British Values at Queen’s Croft High School

At Queen’s Croft, we promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. We teach them in ways that are accessible and meaningful for every pupil, so they can understand their place in modern Britain and prepare for life beyond school.

Democracy

Pupils have a real say in school life and learn that every voice matters. We have a school council, and we gather pupil voice through the Careers and Future Skills Questionnaire and our GREAT Friday pupil voice work. Pupils also contribute to their own annual reviews. Parents and carers have a voice through information sessions and surveys. In 2026 to 2027, we are also relaunching the Friends of Queen’s Croft PTA, so families can help shape school life.

The rule of law

Pupils learn why rules exist, how they keep us safe, and what happens when they’re not followed. Our Positive Behaviour Policy sets out clear, consistent expectations, and pupils are supported to understand the reasons behind them. We have zero tolerance of bullying, and prevention is taught through PSHE, RSE, assemblies, and pastoral sessions. Pupils also learn how to stay safe online, and our school phone rule, where phones are handed in on arrival in class and returned at the end of the day, is explained to everyone, including our Post 16 students. Visits from the police and the fire service help pupils understand the role of the people who keep our communities safe.

Individual liberty

Pupils are supported to make choices, build independence, and understand their rights and responsibilities. Our Explore, Extend, and Excel pathways are tailored to each pupil’s needs. On GREAT Fridays, pupils choose from talent and enrichment sessions that build employability and careers skills, and keep reflective journals of their progress. Residential visits in Year 9 and Year 11 give pupils the chance to spend time away from home, try new activities, and take on new responsibilities in a supportive environment. In Post 16, our Aspire programme focuses on employment, independent living, community inclusion, and health, with work experience, volunteering, travel training, budgeting, and cooking. Our Year 14 students run The Queen’s Courthouse Community Café in Lichfield as part of their Work Experience Programme. Our careers programme was recently reassessed for the Quality in Careers Standard, with all eight Gatsby Benchmarks met in full.

Mutual respect and tolerance

Our KERC values of Kindness, Engagement, Resilience, and Courage shape how everyone treats each other. Each week, pupils are recognised with KERC awards, and GREAT awards celebrate talent and employability skills. Through PSHE and RSE, pupils learn about protected characteristics, healthy relationships, and valuing difference.

Pupils explore faith and culture throughout our GREAT curriculum, in assemblies, and on trips, helping them to understand and respect the beliefs and traditions of others. In form time, Picture News stories prompt discussion about fairness, inclusion, and different points of view.

Pupils also learn to care for others through peer mentoring and charity and fundraising work, which help them support one another and think about the needs of people beyond school. Residential visits build friendships and cooperation, and community links, such as the café and Post 16 volunteering, give pupils the chance to work alongside people from all walks of life.

Where pupils experience British values

Form time, school council, PSHE and RSE, GREAT Fridays, assemblies, peer mentoring, the Aspire programme, enrichment, educational visits including residentials in Year 9 and Year 11, visits from the police and the fire service, charity and fundraising work, and community projects.

British values in action: form time

Each week in form time, pupils may explore a real news story linked to one of the British values. The table below shows the topics that may have been discussed during Autumn 1 2026. Tutors adapt each discussion to the needs of their group. Themes are provided by Picture News.

secondary picture news coverage document england autumn 1 2026.pdf