In the autumn of 1998, a school opened in Winchester with one child and one newly-qualified teacher.

Today there are 27 pupils, three full-time staff, one part-timer and a team of enthusiastic volunteer parent helpers working at the Winchester Christian Primary School.

"We began in St John's House in the Broadway," said head teacher, Vivienne Brown.

"We moved to Stanmore Lane when we were offered the use of the bungalow which had been the manse for the Winchester Family Church."

The school was the vision of a small determined group who believe in the importance of a Christian ethos in education being available to parents and the fees are kept as low as possible.

"For one pupil, the fee is £2,200 a year," explained Vivienne. "For two siblings, we charge £3,996 and for three £4,995. We have discretionary fees and assisted places and approximately one third of families do not pay the full cost. We would not wish any child to be prevented from attending our school on purely financial grounds."

Staff, who must profess a Christian faith, are paid what the governing body can afford. The school is run by a trust and it is associated with the Hampshire Christian Education Trust, which also runs a secondary school, King's Senior, in Fair Oak.

One governor comes from King's and others from the Hampshire Trust, Immanuel Church and Christchurch, Winchester. Money is pledged by individual supporters who promise to give for a year or as long as they can.

Children are welcome from any Christian denomination and from families do not have to have a formal faith.

"We do ask that they are happy with our philosophy which acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all wisdom and understanding," said Vivienne.

The colourful classrooms look like any other primary school room at first glance. However, there is a small prayer wall where children can write prayers for themselves and others. There is a box for cards to record successes and things which have made them happy. These are celebrated at one of the three assemblies held each week in the church next door.

The Bible and celebration of God's world underlines all teaching. Infants coloured in a rainbow in "God's own colours" and animals were described as "God's creatures". Letters home end "Yours in Christ Jesus".

"Our faith is that Jesus lives in individuals and education should be about the excitement of discovering the world God had created, not just to get a good career or earn money,"

Evolution is taught with the theme that, in the beginning, was God and that he creates the patterns. Older children do look at other faiths and the way they celebrate festivals.

Peter Roberts teaches in a state primary school. Eleanor (5) his daughter is in the infant class and the younger one, Meredith, will also attend.

"I can defend my faith," he said. "I remember what it felt like to be a child trying to explain my Christian beliefs and the teasing I endured."

Peter is delighted with the way Eleanor enjoys school.

There are three classes - Reception and Year 1; Years 2 and 3; and a group of Years 4, 5 and 6 which is taken by Mrs Brown.

They receive a wide-ranging curriculum with PE and dance in the church hall and swimming lessons at River Park for the top class. They do not do SATS tests although they may be introduced as a diagnostic tool in a way that will not cause stress to children.

Joanne Rundle (11) said: "I like being here. It's small and we get lots of attention from the teachers. I will be going to King's at Fair Oak with the other Year 6 pupils."

Vivienne says she would like to develop the teaching of IT skills, but space is at a premium with equipment and books packed neatly on every available shelf and surface.

The trust is looking for larger premises and grounds.

"My dream is to have a school of about 140 pupils with seven small classes for each year," said Vivienne.

"We want to offer our way of learning to as many children as possible."