and begin the day with intention.
Across the year, students and staff gather for whole-school Masses to mark key moments in the liturgical calendar. During these joyful, reverent celebrations, students are invited to receive the Body and Blood of Christ or a blessing. Smaller liturgies, prayer services, and Masses offer more personal spaces for worship and reflection.
“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
— 1 John 3:18
Our chapel is always open: a peaceful space at the heart of school life. Whether seeking stillness, prayer or simply time to be, students know they are welcome. Faith also weaves through the curriculum, from exploring moral questions in English or stewardship in Geography to tutor time, pastoral care, and student leadership, all helping nurture both spiritual and academic growth.
Students also take part in retreats and away days that offer space to reflect on their beliefs, relationships and identity. These shared experiences often become treasured highlights of their journey through St Paul’s.
Chaplaincy and Pastoral Support
Our Chaplaincy team plays a central role in the spiritual and pastoral life of St Paul’s, supporting students of all faith backgrounds, and none, with compassion, warmth and a listening ear.
The team is guided by our Director of Mission, Mrs Mcnamara, who leads Chaplaincy across the Bosco Catholic Education Trust, ensuring a consistent, faith-filled approach rooted in Gospel values.
At St Paul’s, the chaplaincy team are a visible and approachable presence throughout the school day, offering space for reflection, prayer and conversation.
Whether students come with a deep-rooted faith, are just beginning to explore their beliefs, or do not identify with a religion at all, they are supported with dignity and care. Our chaplaincy team is here for everyone.
Students are welcome to drop in for a quiet moment, talk things through, or take part in small-group sessions focused on wellbeing, personal growth and spiritual development.
The team also supports key liturgical events, retreat opportunities, and themed activities across the school year, often working closely with pastoral staff to make sure every student feels seen, supported, and valued.
OUR MISSION
Inspiring a living faith with hope and love.
Our mission is simple; it is that each student can achieve their potential and make the most of their God-given gifts and talents in their time with us. All of our education is based on the Gospel values faith, hope and love.
The education and experiences students have here should be better than they would experience anywhere else. We look to support and challenge students so they flourish in a culture of success which sets them in the right direction in life.
Everyone is Welcome
Every student at St Paul’s is encouraged to become the person God calls them to be.
We believe deeply in the dignity of every person, and that faith, hope, love, and compassion are universal values that transcend all backgrounds and beliefs.
As part of our commitment to equality and diversity, we work to ensure that every student feels known, valued, and supported, whatever their background, ability, or personal circumstances. This ethos is central to our mission as a Catholic school and is reflected in our partnership with the Bosco Catholic Education Trust.
Our community is united not only by shared faith, but by a shared commitment to justice, service, and compassion for others. Through acts of charity, volunteering, and social outreach, our students learn the importance of giving back and making a positive difference in the world.
Learn more about our commitment to equality and diversity by visiting the Bosco Catholic Education Trust’s Equality and Diversity page.
Through interfaith learning, respectful dialogue, and a shared commitment to justice, kindness and service, we grow together in understanding. Our aim is to create a safe, joyful, and nurturing environment where every student can flourish, spiritually, morally, emotionally, and academically.
Part of the Bosco Catholic Education Trust
As a proud member of the Bosco Catholic Education Trust (Bosco CET), our mission at St Paul’s is rooted in a shared commitment to love, dignity and care for every child. Inspired by the challenge of St John Bosco, we work to ensure that all young people are truly known and loved during their time with us. This vision unites our school community with others across the Trust as we respond to Christ’s call to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).
