“I love BHS because it really does feel like a family. All staff and students know each other, are extremely supportive of one another and show amazing levels of respect throughout the school. There really isn’t another school like it!”
Miss Nixon
SMSC at Burnley High School
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development (SMSC) sits at the heart of life at Burnley High School. It shapes who we are, how we treat one another, and the kind of futures our students go on to build. As a smaller secondary school with a strong family culture, we know every child well and create an environment where every student can thrive.
Our Values and the BHS Way
Everything we do is grounded in our four core values:
- Responsible
- Resilient
- Respectful
- Ambitious
These values underpin the BHS Way, which guides how we learn, grow and support one another:
- Behave in a way that helps us achieve our potential.
- Help others to grow and achieve their potential.
- Support each other so we all feel safe, happy and ready to learn.
This shared approach strengthens our community and ensures that every student feels known, valued and supported.
A School Built on High Expectations and Strong Relationships
Our focus is simple: high expectations, strong relationships and brilliant futures. SMSC plays a vital role in this. It helps students develop character, confidence and compassion — the qualities they need to succeed in modern Britain and contribute positively to society.
SMSC Across Our Curriculum
SMSC is an integral part of our Personal Development Curriculum, but its influence extends far beyond it. Students explore and deepen their understanding of spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues through subjects including:
- Religious Education (RE) – exploring beliefs, values and worldviews
- English – developing empathy, critical thinking and cultural awareness
- History – understanding society, identity and change
- Citizenship – learning about democracy, rights, responsibilities and community
SMSC is also woven into assemblies, form time, enrichment and wider school life, ensuring students experience it every day, not just in isolated lessons.
The BHS Foundation: Opportunity, Community, Charity
Our SMSC provision links closely with the BHS Foundation, which champions:
- Opportunity – giving every student the chance to shine
- Community – building strong connections within and beyond school
- Charity – encouraging students to contribute, volunteer and make a difference
Through this, students learn to be active, responsible citizens who understand their role in shaping a better world.
