Statement of Secular Principles: Our Commitment to Unity

At TPA, we pride ourselves on being a secular, inclusive learning community. We believe that the school day should be a shared experience where every child, regardless of their background, faith or belief, participates in the same journey of discovery.

To maintain our “Outstanding” standard of education and to ensure the well-being of every child, we adhere to the following principles:

1. Statutory Collective Reflection (Funding Agreement Clause 24 & 26)

In accordance with our Funding Agreement and the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, TPA provides a daily act of collective worship. As a school without a designated religious character, we fulfil this through a “Daily Act of Collective Reflection” (our School Prayer). While the statutory default for such acts is that they be “wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character,” we have carefully designed our reflection to be inclusive, allowing children of all backgrounds a shared moment for internal reflection and the consideration of shared human values. Our legal and operational focus is on this collective experience; we do not facilitate individualised religious rituals as they sit outside this statutory framework.

2. The Principle of Simultaneity

We believe that a strong school community is built on doing things together. Our “Hidden Curriculum” teaches the value of collective focus. We maintain a universal timetable where all children engage in the same activities at the same time. Individualised withdrawals for private rituals disrupt this communal flow and create visible social stratification.

3. Operational Supervision and Risk Management

All activities on the school site must fall within our established, risk-assessed routines.

• Supervision: We do not have the operational capacity or staffing resources to provide the necessary supervision for additional, self-selected private activities in separate areas of the school.
• Dietary Abstention: We discourage any form of dietary abstention for non-medical reasons for primary-aged children. Consistent hydration and nutrition are essential to maintain the energy levels required for our broad and balanced curriculum.

4. Respect for Private Practice

We fully respect the right of families to practice their faith or personal beliefs outside of school hours. We view the school as a public space focused on civic and academic development, while religious or cultural practice remains a private matter for the home and the community.

Summary of Policy for Parents