Open Day Questions

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News - 16th Sep 2026

Here are some FAQ’s from prospective parents who have toured the school.

  1. What difference does it make that you are a Church of England school?

Being a Church of England school enables us to have many distinctive Christian approaches, all of which are clearly linked to our vision and mission.

For example, we have daily Acts of Worship that students are able to contribute to if they wish. The St. Peter’s Character Compass intentionally builds abits for character that support students to develop their wisdom, courage, compassion and community mindedness.

Our Principles of guide every decision and how we plan learning.

Our curriculum offer as a Church of England school and not being in a MAT provides us with flexibility and freedom to develop distinctive teaching opportunities e.g. VIP, Extended Thinking, Internal Alternative Provision.

We are very well connected to national Church education organisations and have frequently shared great practice and approaches to many areas of school life that are distinctively Christian with other schools around the country.

You’ll find out a bit more by watching our three minute, Be a Story of video that’s on our website. https://www.spexe.org/

  1. What support have you got for dyslexia and dyscalculia?

Staff are trained to support all learners and this includes students with dyslexia and dyscalculia.If there is an area of SEND that we don’t yet have expertise in we seek support and training from other organisations wherever possible.

  1. What are the transition arrangements for SEND students?

SEND students receive an enhanced transition seeking to get to know students as individuals and also to help students get to know the school and begin to develop working relationships with staff.

  1. Will it be possible to speak to/meet the SenCo at some point across the open evening?

The SENDCo and members of her team will be available at the Open Evening and the upcoming coffee mornings.

  • Monday 21st September 9.45am – 10.45am
  • Thursday 1st October 9.45am – 10.45am
  • Tuesday 6th October 9.45am – 10.45am
  1. What was the maximum distance away that non religious places were given (will my child get in?!)

It varies every year but last year the furthest distance away from the school for non- Church places or EHCPs was 491m.

  1. What would you say you could do better as a school?

As a school, a learning organisation, we recognise we could do most things better.We have a reflective culture with a range of approaches that promote our learning and how we prioritise improvements.

As a Beacon school for Relational and Restorative Practice we are continually learning from research which we use to help the St. Peter’s community.

Whilst staff recruitment and retention is very strong, we are not complacent and we plan very thoughtfully for staff training.One particular area we are excited to improve on is how we promote oracy for the children in our care.

All staff have appraisal targets linked to our priorities that look to better deliver on our vision and mission statements.

Education is a fast moving world, chronically underfunded and so we are constantly ensuring we are aware of Government DfE changes and demands and do all we reasonably can to deliver on them.

  1. How much are the yonder pouches?

Yondr pouches are currently priced at £15 and designed to last for 7 years.If students wish to bring a phone to school Yondr pouches are compulsory.

  1. The sensory room seems small for the amount of children.  Can children always access?

Typically students have timetabled sensory breaks.These are personalised for students, depending on their needs e.g. some students love to be outside, or walk as well as using the sensory room.

Beyond the personalised timetables staff will look to adapt and be flexible where possible, as we fully understand not every day goes to plan!

  1. Will you do The Big Step again?

The Big Step is a Yr6-7 transition week in the summer holidays to support students starting school well in September.

Yes, we are planning on continuing with The Big Step.

  1. How are you managing the huge introduction of AI in the future of careers?

We are well connected with national organisations who are helping guide us, in this fast-moving world of AI.

Ongoing training and seeking best practice will support the foundations of how we evolve and navigate this important area.

  1. What is staff turnover like?

St. Peter’s employs in the region of 180 staff.We are delighted that despite the national and local funding issues, staff recruitment and retention is very strong with little movement.Typically staff move for promotion, retirement or love!

  1. Will other members of the leadership team be staying on?

The Senior Leadership Team is a very strong and stable team who are all very committed to the school.No doubt over time, like any organisation there will be changes but the school is in very good hands with the SLT colleagues.

 

 

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