Our Values and Ethos

Leweston is a Catholic boarding and day school which focuses on preparing pupils for life beyond the school.

The independence, resilience and willingness to try instilled at Leweston provides pupils with the confidence to meet the challenges of the wider world. High standards are set both inside and outside the classroom, and our values of community, opportunity and expertise are the bedrock of our school. We welcome pupils of all faiths and none, building a strong sense of community, courtesy, respect and affection that has at its heart prayer and service to others.

Aims of the School

To give pupils an experience of life in a Christian community:

By affirming each individual as a sacred and unique part of God’s creation, and nurturing in each person a sense of dignity and self-worth
By valuing diversity and appreciating the contribution that every pupil makes to the life of the school

To provide the highest quality of teaching and learning, which is responsive to and supportive of the needs and aspirations of the individual:

By fostering intellectual curiosity, a desire to seek truth, and a life-long love of learning
By enabling pupils to discover their own strengths and weaknesses, to learn from ‘failures’, and to develop the determination to persevere, in order to pursue their goals
By supporting all pupils in their pursuit of academic and personal excellence and ensuring every pupil can take part in the school curriculum

To provide a programme of sport and outdoor learning accessible to all which supports and enhances pupils’ personal development and academic achievements.

To forge relationships of trust and mutual respect between staff and students which contribute to the success of pupils in all aspects of school life.

To inspire pupils to develop their God-given gifts and be happy with who they are.

Catholic Values and Ethos

At Leweston, Christ is at the centre of all that we do. Guided by our Catholic faith, we are committed to shaping young people who are secure in who they are, compassionate towards others, and equipped to flourish in an everchanging world. Our mission is to help each pupil become ready for anything, entirely themselves: rooted in faith, strong in character, confident in their identity, and empowered to use their God-given gifts for the good of others.

As a Catholic school, we are proud of our faith foundation and warmly welcome pupils and families of all faiths and none. We celebrate the richness that diversity brings, and foster a culture of respect, understanding and dialogue. Every member of our school is invited to engage with our values and ethos, whilst being supported and respected in their own beliefs, traditions and spiritual journeys.

At Leweston, the way we live, learn and grow together reflects our Catholic identity. By embracing all members of our community and nurturing the unique gifts of each individual, our pupils leave equipped to meet life's opportunities and challenges with faith and hope, inspired to Rejoice and Do Well.

Catholic Life and Mission

Our Catholic Life and Mission shape every aspect of school life. Grounded in the Gospel values of love and service, we seek to nurture an environment where every person is known, valued and encouraged to become the person God created them to be. This commitment is reflected in the exceptional pastoral care we provide and in the strong, positive relationships that underpin life at Leweston. Our Catholic Life and Mission foster a community where faith is lived, celebrated, and expressed through service to others.

Prayer Life and Faith Leaders

At Leweston, the Chapel of St Antony provides a welcoming space for prayer and reflection, bringing our community together in worship, thanksgiving and shared celebration. These experiences support the spiritual growth of our young people, enabling them to live lives of joy and love. Our faith leaders, both staff and pupils, play an active role in shaping the spiritual life of the school through chaplaincy leadership, music ministry and service to others. In doing so, they develop confidence and a sense of purpose as they put their faith into action.

Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching is woven throughout our curriculum and wider school life, inspiring pupils to act with compassion, promote justice, and become agents of positive change. Through charitable initiatives and social action projects, they put their faith into practice while developing a deep understanding of human dignity, solidarity and care for creation, empowering them to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Find out more about CST at Leweston

Religious Education

As the ‘core of the core’ curriculum, Religious Education holds a distinctive place in school life, nurturing spiritual, moral, intellectual, and personal growth through the study.

Strategic Plan 2022-2025

Developed with input from governors, staff, parents and pupils the Strategic Plan sets out Leweston’s priorities for the next three years. It outlines the direction for the school and reflects both what we are as a community, and what we believe to be important. The plan is centred on five core strategic goals based on the school’s three values: Community, Opportunity, Expertise, Identity and Accountability. It is ambitious, both for our pupils and for the school as a whole, but we believe it demonstrates our uncompromising commitment to provide every pupil with the best possible opportunity to learn and grow and to help them to achieve more than they thought possible.

Inspection Reports

Leweston is regularly inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. Safeguarding is at the heart of all ISI inspections. This involves checking whether schools are compliant with the minimum standards required, not only in terms of policies and procedures, but also in what they do. Inspectors not only check documentation but also interview staff and pupils.

ISI inspections pay particular attention to pupil voice. All pupils are invited to complete a confidential questionnaire and inspectors prioritise formal and informal meetings with pupils to ensure that any issues raised can be followed up during the visit. For the same reason all parents are invited to complete a confidential pre-inspection questionnaire.