Welcome to Marling School!

When you visit us, I am sure that you will be impressed by the openness and warmth of welcome you receive. We want our students to enjoy school and I am confident that you will see how enthusiastic and engaged they are in their education and how proud they are of their school.

Our unifying motto, 'We Are Marling,' highlights the significance of community and inclusion for all of us. It's grounded in our five core values, which guide our daily efforts. These values, selected by students, staff, and parents, reflect what we believe are essential qualities for Marling students today:

Inclusion

Inclusion is the cornerstone of a thriving community, where every student feels valued, respected, and supported. We believe that an inclusive environment enriches the learning experience by embracing diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and talents. At Marling, inclusion means ensuring that all students, regardless of their differences, have equal opportunities to participate, grow, and succeed. By promoting inclusion, we create a school culture where everyone belongs, encouraging empathy, understanding, and collaboration. This commitment to inclusion not only strengthens our community but also prepares our students to thrive in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.

Academic Excellence

Academic excellence is central to the mission of Marling School, driving our commitment to provide a high-quality education that empowers students to reach their full potential. We believe that striving for academic excellence not only equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success but also instils a love for learning and a dedication to continuous improvement. At Marling, academic excellence is about more than just achieving top grades; it's about cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and a strong work ethic. By upholding these standards, we prepare our students to excel in their future endeavours and to contribute meaningfully to society.

Respect

Respect is a core value at Marling School, essential to creating a positive and supportive learning environment. We believe that respect fosters a culture of understanding, kindness, and mutual regard, where every individual feels valued and heard. At Marling, respect is not just about treating others with courtesy; it's about recognizing the dignity of all members of our community—students, staff, and parents alike. By promoting respect in our daily interactions, we build strong, trusting relationships and a school atmosphere where everyone can thrive, learn, and grow together.

Perseverence 

Perseverance is a vital quality that Marling School seeks to instil in every student. It embodies the determination to push through challenges, embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth, and maintain focus on long-term goals. At Marling, we believe that perseverance is key to academic and personal success, helping students build resilience, develop problem-solving skills, and cultivate a strong work ethic. By encouraging perseverance, we prepare our students to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and to approach every obstacle with a mindset of persistence and determination.  

Passion for Learning

A passion for learning is at the heart of Marling School's mission. It drives curiosity, fuels creativity, and fosters a deep commitment to personal growth. By nurturing a love for learning, we inspire students to explore new ideas, embrace challenges, and continuously seek knowledge beyond the classroom. This passion empowers students to become lifelong learners, equipped with the skills and mindset needed to adapt, innovate, and excel in an ever-changing world. At Marling, a passion for learning is not just encouraged; it is celebrated as the foundation for success and fulfilment in all aspects of life.

Jules M Godfrey, Principal 

Marling School is committed to serving the community. The school recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom, it also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. Marling School is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

The four British Values are:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Personal responsibility and individual liberty
• Mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

The school uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students. The examples that follow show some of the many ways Marling School seeks to embed British values.

Democracy

The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at Marling School, with democratic processes being used for important decisions within the school community, for instance elections for Student Council reps. The principle of democracy is also explored in the History and Religious Studies curriculum as well as in form time and assemblies. 

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Marling School.

Students are taught the rules and expectations of the school which are highlighted by the student code of conduct and student expectations. Students are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us through Life Skills lessons and assemblies, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the local Schoolbeat officer help to reinforce this message. 

Individual Liberty

At Marling School, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices and are guided to help them make decisions about their future studies, in the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Students are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety and Tutor Time work. The rule of law and democracy and individual liberty are specifically covered in RS at GCSE.

Marling has a robust anti-bullying culture and has in place a comprehensive Behaviour Policy.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a strong part of Marling School and is part of its Core Values. Students learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through teaching and learning environments. 

Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to express their views in a safe environment. This can be seen through lesson observations and during class discussions where the opinions of all students are taken into account.

Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs

This is achieved through equipping students with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. Students benefit from a number of international visitors, including students from other countries and cultures. Additionally, students are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year. The Religious Studies curriculum, which is compulsory for all students up to KS4, provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures. 

Marling School strives endlessly to ensure that its students leave with the strongest foundation of values upon which to build a successful life and a successful contribution to our society.

The 2nd hand uniform store exists to provide affordable 2nd hand items for Marling parents and carers. All money raised goes towards funding school projects.

• The stock will change frequently as items are sold and new items donated.
• If you need an item of uniform, please contact the school office on reception@marling.school or marlinguniform@btinternet.com.
• If you have any items to donate, please bring them to the school office or leave them in a labelled, sealed bag in the plastic crate in the school porch, outside Reception.

If you have any queries, please email marlinguniform@btinternet.com.

Thank you for your support.Marling PSA

The Old Marlingtonians' Associaton (OMA) was formed in 1925 by the former Head of Marling School  H.W. Carter (1919-1944) who was also the Association's President for its inaugural ten years.

One of the functions he wished the OMA to serve was "the providing for old boys and the School of opportunities for mutual service".

Through annual subscriptions and fundraising activities, the OMA have contributed several items towards the School including:

• the World War I and II memorial boards in the School Hall
• the lectern and oak chair in the School Hall
• the Clock Tower on the Cricket Pavillion
• the portrait of H.W. Carter to celebrate its Jubilee in 1975

More recent contributions include:

• funding the re-mounting of the stone balls on the pillars which punctuate the railings
• funding resources to protect the School archives
• paying for the restoration of the Sir Samuel Stephens Marling portrait
• funding equipment for the School Gym
• paying for the specialist IT equipment needed to support the Music curriculum

Keep up to date with what is happening at Marling School by joining the Old Marlingtonians' Association. Please complete the form below and return to reception@marling.school