"Good moral character is not something that we can achieve on our own. We need a culture that supports the conditions under which self-love and friendship flourish."
Aristotle

At the Quantock Education Trust, we believe that education is about far more than academic achievement alone. Our purpose is to help every child and young person develop the knowledge, skills, values and character they need to flourish in school, in their communities and throughout their lives. This commitment to character has been part of our schools for many years. Today, it remains central to who we are and what we stand for.

Through research, collaboration and the sharing of best practice across our schools, we have developed a Trust-wide approach to Character Education that combines evidence-informed practice with the unique strengths of each individual school. Our approach recognises that character is developed not through isolated lessons, but through everyday experiences, relationships, opportunities and responsibilities.

Our Vision

To enrich life opportunities for all members of our Trust community, working and learning together with aspiration, ambition and care, in our schools and wider society. 

Our Values

Uniqueness - We commit to respecting and protecting the diverse and unique qualities of each individual and each school within our Trust community, celebrating both similarities and differences.

Community - We listen to, influence and play an active role in our communities.

Aspiration - We raise standards and provide opportunities for developing talents in all areas of life.

Respect - We respect and celebrate the value and preciousness of every individual.

Equity - We aim to enrich the unique life opportunities of all, overcoming barriers and supporting everyone to achieve their goals.

Character Education Across QET

Character Education is not an additional programme or initiative. It is woven through every aspect of school life. We believe character is taught, caught and sought every day through the curriculum, pastoral care, leadership opportunities, enrichment activities, community engagement and the example set by adults. 

Across our schools, pupils are encouraged to develop qualities such as resilience, kindness, integrity, leadership, responsibility, empathy and courage. These traits enable young people to succeed academically whilst also becoming active citizens who contribute positively to society.

Our schools bring Character Education to life in different ways, reflecting the communities they serve, while remaining united by our shared UCARE values. This balance of Trust-wide consistency and school-level individuality is one of the key strengths of our approach. 

National Recognition

We are proud that Character Education across the Trust has gained national recognition.

Both Haygrove School and Sexey's School have been awarded the School of Character Quality Mark by the Association for Character Education (ACE), recognising the strength of their values-driven cultures and their commitment to developing young people of strong character. 

Assessors praised the schools for their clear vision, strong leadership, dedicated staff, meaningful opportunities for pupil leadership and enrichment, and the way character development is embedded throughout school life. They recognised that character is not viewed as a standalone programme, but as an integral part of learning, personal development and wellbeing. 

Other schools across the Trust are continuing to strengthen and develop their own Character Education provision, building on the foundations already in place and working towards further recognition and accreditation. This reflects our collective ambition to ensure every child benefits from a rich, values-led education. 

Character in Action

Character development can be seen in the everyday experiences of pupils across the Trust.

From student leadership and mentoring opportunities to enrichment activities, extra-curricular clubs, volunteering, community partnerships and social action projects, our young people are encouraged to make a difference both within and beyond their schools. The Trust's Social Action Conference brought pupils from across QET together to collaborate, build relationships and explore how they can contribute positively to their communities through the UCARE values. 

Our schools also celebrate and recognise positive character traits through reward systems, leadership opportunities and values-based recognition programmes that encourage pupils to embody the qualities we seek to develop. 

"Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."
Martin Luther King Jr.