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What is SMSC and British Values?
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development is the overarching umbrella that encompasses personal development across the whole curriculum. Strong evidence shows that promoting SMSC in schools can contribute to raising academic standards and improving children’s life chances. The National SMSC Quality Mark helps schools embed these values effectively.
Spiritual Development
Ability to be reflective about their own beliefs, perspective on life, respect for different people’s feelings & values; enjoyment & fascination, imagination, creativity.
Moral Development
Recognise difference between right & wrong (apply in own lives), legal boundaries and respect for law; understand consequences; moral & ethical issues
Social Development
Use different social skills; Willing to participate, volunteering, co-operating, conflict resolution, skills and attitudes to life in modern Britain
Cultural Development
Understand cultural influences, respect for cultural diversity, willingness to participate in artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities, accept, respect & celebrate diversity
British Values in Schools
British Values – democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs – are the bedrock upon which a cohesive and functioning society is built. Teaching these values equips students with the understanding and appreciation needed to participate constructively in a democratic society, respect the rights of others, and challenge extremism and intolerance.
Explore the new National Quality Mark for SMSC and British Values audit tool:
What is SMSC Quality Mark?
We work with experts in the field to create a self-review tool and verification service to help schools audit and improve your SMSC provision.
Whether you are new to SMSC or highly experienced with this Ofsted requirement, we can help. Learn more about applying for the self-review tool and the verification process.
Are you an international school? Click here to learn about virtual verification / global service.
Our Vision
SMSC is essential to the academic progress of pupils.
It does not happen in isolation – it saturates through the school and is linked to everything the school does, its ethos and attitude. It needs to be supported and articulated by school leaders and governors, and should be visible in all day-to-day decisions and relationships.
All areas of the curriculum contribute to SMSC development. Some of this will occur as a result of informal, opportunistic or accidental occurrences, but it cannot be left to chance – it needs to be the foundation of well-planned learning, supported by the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of staff, enabling children and the adults who work with them, to flourish.
We hope this Quality Mark will help schools deliver on their statutory responsibilities and the broad and balanced curriculum that is the entitlement and expectation for all pupils.
Our Quality Mark will provide a framework for excellence, helping schools to:
- Showcase their commitment to SMSC and British Values
- Benchmark their provision against national standards.
- Inspire continuous improvement in these vital areas.
- Demonstrate their dedication to nurturing a positive school ethos.
Impact of SMSC Quality Mark in Schools
The recent Ofsted framework places a significant emphasis on the quality of education, with a particular focus on the personal development of pupils. The ‘Personal Development’ judgement explicitly assesses how schools promote “fundamental British Values” and how they support pupils’ SMSC development. Ofsted inspectors will be looking for evidence that schools are actively and effectively embedding these principles across the curriculum and the wider school experience.
Explore the new National Quality Mark for SMSC and British Values audit tool:
Meet the Team
Russell Stanley
Russell has built up a strong background of working in and with schools, firstly as a primary school teacher, and then in a variety of roles across Personal, Social…
John Rees
John is passionately committed to improving the learning and life chances of children and young people through the professional development of individuals and organisations…
