At St John's Catholic Primary School, Trowbridge, we are called to love as a Catholic community in the service of the Church's educational mission. Explore how we are constantly striving to be the best version of ourselves in order that we can be the change makers and leaders God has called us to be.

'The extent to which pupils contribute to and benefit from the Catholic life of the school, the quality of its provision and the effectiveness of leaders and governors in monitoring and evaluating this provision is outstanding overall'

Section 48 Inspection 

Our School Mission 

Our school mission, “We grow and learn in the footsteps of Jesus,” is at the heart of everything we do. It guides our learning, our relationships, and the way we care for one another each day. Inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus, we strive to create a nurturing environment where every child feels valued, respected, and loved. We encourage our pupils to follow Jesus' example by showing kindness, forgiveness, and compassion, and by using their gifts to serve others. Through a rich Catholic education rooted in faith, we grow not just academically, but spiritually and morally, walking together in love and hope as a school family.

Pupil Leadership 

At our Catholic primary school, pupil leadership is a vital part of nurturing confident, responsible, and faith-filled young people. We believe that every child has the potential to lead and make a positive difference in their school and wider community. Through roles such as School Council members, Chapel Champions, House Captains, and Reading Leaders, our pupils are given the opportunity to grow in service, teamwork, and moral integrity. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus and guided by Gospel values, our young leaders learn to listen with compassion, act with kindness, and lead by example—fostering a school environment where every voice is heard, and every child can flourish. We know we are called to share our unique gifts, and we can do this together in many small ways every day.       

Chapel Champions 

Our Chapel Champions play a special role in leading the prayer life and supporting worship across the school and within our beautiful. As faith leaders, they help to create a peaceful, prayerful atmosphere where all pupils can grow closer to God. They take responsibility for preparing the chapel for liturgies, assemblies, and class prayer times, ensuring the sacred space is respected and welcoming. The Chapel Champions also lead prayers during collective worship, help plan special religious celebrations, and support younger pupils in understanding the importance of prayer. Through their example and dedication, they help to nurture a strong sense of spiritual community rooted in Catholic social teaching themes. 

The chaplaincy team are commissioned where they receive their Chaplaincy Team Badge and a blessing from Bishop Bosco at Clifton Cathedral.  

The Chapel Champions play a vital role in the Prayer life and Catholic life of our school and are supported by our Parish Priest, Fr Richard, Mrs O'Rourke, Mr Gerrish, Miss O'Mahony and Ms Susan Beleska.

The Chapel Champions have many important roles including:

• Being an influencer to all children in living a life of faith
• Developing positive relationships within and beyond the school community
• Leading prayer and reflections in the school Chapel
• Communicate the Catholic social teaching themes and how they can shape our lives
• Planning and leading key stage/whole school collective worship
• Assisting in the organisation of school masses and liturgies
• Helping plan and lead charity events
• To continue to develop strong links with the Parish
• To support the school in its Mission Statement  

Leaders In Faith Awards

Children gain public recognition of their engagement in RE through local and global experiences, one of which is the Leaders In Faith Award, recognised by Clifton Diocese. All children in KS2 are supported to complete the Award, which begins at Bronze level, moves onto Silver level, then Gold and finally Platinum! Children in KS1 who are working at greater depth in Religious Education have an opportunity to begin their leadership journey when age appropriate. This award allows us to promote debate and dialogue, take appropriate action and put Catholic Social Teaching into action. Please see the attachment below which includes an overview of the challenges set.    

We celebrate the completion of the Award with each child being presented a certificate during the whole school celebration assembly by Mrs O'Rourke.

Building The Kingdom

We are proud to work with Sr Judith Russi and the Building the Kingdom programme, which inspires our school community to live out Gospel values in meaningful and transformative ways. Through this partnership, we explore deep questions of faith, justice, and purpose, encouraging pupils to become courageous advocates for positive change in the world. Sr Judith’s guidance helps us to embed Catholic Social Teaching across the curriculum, allowing children to see their learning as part of a greater mission to build a more compassionate and loving society. This work strengthens our Catholic identity and empowers our pupils to live out their faith with hope, joy, and a deep sense of responsibility to others.  

House Captains

Our House Captains also help to strengthen the prayer life of their house groups, often using the arts—such as music, drama, art, and dance—as creative ways to express and deepen our faith. Through these artistic forms, pupils across all year groups are given meaningful opportunities to reflect, worship, and connect with God in ways that speak to their hearts and imaginations. Whether it’s through leading a reflective drama, composing prayers, or creating visual displays for our chapel and liturgies, the arts play a powerful role in helping our children grow spiritually. Guided by the examples of our house saints—St Don Bosco, St Francis of Assisi, St Mother Teresa, and St Carlo Acutis—our houses become communities where prayer, creativity, and Catholic life come together.

Lunchtime Team

At our school, we are proud to be part of the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme, which transforms playtimes into rich, inclusive, and imaginative learning experiences for every child. Through OPAL, we recognise the vital role of play in children's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual development. Our playtimes are carefully planned to offer a wide range of creative and engaging opportunities—from den-building and role-play to water play and teamwork games—allowing children to explore, take risks, and build friendships. Rooted in our Catholic values, OPAL play supports a joyful, respectful, and caring environment where every child feels safe, included, and inspired to grow. Our child leadership role of 'Play Rangers' allows children to support children in their play and fosters a school community which encourages leadership and responsibility.

Charity Work

Our school family has a long successful history of supporting and leading charity work in our neighbourhood and with our brothers and sisters further afield.  The children thrive on making a difference and there is a buzz of excitement and anticipation as to what we can achieve next so that we are Building the Kingdom! 

 Adult Leadership 

Our Prayer & Liturgy Faculty

We are very proud of the work completed by the Prayer & Liturgy Faculty. The group meets six times per year and supports the prayer life and Catholic mission at St John's, Trowbridge. The faculty includes colleagues from the school office, Teaching Assistants, teachers, governors and our Parish Priest.  

Catholic Certificate for Religious Education

The Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) is an important part of our commitment to providing high-quality Catholic education. It offers staff the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Catholic theology, scripture, and the Church’s mission in education. By undertaking the CCRS, our teachers grow in both knowledge and faith, enabling them to confidently embed Catholic values across the curriculum and support the spiritual development of all pupils. This professional formation strengthens our school's Catholic identity and ensures that the Gospel message is central to all aspects of school life, helping us to truly live out our mission of growing and learning in the footsteps of Jesus. A