At St. Stephen’s we believe that every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential within a happy, stimulating, and secure environment, where care and respect for each other, their school family, and the wider community are paramount.
We believe that every child should be encouraged to achieve the highest standards possible, in an atmosphere where all success, great or small, is properly celebrated. We believe that every child should be taught to accept and understand people with different beliefs, needs, and circumstances to their own enabled to develop morally and spiritually, gaining a growing knowledge of the Christian faith given confidence to grow in responsibility and independence, equipping them for the challenges that lie ahead. Our mission, as staff, governors, parents, and members of the wider school community, is to make this vision a reality, constantly building each other up in love and learning.
St. Stephen’s is a Voluntary Aided Church of England Primary School and responsibility for admissions lies with the governing body. The underlying ethos of the school is Christian but it is a church school for the whole community and it welcomes applications for pupils of other faiths or no faith.
Our published admissions number is 60 children per school year. Admissions are handled by the Schools Admissions Team at Richmond Borough Council. They will be able to tell you if there are any spaces available or add you to the school's waiting list. You can list up to four maintained schools or academies in the borough in the order that you prefer them. Richmond Council coordinates all in-year applications for schools in the borough. they will pass on your child's details to the admissions authorities for the schools you have named and they will let you know if your child has qualified for a place. If none of the schools that you apply for can offer your child a place, they will advise you of the nearest school with a vacancy and you will be able to make another application.
Please note your child will be expected to start in the correct year group for their age. Your family must already be living in the property before you can apply for a school place except in the following circumstance. If you are an HM Forces family with a confirmed posting to this area, or a UK Crown Servant returning from overseas to this area, you can apply for a school place up to four months in advance of your return. This is provided your application is accompanied by official documentary evidence from your employer that confirms a relocation date and your address in the Richmond borough.
The Council and all primary schools including academies and free schools in Richmond upon Thames have agreed on a fair access protocol to admit children who are currently without a school place and may have difficulty finding a suitable school place.
Children who are admitted to schools under this protocol take priority over any children on waiting lists. The Fair Access Panel, which considers applications under this protocol, consists of representative headteachers and senior Council staff. The panel makes the final decision on which school will be nominated to receive each case. This will take into account the suitability of the placement for the pupil and the school and, where possible, will ensure that the required additional resources are made available to support the pupil's successful integration into school.
St Stephen’s school ensures that all children with additional needs have opportunities to thrive and flourish, demonstrate their abilities and overcome barriers. Our ethos is embedded within our vision statement and our school values of Friendship, Service, Peace, Kindness, Respect, Thankfulness, and Forgiveness. We have a cohesive approach to additional needs, training teachers and support staff to develop their awareness of a range of needs and enabling our learners to acquire knowledge and build self-confidence.
For all our children (regardless of their gender, ethnicity, social background, religion, sexual identity, physical ability, or educational need) we are keen to ensure they are rounded individuals who are prepared for their future in an ever-changing world. To that end, we encourage our children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to develop their skills and talents and to be as independent as possible.
As we are a voluntary aided church school, most of our governors are appointed by the Church. In addition, we have three elected parent governors and a local authority governor. As governors we are proud to support the school within the St Margarets’ Community, celebrating its considerable successes and good name.
