Aims & Ethos
Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST) is are proud to be rooted in the Christian values of faith, hope, love, justice, and service.
These principles guide everything we do as we support schools in building inclusive, compassionate communities where every individual can thrive. We are committed to delivering our Mission.
We are committed to:
- A holistic education that nurtures academic achievement, personal growth, spiritual development, and emotional wellbeing.
- Inclusivity and equity, ensuring every learner feels valued, respected, and supported—regardless of background or ability.
- Character and leadership development, empowering students to become thoughtful, responsible citizens.
- Living our Christian values, embedding Methodist principles into daily school life through kindness, integrity, and service.
- Investing in staff, fostering environments where educators are inspired and equipped to grow.
- Community engagement, building strong partnerships that enrich learning and promote social justice.
- Together, we help our schools become places of transformation where faith and learning come together to shape lives of purpose and hope.
Spirituality, Ethos, Relationships and Values Evaluation (SERVE)
Established in 2022, SERVE aims to evaluate how well our schools meet the aspirations of their Methodist foundations, support the development of their Methodist ethos, and enable them to share good practice. These one-day visits, which provide a parallel evaluation to SIAMS inspections (to which Methodist Schools in the state sector are subject), are undertaken by the project lead, accompanied by a headteacher from one of the other MIST schools.
Schools are visited on a three-year cycle and evaluated against a defined framework which sets out the key attributes and outcomes MIST expects of its schools. Since the first SERVE visit in 2022 to Farringtons School, all the MIST schools have now been visited. The framework will be updated in the Autumn of 2025 and the next round of visits, or 2nd SERVE, will begin in the Spring of 2026.
SERVE Reports
Following each visit a detailed report is prepared that is based both on the outcomes from the visit and the school’s own self-evaluation, detailing the school’s strengths and areas for future development.
Farringtons School (to be finalised)
OUR SCHOOLS
Culford School offers a forward-thinking education for ages 1 to 18.
Farringtons School blends academic ambition with a warm, inclusive ethos for pupils aged 3 to 18.
Kent College Canterbury delivers a personalised education for ages 3 months to 18.
Kent College Pembury provides a dynamic, inspiring learning environment for pupils aged 2–18.
Lorenden Prep School is a small school with a big heart for pupils aged 3 to 11.
Queen’s College combines academic strength with creativity and care for pupils aged 1 to 18.
Truro School is Cornwall’s leading independent school for ages 3 to 18.
Woodhouse Grove provides a full and rounded day and boarding education for children aged 2- 18 years.
