Quaker School

Live Adventurously

Our Quaker values are at the heart of Sidcot life where we aim to create a community that sees the good in everyone, takes responsibility for their actions and respects one another.  Children are given the freedom to grow as individuals and talent is recognised in many forms.

We value all members of the community equally, which results in open, friendly and courteous relationships between staff and pupils.  The multi-cultural and inclusive nature of the school embraces children from a variety of backgrounds and countries, making teaching very interesting and providing life enhancing experiences for our pupils.

An important aspect of our week is when we gather for silent reflection during our Meeting for Worship on a Wednesday morning.  This meeting contributes to the calm and friendly atmosphere at Sidcot that our parents and pupils find so supportive and reassuring.

Although Sidcot has a strong Quaker heritage, only around 10-15% of our pupils and staff come from Quaker families. We are proud that so many parents entirely unconnected with Quakers (also known as the Society of Friends or simply as Friends) have chosen Sidcot for their children because of the supportive and encouraging atmosphere which Quakerism engenders.

There are nine Quaker schools in the British Isles today and although each is very different, our Quaker values create the connection.  To ensure continuity of these values in the long term through our education and pastoral provision, Sidcot’s Governing Body, is largely appointed by representatives from Quaker meetings in the South West of England.

What do our students think about Quakerism?

Here is an article written by one of our students, Ben Cox, reflecting on what Quakerism is to him, a self confessed atheist and how Meeting for Worship and Quaker Week have changed meaning for him during his time at the school.

“The high quality of cooperative working that is seen throughout the school clearly reflects its caring and supportive ethos and enables pupils to learn from one another in ways that are conducive to constructive learning.”- ISI Inspection 2007