Executive Headteacher

Saint George’s CE School is a thriving educational setting that has served the children of Gravesend since the 17th century. The school is relatively unique as a co-educational, Anglican and an all-through (4-18) school. The school is a warm, caring and highly inclusive place where all members of the community are cared for and valued. The primary phase was added to the school in 2019. Prior to this the secondary phase first became an academy in 2011 and later, in 2014, was one of three founding schools of the Aletheia Academies Trust. The Trust now has 11 schools, 10 of which are primary and the school benefits from the work of the Best Practice Teams in all key areas of school life. The all through school has been inspected once so far under a Section 48, (SIAMS) wherein the effectiveness, character and ethos of the school was judged to be ‘Excellent’ in all areas. The 2 most recent Ofsted inspections have judged the school to be ‘Good’ with outstanding leadership and management. Both phases are significantly oversubscribed and operate lengthy waiting lists.

The site has been greatly developed and refurbished over the recent years. In addition to the new primary phase building the site has benefited from a new science building, a floodlit 3G sports facility and a £6 million secondary building housing the 6th form, performing arts and core subjects. All facilities are accessible to the entire school community regardless of Key Stage. Some staff teach and support across both phases and subject leaders from all phases work closely together to ensure that there is a cohesive curriculum experience for all pupils during their school journey from Key stage 1 to Key Stage 4 and 5.

Headteacher

Stephen Carey

Values and vision

At the heart of our vision is the belief in inclusive, educational excellence; the belief that we are called to serve all pupils, staff, parents and the local community by providing places where all develop and thrive intellectually, socially, culturally and spiritually in order to live life in all its fullness.

We are motivated by our vision to serve the local community in accordance with our founding charter to ‘improve the life chances of local children’. We welcome those of all faiths and none. ‘All flourishing’ is enabled by an excellent education, a broad and balanced curriculum, with a rich variety of enrichment opportunities and experiences that extend beyond the classroom. We want our children to succeed, in the widest possible sense, using their God given talents fully.

From our Vision come our 6 Christian values upon which all our work is based. Together these form the acronym CHRIST. These values have rich biblical roots, examples of which are shown here however, we encourage staff and students to find and share their own examples.

Creativity is important to Christians because we believe that everything was created by God. He invented creativity. It was His idea. Creativity is part of the very nature and character of God. The fifth word in the Bible is created—“In the beginning God created …” (Genesis 1:1).

It follows that if human beings are created in God’s image, then they too can be creative. In school this is played out in the importance of art, design, music, drama, dance, poetry, fiction and film; it is also about discovery and innovation in science and technology, critical thinking in the humanities, entrepreneurship in business, inspiration, imagination and improvisation in all our learning.

Honesty is important to Christians because God is omniscient, and we cannot hide from Him. In school it is important so that we can trust one another, we face up to our mistakes, we tell the truth. “Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love.” (2 John 3)

Resilience is important to Christians because it shows that we put our trust in Jesus to walk alongside us when we are in need. “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; 24 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24). It is important in school and our daily lives because to be resilient means that we learn from our experiences and our mistakes to become stronger.

The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate example of resilience. It is the power of God through the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. It is also this same power that sustains and supports us in our daily lives and especially in difficult times, demonstrating the power of God working in us.

Inclusion: Jesus purposefully rebelled against prejudice and discrimination. The Bible tells us “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”. Galatians 3:28. Our school motto ‘All Different, All Equal, All Flourishing’ reminds us that Jesus treated everyone equally and that we should do the same so that all in our community can flourish. We use the hashtag #weareallone to ensure that we focus on all that we share, rather than the things that divide us.

John 3:16. Perhaps this is the most recited verse in the Bible. Jesus said it as plainly and simply as He could. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up.” (Romans 15:1–2 NIV). Love your neighbour as yourself…” (Mark 12:31 NIV)

Stewardship is important because it recognises that we are responsible for looking after God’s creation. It is important to everyone to take good care of our planet through careful use and re-use of its resources in order to live healthy lives and to pass on the earth to future generations. As we are all part of God’s creation, we also have a duty to care for ourselves and for one another, making sure that we are all safe and flourishing in mind and body. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

Thankfulness is important to Christians because we are God’s children and everything that we have He has given us. We are thankful to God for the beauty of Creation, for our friends and families, for his forgiveness when we do things wrong, and for life itself. Being thankful means that we can continue to see God even when we are suffering or unhappy. It is our gift back to God. “Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God” – (Psalms 50:14)

Ofsted

View Saint George’s Church of England School’s Ofsted report