Our daily act of Collective Worship is the heartbeat of our school community. Attended by all staff and pupils, it provides a daily opportunity for reflection, prayer, celebration, and joyful expression of our Christian faith. Worship at Downham is invitational, inclusive, engaging, and rooted in the teachings of Jesus.

The school aims to preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England.  Downham Church of England Primary School aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice.  It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith, and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all its pupils.

The 1988 Education Reform Act requires that there be a daily act of collective worship for all pupils, which is of a wholly or mainly broadly Christian character. Collective worship takes place each day.  Pupils are grouped in various ways - as a whole school, in Key Stages and sometimes in year or class groups. 

Our daily act of worship usually takes place in the school hall, but on certain occasions it can be held in other locations. 

Parents can exercise the right for their children’s withdrawal from worship on religious grounds. 

Weekly Worship Structure

Monday – Whole School Worship

• Led by visiting clergy and pastors from local churches
• Bible-based message and reflection
• Prayers led by our Worship Group
• Enthusiastic singing and joyful participation

Tuesday - Whole School Worship

• Led by our Executive Deputy Headteacher 
• Bible-based message and reflection
• Prayers led by our Worship Group
• Enthusiastic singing and joyful participation

Wednesday – Class-Based Picture News

• Current events are brought to life in classrooms using Picture News. Pupils are engaged using creative resources, thought-provoking stories, and tools to inspire curiosity and critical thinking.
• Sessions provide opportunities for stillness, discussion, and personal prayer

Thursdays – Whole School Singing Worship

• Lively, joyful worship through music
• Led by teachers, with active participation from all members of our school community

Friday – Whole School Celebration Worship

• Celebrating achievements, birthdays and acts of kindness
• Certificates and awards linked to the 5Cs
• Prayers and joyful songs to end the week together in thanks