Our school is part of the Diocese of Oxford’s family of schools, the Anglican Church’s gift to the community across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. The school is founded upon traditional Christian values, which are manifest in the school’s culture and ethos of ‘Dignity and Respect for all’. Students and staff of all faiths and none are equally valued, cherished and loved.

We believe that education in all its fullness enables all people – students and staff – to flourish, socially, emotionally and academically.

Our school Bible verse, “I have come that they may have life, and have it in full” expresses our firm belief that education should recognise the richness of being human, acknowledging the highs and lows we all face as we develop and grow. The promise given in John 10:10 is that life can be lived fully through being part of a community and understanding the importance of love and service as taught by Jesus.

• We place Dignity and Respect at the heart of everything we do
  – Dignity emphasises the importance of self-worth (Am I loveable? Am I capable?)
  – Respect requires intentional acts of inclusivity, equity and fairness, and commitment to the service to others
• We know that Kindness towards oneself and towards others enables people to build a foundation for living a fulfilling life
• We value love, compassion and forgiveness for the individuals in our care
  Our “warm strict” culture recognises that high standards and expectations can be sustained and reinforced by adhering to clear boundaries and building positive relations
• We are motivated by our strong belief to educate the whole person, which includes having high aspirations for personal behaviour and academic success within the wider context of educating young people in the modern world. This will enable them to flourish now and in their future
• We actively work to improve staff and student well-being so that we can embrace our potential and be empowered to serve the common good

Our Christian Ethos Group, which is responsible for developing our school’s Christian ethos in practical ways across school life, comprises student representatives, members of staff, governors, trustees and local clergy. As well as developing new ideas, the group oversees the work of the Chaplaincy Team, opportunities for education, reflection and spiritual growth, and the Annual Service of Praise and Thanksgiving, which is attended by the whole school.

The students’ leadership on social justice and their championing of the least advantaged are a deliberate outworking of the message of the gospels.  You will see how this impacts our young people and wider society in the ‘Living out our Values’ section of this website.

The school welcomes students and staff of all faiths and none.

Waddesdon has a small team of local chaplains including church leaders, youth workers and other Christian leaders alongside the Vicar of St. Michael and All Angels Waddesdon. These chaplains support collective worship as well as provision of a lunchtime Christian Union. They have provided additional teaching programmes for small groups of students on issues facing young people today. The chaplains have also made it possible for students to take part in spiritual retreat days in collaboration with Oxford Diocese. These retreats may provide an opportunity for older students to help lead elements of the retreat for younger students and grow in their own spiritual leadership. 

Chaplaincy Team

Revd Caroline Wainman – Vicar St. Michael and All Angels 
Sam McKee – Youth for Christ Aylesbury 
Kane Dick – Pastor, The Potter’s House Aylesbury 
Josh Lane – Youth Leader, Southcourt Baptist Church Aylesbury 
Luke Martin – Youth Leader, Aylesbury Vineyard  
Stephen Box – Waddesdon School Governor 
Revd Heather McCulloch – Associate Vicar, Thame Church, Oxfordshire 

Our hope is that Waddesdon School continues to be not just a school, but a family where there is a place for everyone irrespective of colour, culture or creed; a place where the weak are strengthened, the lost are found, the isolated are integrated and all flourish irrespective of their personal circumstances. It is our prayer that our students and staff will flourish in the knowledge that they are loved eternally and that the words of this verse will give them the confidence they need to achieve highly and to live a fruitful life in all its fullness.