Christianity at Kings

Our Christian Ethos

Kings Academy is proud of its Christian character and ethos as a Church of England school. Built on an ancient Christian site, adjacent to an Anglo-Saxon palace and chapel, our historic links with kingship, Christianity, and learning shape the past, present, and future of our community.

Our vision, “Believe and Succeed,” is rooted in the words of Jesus: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (John 20:29).  Every member of the Academy is encouraged to flourish and achieve their potential socially, academically, and spiritually. We seek to build a community which nurtures and develops the whole person.

At the heart of daily school life are our Kings Core Values. These are helpfully summarised in the mnemonic PRIDE — Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Democracy, and Equality. We aim to see these values lived out in all areas of school life, giving shape, purpose, meaning and value to who we are and what we do.nd faith.

Worship and Reflection at Kings

At Kings Academy, every day includes an act of worship that is designed to be invitational, inclusive, and inspiring. Rooted in the Christian faith, worship is offered in a way that welcomes all members of our community, whatever their background or belief. Students and staff are invited to take part, to reflect, and to respond in ways that are meaningful for them. Through prayer, scripture, music, silence, and reflection, these daily acts of worship aim to inspire hope, nurture faith, and encourage everyone to consider how they might live out our values in their own lives. 

Depending on the day of the week, the daily act of worship will take the form of either an Assembly, Collective Worship, Thought for the Week, or a King’s Moment. 

Assemblies, Collective Worship and Church Weeks

Once a week, each student will take part in a House Assembly. These are led by the Head of House, House tutors, visiting speakers, or students themselves. These gatherings are vital to the development of each House’s distinctive culture and ethos. Assemblies will always include a moment of prayer or reflection.

In addition, on another day, each student will take part in Collective Worship.  These sessions are led by either the school Chaplain or local clergy or lay leaders from different denominations. These times are always deeply rooted in the Christian faith, yet inclusive of all, giving students the chance to pause and reflect.

At the end of each term, the whole school comes together for a Celebration Assembly, giving thanks for the achievements of students and staff. Student leaders play a key role in organising the event, contributing music, prayer, and reflection that unite the school community.

At key points in the liturgical year, the whole Academy visits St Andrew’s Church to worship together in their Houses. These services mark significant moments, such as the beginning of the school year, Remembrance Day, Christmas, Easter, and Ascension. Students play a central role, contributing through readings, music, drama, and art, and in doing so, they share their gifts and talents with one another and the wider community.

King’s Moment

Every Thursday and Friday, all staff and students have the opportunity to enjoy a King’s Moment. These times offer a short pause for reflection, prayer, and stillness. The King’s Moment, which happens during the school day, encourages all to pause for five minutes of quiet reflection. Each brief session includes a stimulus (such as a piece of art), calm music, a Christian link and thought-provoking reflection questions. 

Theme of the Week

Each week, a new theme is introduced across the Academy. Themes connect with events in school and the wider world, making links to our PRIDE values, the Christian faith and perspectives from other faiths and worldviews.

Assemblies, tutor time, and curriculum activities build on the theme, encouraging students to think deeply, ask questions, and reflect spiritually. Literacy is also enriched by a “word of the week,” which is linked to the theme and sparks discussion in classrooms and beyond.

One tutor session a week is set aside for tutors to lead times of reflection based upon that week’s theme. 

Chaplaincy at Kings

Our Chaplain Ruth Motion joined us in October 2019 as part of the Pastoral Team. Ruth spends most of her time in school listening to individual students, counselling, mentoring, and helping both staff and students. Students are regularly mentored by Ruth for all sorts of different reasons, including anxiety, exam stress, bereavement, problems with friendship groups, faith issues and many more. She is easily spotted around the school in her brightly coloured tie-dye tops.

The Chaplain also organises the visiting speakers who come in to lead collective worship at The Kings Academy weekly. These times of collective worship are mainly led by local clergy, who support in leading worship and prayer support. Ruth also leads the church services, which every student attends for Harvest, Remembrance, Christmas, and Easter.

A Community for All

Kings Academy is a school where every person is valued. We seek to care, nurture, and empower, recognising the worth of each individual regardless of background or belief. Students are given space to explore Christian teaching, encounter other worldviews, and develop their own beliefs in a supportive and respectful environment.

Our Christian ethos shapes not only our worship but also our curriculum, our relationships, and our vision for the future. Together, we are building a community where everyone can truly “believe and succeed.”