At Medstead, we highly value our status as a church school.

Our vision for the school is based on the Christian Values of Trust, Courage, Hope and the importance of Resilience.  Our children live out these values in their daily lives.

We have close links with St Andrew’s, our parish church (www.standrewsmedstead.org) have developed positive working relationships with other churches in the locality.

The daily act of collective worship at Medstead Primary School follows the requirements of the 1988 Education Act. Collective Worship at the school is creative and of excellent quality. It is a time of togetherness and sharing for the school community, and a celebration of shared values.

The school visits St Andrew’s church  to celebrate church festivals and to mark important milestones in the life of the school. Each class and their parents have a special church service through the year:

Year R: Baptism (teddies can be Christened!)

Year 1: Easter

Year 2: Love

Year 3: Christingle

Year 4: Harvest

Year 5: Pentecost

Year 6: Journeys

The children in Year 6 also attend Winchester Cathedral, together with their peers across the Diocese for the Primary Schools’ Leavers’ Service.

The whole school walks to the church for our annual Christmas Carol Service. Older pupils accompany and support younger children on the journey, alongside staff. During the service, our pupils use Bible readings to retell the Christmas story, creating a meaningful and reflective celebration for the entire school community.

A representative from the church leads worship on a regular basis and children are encouraged to become actively involved. During these, children learn many new songs which they sing with great enthusiasm and learn to sign the choruses as well in British Sign Language (BSL).

The Governing Body of Medstead Church of England Primary School includes Foundation Governors, all of whom are appointed by the Parish Church Council, including the Rector of St Andrews.

The school respects the legal right of parents to withdraw their children from acts of worship, and alternative provision will be made for children under these circumstances.