Christian Ethos

Courage in every step, faith in every journey.

At The Open Academy, our identity as a Church of England school is not simply a label — it is the foundation upon which everything we do is built. Our Christian ethos shapes the way we treat one another, the ambitions we hold for every member of our community, and the belief that no challenge is too great to face together.

 
Rooted in Scripture
Our vision is drawn from one of the most powerful moments in the Gospels. In Matthew 14:22–33, Jesus walks across stormy waters towards his disciples, who are afraid. In that moment of fear and uncertainty, he speaks words that have echoed through centuries: "Take courage. Do not be afraid — I am here."

Peter, trusting in those words, steps out of the boat. He walks on water. Not because the storm has passed, but because his eyes are fixed on Christ.

It is a story about what becomes possible when we choose courage over comfort, and faith over fear. It is also a story about storms — and the unwavering hope that we are never alone within them.

 
Our Vision
Courage in every step, faith in every journey  is more than a phrase on a wall. It is an invitation to every student, every member of staff, every family who is part of The Open Academy community.

We serve a catchment area that, for many, has known real hardship. We know that raising ambition — daring to believe in what is possible — takes genuine courage. Stepping out of the boat is not easy. It requires trust: trust in yourself, trust in those around you, and trust in something greater.

We believe that every young person who walks through our doors has gifts, potential, and a future worth fighting for. Our task, as a school, is to walk alongside them — to say, as Jesus said to Peter: you can do this, and you do not walk alone.

When the storms of life feel overwhelming, we point to the same horizon Peter saw: hope is real, help is present, and the next step is always worth taking.

 
Our Core Values
Our vision is made visible through three core values. Each one is deeply rooted in our Christian faith.

Aspiration
To aspire is an act of courage. It means daring to imagine a different future — for yourself, for your family, for your community. Jesus did not ask his disciples to stay in the boat; he called them out onto the water. We call every member of our community to step out too: to aim higher, expect more, and never settle for less than they are capable of. Faith gives us the confidence to believe that what seems out of reach is not beyond our grasp.

Perseverance
Peter began to sink. But he did not let go. He cried out, and he was caught. Perseverance is the understanding that struggle is not failure — it is part of the journey. Our faith teaches us that endurance has purpose, that difficulty builds character, and that those who press on discover strength they did not know they had. We encourage our students and staff to keep going, especially when it is hard, knowing that support is always near.

Respect
At the heart of Christian faith is the radical truth that every person is made in the image of God, and therefore every person holds inherent worth and dignity. Respect at The Open Academy is not simply good manners — it is a moral commitment. We honour one another because we are called to. We listen, we include, we forgive, and we strive to see the best in each other, just as we believe God sees the best in us.

 
A Community of Hope
The Open Academy is a school that believes in its people. We hold onto hope not because life is always easy, but because we are convinced — rooted in our faith — that every person here has a story still being written, and that the best chapters are yet to come.

Introduction from our Chaplain

My name is Mark Pimlott, and I am Chaplain to the Open Academy. 

My heart is to make a difference in this life that we live.

My roles are varied, and fluid and I am privileged to be involved in every area of school life. Roles include responsibility for upholding the Christian ethos and the Core Values of the Academy, which is something that is at the heart of who we are and of course the Education Brief. As Chaplain, I am responsible for those aspects of school life which address the Christian ethos more obviously than others. There are acts of collective worship, Soul Christian Union, Open house, prayer, and community involvement. These set the tone and enable the Academy to promote our core values which are very much needed in daily life. I run after school clubs and lunchtime activities for students which promote teamwork and taking responsibility.

A main part of my role is providing additional pastoral support (a listening ear) for staff, students, their families, and the community. Life today is very hectic and brings forth many challenges, so as a school we aim to support our local community in whatever way we can. I look forward to meeting you and providing support and encouragement along life’s journey.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you feel I can help in any way.

God bless you; you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Mark