No. The evidence shows that all pupils thrive in the family scale school. Working alongside  parents we can ensure that pupils are supported academically, at whatever level they are working. Socially, there are many benefits from a mixed age school and strong friendships are formed. We work hard to develop genuine, long-term relationships.  Pupils learn to be inclusive in their friendships and learn that difficulties have to be worked through rather than ignored.

In addition, each site will be an integral part of a much larger school which will help with sport, music and drama.

No. Christian schools, in line with the central beliefs of the Christian faith, have a genuine heart for the nations. Christianity, at its very core, is an inclusive, neighbourly, outward-facing activity. SCFS is completely open about teaching the whole curriculum from a Christian perspective but it is fully aware of its responsibility to explain thoroughly and accurately that ‘some people think differently‘. At Bethany School the Spiritual, Social, Moral and Cultural education was judged to be ‘outstanding in every respect’ by Inspectors.

The family is the cement that holds society together. Our ‘system’ asks parents to accept the responsibilty for their children’s education but gives few opportunities to be involved shaping and developing it. The National Curriculum is secular but the SCFS curriculum has been devised by parents and teachers co-operating together in order to provide a Christian education for our own children. When parents are fully involved with their children’s education, both at home and in the school, the children and their families thrive.

Yes. The admissions policy will be administrated by the Local Authority and the SCFS will be open to all to apply. Like in all faith schools, some priority can be given to Christian families but the SCFS sites will be there primarily to serve local families, local communities and the city.

Yes. Christianity has a clear and distinctive creation story which is relevant to all areas of the curriculum. We know that ‘some people think differently‘ so we will be sure to give full weight to other views of the origins and purposes of life.  Our science curriculum will be broad and well-balanced, looking at the assumptions, evidence and interpretations behind scientific theories. Michael Gove’s  view that ‘teaching creationism is at odds with scientific fact’ will be taken into account. (Note: 80% of our pupils achieve GCSE grades A*-C in Science courses)

This is impossible. Religion and faith  are universal cultural phemomenon. It is part of being human. Faith may or may not be directed towards a deity and it does not always involve religious ritual but all people have a belief in some form of non-dependent reality. It could be a code, a belief or a religion which informs their ultimate convictions and which directs their ideas and actions. In the SCFS we are completely open about our own world view, we teach about other ways of thinking and give tools of world view analysis so that our families can make fair judgements. Also, because a person’s (or a school’s, or a governments) ultimate convictions (religion or world view) affect every aspect of their life (ethos, ethics and policy) it cannot be successfully contained in a Religious Studies timetable slot.

No. Our Core Values are directed at serving families, communities and our city. Of course, we want Christian families to benefit from schools that teach from a Christian perspective but we know that the principles we use and the values we hold will enable all children to thrive. The history of education in Sheffield demonstrates the hugely positive impact that Christians have had on children and young people over many generations. We want to continue that tradition and add to, and extend, the work that Christians are already doing to support schools in our city.

Yes. The SCFS will be in the ‘system’ and we will be extending choice, particularly for parents who want their children’s education to have a Christian perspective. Over the past 40 years some Christians working in schools may have had a local leavening effect but they have not be able to prevent the ‘system’  moving to a secular, materialist, educational ideology. Some church schools, some Christian Unions, some local churches and some individuals all can make ripples for good inside the ‘system’. However, in addition to these, the SCFS will be significant enough to make waves which could begin to rock the boat of secular education. Also, our ‘system’ includes independent schools and home education and the SCFS could be a helpful resource to these important areas.

Extending Choice – Parents have limited access to Christian faith-based education beyond the existing Catholic and CofE church schools. The only Secondary provision in the city is in the two Catholic schools.

Raising Standards – Christian schools have a proven track record for excellence in areas including academic performance, behaviour and character development.

Providing Additional Places – Sheffield has a shortfall of places, particularly at secondary level, from 2015. The City Council would welcome the extra places the Free School would provide.

Parental / Pupil Support – Parents involved with family-scale Christian schools give a high level of practical and emotional (and, at present, financial) support to the model. The pupils enjoy being at school!
‘Pupils confirm that they are well cared for, that they appreciate the support provided by their teachers and that they enjoy being at the school.  Their view is supported overwhelmingly by the parents who praise the work of the school and staff.’ (BSI Inspection Report, March 2010)

Community Support – Christianity is a neighbourly, inclusive, community activity. The Sheffield Christian Free School will aim to be a local Christian school, serving local families and local communities. We have been able to build up good relationships with the local businesses that provide services to the school and participate in activities arranged by community. Where there is a demand – we will go!

Innovative and Successful Model – We are proposing a tried and tested model which has been developed, reviewed and refined for over 25 years. The model works and the key to its success is the ‘innovation’ of parental responsibility and involvement. Our ability to recruit parental support is a strength of our proposal.

Easy to Replicate – In 2006 we facilitated the establishment of a second school in the city. This school was deliberately set up as an autonomous organisation but it successfully uses the SCFS model. Using this experience in the Free School context we would be able replicate this proceedure much more economically and efficiently.  In addition, the model could be used in other cities and we have had some requests from other areas.