Collective Worship

Worship is an integral part of our church school life. It is the ‘heartbeat’ of Hormead, providing a space where pupils and staff can come together to worship God, to reflect on ‘life in all its fullness’ and allowing opportunities for all to grow spiritually. Worship is attended every morning at 9am by all pupils, staff and any visitors in school are very welcome to join in.

All schools are required by law to provide a daily act of collective worship. We understand worship to be a special act or occasion, the purpose of which is to show reverence to God. In line with the Education Reform Act, which states that Collective Worship should be ‘wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character’, we normally base our Collective Worship on the teachings of Christ and the traditions of the Christian Church. We conduct our Collective Worship, however, in a manner that is sensitive to the variety of faiths and beliefs of all members of the school community. While acts of worship in our school are Christian, we also recognise and ensure that other religions are represented in our school, in our teaching of RE and through the wider community.

We do not require or pressure children to become worshipping Christians or to take part in any activity that will compromise their own family’s faith or religious or secular belief. The spiritual, social, cultural and moral welfare of all pupils whatever their background is of prime concern to us as a school. However, Christian values are built into our ethos and teaching and are reflected in the cycle of the themes which our daily acts of worship are based upon. 

All staff and pupils are invited to take part in collective worship. Although we serve the children and families of our local community, regardless of their religious background, we ask that all attending our school accept and promote our Christian ethos. Parents have the right to withdraw children from assembly, although by choosing us as a Church of England School, we would hope that parents would fully support their child’s inclusion in the whole life of the school.

To withdraw your child from collective worship, please make an appointment to meet with the Headteacher or you may either send a written request by letter to the Headteacher.

Our Collective Policy below explains more about our policy and procedure for collective worship at Hormead School

Collective Worship Comments and Feedback

"I found it really rather moving. So much so that I felt privileged to witness such an expression of spirituality and worship. The more so when you consider this is a little village school in the depths of rural Hertfordshire." School Governor

To find out more about what's happing in worship, have a look at what our Worship Council have been up to.