Church School & SIAMS

Pyrland School is part of the family of Church of England schools within the Bath and Wells Diocese. We are committed to provide a wide range of opportunities to ensure all students make the most of their learning and participate in our school community. We pride ourselves on being an extremely caring school, where our students feel safe, cared for and are aware of the help they can access when issues arise. We have an exceptional pastoral team who get to know students and their families.

The Pyrland Way is: “Ready, Respectful, Responsible” – rooted in our Christian distinctiveness and values.

Jesus said: “I have come in order that you may have life – life in all its fullness.”

Our over-arching vision, encompassed in this verse from John 10.10, is one of human flourishing for all. It is one in which there is an expectation of excellence and academic rigour at all levels and embraces the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, moral and social development of students. Pyrland School cares, nurtures, and values everyone regardless of faith and background. We respect individuality and diversity and encourage students to reflect upon themselves and the world around them.

Our values of “Ready, Respectful, Responsible” reflect this vision:

Ready and prepared to live ‘life in all its fullness’, for everyone to have opportunities, experiences and times of reflection and spiritual growth for the ‘in’, ‘out’ and ‘up’ of life. Students are able to reflect on themselves, others and the wider world with care, aspiration and a sense of wonder.

Respectful behaviour and attitudes are core values and are highlighted through ‘Pyrland Against Prejudice’.  Our relational approach continues to build a culture of respect that is rooted in our Christian distinctiveness of care and kindness to all. The parable of the good Samaritan ends with the words: “Who acted like a neighbour? The one who was kind. Go and do the same.”

Responsible behaviour and attitudes from individuals, for one another and for the wider world enable everyone to grow and flourish. There are many opportunities for student leadership to help others and build our school community. Our Christian distinctiveness shines out through the joy of belonging, our enrichment curriculum, relational and restorative approaches and valuing the uniqueness of each individual.

School Pastors

The school pastors are volunteers from local churches who assist with supporting the well being of students by offering a reassuring and friendly presence.

They wear a distinctive uniform so they can be easily identified by students, parents and staff.

School pastors help with many aspects of school life including:

• Lunchtime duties – being available for students to chat too and assist with providing quiet games and activities.
• Wellbeing talk and walk sessions with students needing a supportive adult to speak too.
• Helping on school trips and visits.
• Patrolling outside school at the end of the school day.

School Chaplain

Our School Chaplain Mrs Vercoe serves the whole school community regardless of faith or belief. She is based in our school chaplaincy which is a calm  and peaceful space and combines her chaplaincy role with being the school Senior Mental Health Lead.

The chaplain spends time listening and talking with students, who can talk to her for many different reasons including bereavement, anxiety, friendship difficulties and managing emotions.

Students needing a quiet space for personal prayer and reflection can speak to the chaplain to arrange this.