An “outstanding” church school
BISHOP LUFFA SCHOOL
Always our best because everyone matters
Bishop Luffa School
Welcome to Bishop Luffa School Bishop Luffa opened in 1963 with just 62 children. The children had all failed the 11+ exam – the passport to grammar school. But the four staff set out to demonstrate what faith in God and belief in the children could do. Today, as a Church academy with 1400 students and 150 teachers and support staff, the same belief regularly places Bishop Luffa amongst the top 10% performing schools in the country. We aim to foster the intellectual, social, creative, physical, moral and spiritual development of all our pupils. We see each child as a unique person with a God-given individual identity. Each of us - pupil, school, home, church and the wider community plays a vital role in realising our vision: Always our best because everyone matters. With the shared involvement of every individual, we aspire to be a confident outward-looking Christian community in which every member • enjoys creative, dynamic and reflective learning • is supported, challenged and equipped for the future • values and takes responsibility for themselves and others • relies on and builds supportive and lasting relationships Mr Nick Taunt MA (Oxon) Headteacher
Bishop Luffa School
“…that ‘everybody matters’ and should be ‘entitled to the best’ has a significant impact on relationships across the school.”
Bishop Luffa School
Our vision
Always our best because everyone matters
As a church school we ensure that Christian worship is at the centre of school life, and Religious Education is a key part of our curriculum. This has a noticeable impact on the quality of relationships across the school, and visitors frequently comment on its calm and happy atmosphere. It also means that we set our pupils and ourselves the highest standards in every aspect of school life.
“The understanding that ‘everybody matters’ and should be ‘entitled to the best’ has a significant impact on relationships across the school. Pupils and parents remark on the care and family feel and relate this to the Christian atmosphere of the school.” SIAMS Inspection February 2015 “I believe that through your Christian ethos you have helped instil in [our daughter] a belief that anything is possible and encouraged her to think big.” Letter from a parent
SIAMS OUTSTANDING 2015
Bishop Luffa School
“…all their achievements and personal qualities are recognised and celebrated.”
“One of the things I most appreciate about the school is that the pupils are not afraid to achieve in whichever aspect of life they excel, and that all their achievements and personal qualities are recognised and celebrated.” Letter from a parent
Bishop Luffa School
Our vision
A community which relies on and builds supportive & lasting relationships
As a National Teaching School leading the Blue Flag Alliance, we share expertise, learn from and support local schools, and help improve teaching, learning and leadership across the Alliance.
Our aim is that every pupil achieves in whichever area their strength lies. Our Artsmark Gold celebrates our commitment to the arts and culture through a broad and balanced curriculum art, dance, drama, media, music and original writing - in partnership with arts organisations and artists.
“Being at Bishop Luffa has transformed [our daughter] from being a poorly, timid child, severely lacking confidence to the confident happy athlete she is today! I have no doubt that being here has put her on the path to self-esteem and belief in success.� Letter from a parent
In sport, our pupils compete in local, regional and national events in field and track, team and individual sports, on land and sea.
Improving Teaching & Learning & Leadership across the Alliance
NATIONAL TEACHING SCHOOL designated by
JANUARY 2015 UPDATE Dear Colleagues
Bishop Luffa School
As always, the first term was a very busy one. The Alliance has steadily progressed to meet the goals we laid out in our action plan for this year. I am pleased to update you with Alliance team news and events that have taken place during the autumn term. Do take the time to read through the latest news of our Alliance activities.
We extend a warm welcome to our New Alliance Member Bersted Green Primary School
“… a focus on thinking for oneself and an emphasis on questioning”
Bishop Luffa School
Our vision
A community that enjoys creative, dynamic & reflective learning
Our focus is on pupils’ progress from wherever they started. We have high expectations of ourselves and everyone who works here. We expect pupils to achieve their best, irrespective of their background or ability. Our pupils have a rich and diverse experience of a broad, balanced, relevant and increasingly personalized curriculum. This is enriched by Exploration Days, Work Experience, field trips and theatre visits, Health and Enterprise days, and enhanced by our strong partnerships with local business, schools, churches and community groups.
Bishop Luffa School
“Pupils relate how the school’s vision teaches them perseverance and a respect for equality of opportunity.” “There is a focus on thinking for oneself and an emphasis on questioning that has contributed to the school’s approach to spirituality.” SIAMS Inspection February 2015
“I have learnt so much here .. I’ve formed fantastic friendships, shared some incredible experiences and learned to think big..” From a Sixth Form leaver
Bishop Luffa School
“I’m impressed with the general demeanour of the pupils, not just those that I talk to but also the politeness of those that you meet around the corridors..” From a school visitor
Bishop Luffa School
“…pupils understand that forgiveness and respect give them hope and second chances.”
“Before [my son] attended your school, he was on the wrong path. But in the year he has been at Bishop Luffa, he has turned into a beautiful son. He has blossomed and grown up so much. I put this down to the teachers and the support he has received at Bishop Luffa. Thank you.” Letter from a parent
Bishop Luffa School
Our vision
A community which is supported, challenged and equipped for the future
Each child becomes a member of a Tutor group within one of the eight Houses. The House system, a cornerstone of the school, provides a great sense of belonging and helps each child to feel secure. Pupils are involved in interHouse competitions in sport, fundraising for the House charity, community service and the House Drama Festival – in which House plays are directed by members of the Sixth Form. The Tutor and Head of House share the pastoral care and closely monitor the progress and well-being of each pupil.
Bishop Luffa School
“The school has…invested heavily in restorative approaches to behaviour management. This is very effective because pupils understand that forgiveness and respect give them hope and second chances.” SIAMS Inspection February 2015 “I love the community feel of the school. Being part of the Sixth Form has enabled me to develop further as a person, working with younger years through the strong mentoring programme and charity events.” Sixth Form student
“Your school is one that is willing to always give that little bit more.”
“Each year pupils raise significant amounts for charity and there is a long established link with Tanzania. Sixth Form students talk eloquently about the impact this has on their thinking.” SIAMS Inspection February 2015
Bishop Luffa School
Our vision
A community which works hard to widen pupils’ horizons beyond the formal curriculum.
In class, a variety of thinking strategies help stretch pupils’ skills towards creative and independent thinking. Beyond the classroom, visitors from all walks of life help open pupils’ eyes.
“It was a delight to see my child’s wonderful friends take part in the fantastic Sixth Form Fashion Show. It made a big impact on me: how almost all of the children found a place to be a part of that event no matter where their talents lay, the professional standard of it and the sheer energy it generated. I would like to thank Bishop Luffa for my children’s education and their amazing experience at school. Your school is one that is willing to always give that little bit more.” Letter from a parent
Bishop Luffa School
Residential trips to the Isle of Wight challenge pupils’ ability both to lead and to work in a team. Trips abroad and closer to home further encourage collaboration and new learning. House charities help pupils explore the reality behind fundraising. Sixth Form trips to see the impact of their work in Mbeya, Tanzania, widen students’ horizons. Pupils play a wide range of sports, both team and individual. Sports Day and House sports stimulate fierce loyalties and high competition. Our young sports leaders are skilled and enthusiastic with their peers and primary school children.
The Creative Arts pulsate through the school. Concerts, formal and informal, give musical pupils opportunities to perform in school as well as in the Cathedral. House Drama and Dance competitions are major events in the calendar. We publish poetry and prose magazines, and the Library conducts its own special events and Book Awards attended by a professional writer. The Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme plays a prominent role in school. We have over 70 young people every year participating in the scheme across Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. Sixth Form students are influential role models. They run many activities for the school, the Fashion Show and Charity Week being highlights. They also lead the Christian Union and work as trained mentors for younger pupils.
“We wanted to pass on our thanks to the school for getting our son off to a flying start in Year 7.”
Bishop Luffa School
Our vision
A community where our parents play a key role in the school’s success.
Both the Year Induction Evenings, informing parents of the key themes, challenges and opportunities involving their children, and the Consultation Evenings, are very wellattended. We are fortunate in having a supportive and lively Parents and Friends Association (PFA) that helps raise money for the school and also enables parents to meet each other socially. Many parents contribute regularly through the PFA’s Gift Aid scheme. Other parents help us to run the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.
Bishop Luffa School
“We wanted to pass on our thanks to the school for all their hard work this term and for getting our son off to a flying start in Year 7. The care and concern staff have taken to ensure he is settled and confident to learn has been outstanding. Both his Head of House and the Learning Support team have been attentive to detail which has helped our son grow in confidence and to become very motivated to learn, which is delightful to see.” Letter from a parent
Frequently asked questions
What does being a church school mean? It means that we see our Christian ethos as the outstanding foundation for learning and life. As a church academy, Directors frame the admissions policy, candidates for posts are asked about their commitment to the school’s Christian values, and RE gives an emphasis to Christianity while also teaching other faiths.
What about the children of non-church families? The Directors offer 25 community places each year to children who live within 3km of the school. 10 further places are offered to children with exceptional needs, regardless of church background. There is no church attendance criteria for entry to the 300-strong Sixth Form, whose students are drawn from Bishop Luffa and a wide range of schools across the region.
How do I find out more? Detailed information about policies and practice, and latest news are available on our website www.bishopluffa.org.uk
Admissions Admissions information is available from Mrs Gill Cooper, Admissions Secretary, who will also make arrangements if you wish to visit the school. cooperg@bishopluffa.org.uk
Visit the school The school holds an Open Evening and Open Mornings early in October. Please see the website for details.
Our history A book, “Our School” celebrating Bishop Luffa’s 50th Jubilee is also available at £10.
Bishop Luffa School
“This is an outstanding school” Ofsted November 2008
Bishop Luffa School
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Bishop Luffa School Bishop Luffa Close Chichester West Sussex PO19 3LT
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