At St Luke’s Church of England Primary School, we are proud to be part of a hard federation with our partner community primary school. This means that while each school keeps its unique identity and character, we share one overarching Governing Body that provides strategic leadership and direction across both schools. This structure strengthens our ability to serve our children, families, and communities through a shared commitment to high standards, inclusive values, and long-term sustainability.
 

What Is a Hard Federation?

A hard federation is a formal agreement in which two or more schools operate under a single Governing Body. This is a legal structure that promotes deep collaboration, allowing schools to pool resources, share expertise, and work together more effectively for the benefit of every pupil.
 

The Benefits for St Luke’s

As part of a hard federation, St Luke’s benefits in many ways:

• Shared expertise across both schools, improving teaching and learning

• Stronger leadership and a wider pool of experience

• More effective use of funding and facilities

• Enriched professional development for staff

• Greater resilience and innovation in school improvement

Importantly, this partnership supports our ability to live out our Christian vision with clarity and strength, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and brought to life through our everyday practice.
 

Living Our Vision

At St Luke’s, our vision is a clear, inspiring statement that guides our goals, culture, and decisions. It is shaped by Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37):

“Love God. Love your neighbour as yourself. Be the Good Samaritan.”

This message drives our commitment to build a school where love, compassion, and inclusion are central. We live out our love for God through collective worship and meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth. Rooted in God’s unconditional love, we treat every individual with respect and dignity—nurturing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Together, we learn, grow, and empower one another to make a positive difference in our community and the wider world.
 

Our L.I.F.E. principles are at the heart of everything we do:

• Love

• Include

• Flourish

• Empower

These principles are reflected not just in our ethos, but also in the structure and focus of our Governing Body.
 

The Role of the Governing Body

The Governing Body leads with the responsibility of ensuring that the schools in our federation provide a high-quality, inclusive education. Governors are volunteers drawn from a range of backgrounds, including parents, staff, church representatives, and the wider community.

Their core responsibilities include:

• Setting the strategic direction for both schools

• Holding leaders to account for the educational performance of pupils and staff

• Overseeing financial performance and ensuring best use of resources

• Preserving and promoting the Christian distinctiveness of St Luke’s, in line with the SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) framework

The Governing Body is committed to ensuring that every child is nurtured and supported to thrive, and that St Luke’s remains a school where values and vision guide every decision.
 

Our Governing Committees

The Governing Body operates through focused committees that enable in-depth work on specific areas. Each committee supports school leaders, monitors progress, and ensures continuous improvement.

Federation Strategy Committee

This committee sets the long-term direction of the federation. It focuses on leadership capacity, school development planning, and opportunities to extend the partnership for the benefit of both schools.

Curriculum, Children, Performance and Standards Committee

This committee monitors the quality of education, the progress and outcomes of all pupils, safeguarding, and inclusion. It ensures that all children have access to a rich, balanced, and ambitious curriculum.

Finance and Premises Committee

This committee ensures resources are well-managed, budgets are robust, and our school sites are safe and fit for learning. It oversees capital projects, compliance, and sustainability.

Christian Ethos Committee

This is a key committee at St Luke’s – central to who we are and what we believe.

It upholds and celebrates the Christian distinctiveness of our school. The committee ensures our vision, shaped by the Good Samaritan parable, is deeply embedded in every aspect of school life. From curriculum design and worship to pastoral care and community outreach, the Christian Ethos Committee ensures that our L.I.F.E. principles—Love, Include, Flourish, Empower—are actively lived out.

The committee supports:

• Planning and evaluation of collective worship

• Faith development and spiritual wellbeing

• Deepening the impact of our Christian values and ethos

• Preparation and reflection for SIAMS inspection

• Close links with St Luke’s Church and the wider Christian community

This committee does not just preserve our Christian identity; it drives it forward, ensuring that St Luke’s remains a place where faith inspires action, and every child knows they are loved by God, valued, and capable of making a difference.

A School Where Faith and Learning Grow Together

Our place in the federation strengthens our ability to live our vision with purpose and consistency. It ensures that, rooted in love and guided by faith, we continue to build a school community where all can learn, belong, and become who they are meant to be. If you would like to learn more about our federation, our vision, or the work of the Governing Body, please contact the school office or visit our Governors' page.