Ethos & Values

At GUST Independent School, we believe that every learner has the right to feel valued, supported, and capable of success. Our school is built on relationships — we listen without judgment, nurture potential, and guide each student toward greater confidence and self-belief. By creating a safe and inclusive environment, we help young people re-engage with education, develop a sense of purpose, and discover their unique strengths. Everything we do is driven by a commitment to remove barriers and open doors to new possibilities.

 

Our values have been shaped together with our learners. They reflect the qualities we believe help young people grow not only in their learning, but also as confident, caring individuals. These values come together in our school motto:

“Who D.A.R.E.S Wins”

Determination, Ambition, Respect, Empathy, Self-control

• Determination – we keep going, even when things are difficult, and celebrate every step forward.

• Ambition – we believe in ourselves and in the possibilities that come from effort and perseverance.

• Respect – we show care for ourselves, for one another, and for the world around us.

• Empathy – we listen, understand, and support others with kindness and compassion.

• Self-control – we learn to manage our feelings and choices so that we can do our best and reach our goals.

By nurturing these values, we hope our learners feel empowered to take ownership of their education and discover the confidence to follow their own path. A “Who D.A.R.E.S Wins” approach is about more than school success — it’s about belonging, pride, and the belief that challenges can be met with courage. Above all, we want our learners to leave us with resilience, self-belief, and the ability to make a positive difference in the world.