St Chad’s C of E Primary School’s Inspection was held on 20 May 2026 and confirmed that the school is living up to its foundation as a Church school and is enabling pupils and adults to flourish.

Many from our St Chad’s church, school and wider community have contributed to the very positive SIAMs inspection outcome which celebrates the enriching education and environment for pupils and adults enabling the school’s values to be lived out on a daily basis.

Congratulations and thanks are due to everyone who has contributed and supported this latest success and the school over many years!

The full report is available from: 6a54c61c4e047567c527fe79_SIAMS Report – St. Chad’s Church of England Primary School 141521 20052026.pdf

Notable strengths and highlights in the SIAMs report include:

• “The school’s deeply embedded Christian vision infuses the school community and its work. This positively influences relationships, decision making, policy and practice. It helps to ensure that pupils and adults are valued and treat one another with a high degree of dignity and respect.”

• “Mutually beneficial partnerships, including those with the diocese and local schools, enhance the effectiveness of St. Chad’s as a Church school. Strong church links add richness to the school’s Christian character.”

• “Pupils are offered a well sequenced Religious Education (RE) curriculum that reflects the school’s context and needs. As a result, pupils deepen their understanding of a range of religions and non-religious worldviews.”

• Uplifting singing strengthens unity and belonging, deepening fellowship and inspiring those who are present. Worship invites pupils and adults to lead and contribute confidently. Strong church partnerships enrich worship and deepen the spiritual experience. Key Christian festivals such as Harvest and Easter are celebrated in the local church further enhancing spiritual development opportunities. In addition, regular visits develop pupils’ understanding of the church’s significance to Christians.”

• “The Christian vision fosters a strong sense of collective responsibility among pupils. Kindness is embedded as a lived practice rather than an abstract concept. This encourages pupils to be outward-facing and supportive of one another, enabling them to flourish personally, socially and morally.”

• “An active culture of justice and fairness is modelled and taught. Pupils understand their responsibilities towards one another, to those in need and to the environment. They talk of putting other people first and not just thinking about their own needs. This was demonstrated when pupils organised a bake sale to support the church roof appeal”

Barbara Colledge, Foundation Governor

An introduction from Sam.

I have been happily married to my husband, Chris, for nearly 24 years, and together we have been blessed with two wonderful sons, Alexander and Daniel. Family life has always been at the heart of who I am, and it has shaped both my journey of faith and my sense of calling.

I came to faith at the age of 16, and from that moment, my relationship with God has continued to grow and deepen. Over the years, my faith has become stronger and more central to my life, guiding my decisions, sustaining me through challenges, and shaping my sense of purpose. For a long time, it has been evident—not only to me but also to others—that I have been called to ministry.

Throughout my career, I have primarily worked in nurseries and schools, supporting and nurturing children and young people. These roles have given me a deep appreciation for the importance of community, care, and encouragement in helping others flourish. In addition, I had the privilege of serving as a families worker in an inner-city church in Bradford, where I was able to walk alongside families in their faith journeys and experience the richness and diversity of church life in that context.

I was born in Bradford and lived there for many years before our family moved to Oxford for Chris’s training. More recently, we have moved to Horsforth, where Chris has taken up the incumbency post at St Margaret’s.

I am now about to complete my training at St Hild Theological College, and I am excited about what lies ahead. I look forward to being part of the church family across the Headingley and All Hallows team—getting to know you all, walking alongside you in your journeys with God, and seeing people grow in their faith.

God bless,
Sam