At Witchampton C of E First School, our distinctively Christian character is enriched by strong, active partnerships with our local churches and the Diocese of Salisbury. These close links provide our pupils with rich opportunities to explore faith, grow spiritually, and experience vibrant community worship.

St. Mary’s Church, Witchampton

As our parish church is located right in the heart of our village, St. Mary’s is an integral part of our school family.

• School & Family Services: We regularly gather at St. Mary's throughout the academic year to celebrate key Christian festivals, including our Harvest, Christmas, Easter, and Year 4 Leavers' services, where parents, carers, and community members are warmly invited to join us.

• Regular Parish Service Schedule:

  • 1st Sunday of the Month (9:00 AM): Family-friendly "Breakfast Church" (informal worship preceded by breakfast).

  • 3rd Sunday of the Month (10:00 AM): Parish Communion (with Sunday School running for children in the Village Hall).

  • 2nd & 4th Sundays of the Month (3:00 PM): Methodist Church Services.

  • Every Tuesday (10:00 AM): Half-hour silent prayer time.

• Community Connection (Monthly Soup Lunch): St. Mary's holds a popular monthly community soup lunch, bringing local villagers, church members, and families together to share warm food, friendship, and hospitality.

• Open the Book: Members of our local church community visit us regularly to lead interactive Open the Book assemblies, bringing Bible stories to life through drama, costumes, and active pupil participation.

Wimborne Minster

We are privileged to have close ties with the historic Wimborne Minster, providing our children with direct experience of a historic place of worship and Christian heritage within our local area.

• Worship: Our year four leavers are warmly invited to a leavers service every July to celebrate the end of their primary school journey.  

The Diocese of Salisbury

We work closely with the Diocese of Salisbury to ensure our school vision, worship, and curriculum remain inspiring, inclusive, and theologically grounded.

• Curriculum & Policy Guidance: Diocesan advisors work directly with us to develop our Religious Education (RE) curriculum and spiritual development frameworks.

• Training & Governance: The Diocese provides ongoing professional development for our staff and leadership team, ensuring our Christian distinctiveness continues to nurture every child to live "life in all its fullness" (John 10:10).