Sidcot School was founded in 1699 by Headmaster William Jenkins and is administered on the Quaker principles of truth, integrity, respect, simplicity, equality, and sustainability. These Quaker values, also called testimonies, are fundamental to the education and the experience of all students in the School.
What Does It Mean To Be A Quaker School?
Quaker schools are based on the beliefs of the Religious Society Of Friends, or Quakers as they are more commonly known. This means that we are guided by the core values of Quakerism and use these to underpin the education, activities, and daily life of our students. As a Quaker school we take a holistic approach to education, focusing on personal growth, community service, and social responsibility just as much as academic achievement. Through a combination of tailored academics and an emphasis on moral development, Quaker schools like ours aim to prepare students to be compassionate, thoughtful leaders and valuable assets to their communities.
Quaker Values
We use the Quaker values to help us to define what matters most at Sidcot School, promoting a learning environment centred on mutual respect. These are our Quaker values:
- Truth - a commitment to honesty and authenticity in every aspect of life
- Integrity - honesty and ethical behaviour in all dealings
- Respect - recognition of the inherent worth and dignity of every individual
- Simplicity - living a life free from excessive materialism, focusing instead on what truly matters
- Equality - listening to all voices and creating spaces where everyone is treated with fairness
- Sustainability - a responsibility to the environment for current and future generations.
Our respect for these testimonies means that we value each member of the community equally, which results in gentle, courteous, and friendly relationships between staff and pupils. We also expect the highest standards of commitment, truthfulness, and consideration for others. Our working ambience is rigorous but conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect in which each person can master how to learn with integrity.
The Sidcot Learning Wheel
At Sidcot, Quaker practices are an essential part of School life, and so are incorporated in every aspect of teaching in our Quaker school. We have used these values to create the Sidcot Learning Wheel. The Sidcot Wheel is a diagrammatic method by which teachers at the School may ensure that all their lessons contain relevant references to aspects and ideals of Quakerism. Students will be encouraged to engage actively with their lessons, growing curious and excited by their discoveries that learning can provide, and developing a lifelong love of learning.
Quaker Roles At Sidcot School
Quaker schools assign Quaker roles to their students who support in the delivery of the Quaker values.
In Sidcot Senior School, four students are appointed to be ‘Quaker Elders’. The Elders run our weekly Meeting for Worship, deliver assemblies, and facilitate workshops for students and staff throughout the year, including during tutor sessions, in staff training, and across Quaker Week. Alongside the Quaker Overseer, who is a member of staff, they are responsible for nurturing the Quaker ethos of the school.
In the Junior School, a member of staff oversees seven student Quaker elders and is responsible for the Quaker ethos.
Our Quaker School Traditions
Meeting for Worship
Meeting for Worship is a time for quiet reflection where participants may attend to their thoughts in a spirit of sympathy and sincerity. It is part of our School life and included in the timetable. Staff and students gather in silence in which anyone present can ‘minister’ - this is when a participant feels compelled by the Spirit to speak, pray, read, or share their experience. This participation is usually unplanned. The Meeting starts on Fridays at 10.20am and ends at 10.55am.
Members of the boarding community also attend Sunday Meeting for Worship about twice a term, which is run by Sidcot Local Meeting, and is held in the Small Meeting House at 10.30am for an hour.
Sunday Evening Meeting
On the first Sunday of the month during term time, our Student Quaker Elders organise a more informal Meeting for Worship. The Meeting starts with music and is followed by silent worship for about 25 minutes and is then finished off with a cup of tea and some time to talk to each other. Everyone from the School and the local community is welcome to attend.
Quaker Week
Every October, Student Quaker Elders and their team run a week of workshops and fun activities centred around our Quaker values. It is a time to celebrate these values, to reinforce what we stand for and to recognise our heritage. Activities are usually designed around an annual theme and include topical tutor sessions, debates, talks, art exhibitions, creative workshops, and crafts.
The Fox Trot
Each year, a group of staff and senior students join members of other Quaker schools in the UK to explore the significant places and ideas behind the story of George Fox (founder of Quakerism) and the early Quakers. The weekend helps forge links between schools and individuals, which are valuable in keeping alive the Quaker ethos in the eight Quaker schools that participate.
Visit Our Quaker School
Sidcot School is open to students of any faith or religion. We would love to show you around our school and tell you more about the Quaker values we live by and how they help us to create a school where every student is encouraged to be themselves and live life to the full. Request a prospectus, attend an open day, or book a private tour.
Learn more about a Quaker education by visiting the aquakereducation.co.uk website.