An Overview of High Coniscliffe as a Church of England School
High Coniscliffe CE Primary School is distinguished by its Christian foundation and the principles that flow from this. The school is committed to developing the full potential of its pupils as individuals – spiritually, emotionally and academically. Spiritual development forms an integral part of school life and collective worship is an essential part of the school day.
In our school, we exist for the benefit of, and to serve, our children and our community. We exert no pressure to believe, yet Christian values are built into our vision, ethos and teaching whilst respecting other world faiths. Our school follows this to forge strong links between school, home and the local community. We aim to display a high quality of care and understanding to the school community.
Recognising its historic foundation, the school will preserve and develop the religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church at parish and diocesan level. The school aims to serve its community by providing education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers all its pupils.
Our Vision
Exploring, Growing, Leading – Together We Flourish. At High Coniscliffe CE Primary School we are committed to nurturing a love for learning, perseverance, and faith in our children. Our motto, “I can do all things…” encourages children to believe in their abilities and strive toward success, no matter the challenges they face.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
Our school motto links explicitly with our Christian vision for school. Rooted in Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – our vision inspires all members of our school community to strive for their best, supported by our ethos of love, hope, and perseverance.
For those who share the Christian faith, the vision offers an opportunity to connect with the deeper spiritual message of Philippians 4:13. For others, the message can be interpreted as a reminder that inner strength, courage, and support from a caring community are the foundation for overcoming challenges and achieving aspirations. Our vision encourages children to explore big questions, develop moral and ethical reasoning, and grow in confidence to express their ideas and respect those of others.
In living out our vision, we celebrate diversity, foster inclusion, and encourage every child to flourish as part of a loving and supportive school family. We aim to equip all children with the skills, knowledge, and values they need to grow into compassionate, thoughtful, and active citizens, ready to make a positive difference in the world.
We encourage our children to embark fearlessly on their educational journey, equipped with our core values of love, joy, perseverance, service, trust and humility.
We value the close partnerships that we have with our parents/carers, local community and wider stakeholders. Working together, we aim for our children to grow into confident, resilient learners who approach life with faith, courage, and the belief that they can achieve great things.
Our School and Trust Vision Alignment
Our school vision empowers everyone to live lives that reflect the abundance promised in John 10:10—a life full of learning, growth, resilience, and the pursuit of greater things, grounded in faith and trust in God’s strength. The school and Trust vision align as follows:
| Living Life to the Fullest (John 10:10) | Faith and Perseverance |
| The vision encourages children to embrace the fullness of life by actively engaging in learning, trying new things, and stepping out of their comfort zones. By being explorers, adventurers, voyagers, and pioneers, children are encouraged to embrace all that life offers—its challenges, joys, and possibilities—just as Jesus came to offer us an abundant life. | The school’s motto, “I can if I try,” reflects a belief in the potential for growth and achievement, even in adversity. John 10:10 speaks to the fullness of life found through Jesus, which empowers believers to face life with courage and persistence, knowing that they have been given the strength to overcome challenges. |
| The Abundant Life of Exploration and Creativity | Building Strong, Resilient Individuals |
| The themes of exploration and creativity in our school vision reflect the idea of living a full life, where children are encouraged to discover their talents, explore new possibilities, and pursue their dreams with faith. Jesus calls us to a life of rich experiences, and part of that richness involves venturing beyond the familiar, as our school encourages. | The school’s focus on trying and overcoming challenges, learning from setbacks, and supporting one another reflects how abundant life is built on relationships, growth, and resilience. John 10:10 is about more than just physical life; it’s about a thriving spiritual, emotional, and intellectual life—one where children understand their potential and live with purpose. |
| Leading and Inspiring Others | |
| As pioneers and leaders, children are encouraged to share their gifts and insights, contributing to the well-being and growth of others. This aligns with the idea of living life in abundance—finding fulfilment not just in personal achievements but in how we impact and serve others. |
Our Mixed-Age Classes
The mixed-age classroom structure of our school complements our school’s vision by fostering an environment where exploration, perseverance, leadership, and community thrive. It encourages children to support one another, take initiative, and work through challenges together, aligning with the school’s focus on personal growth, holistic development, and the belief that everyone can succeed if they try. By nurturing a sense of collaboration and providing opportunities for leadership and mentorship, the mixed-age setting strengthens the vision of creating confident, capable, and compassionate learners.