HOUGHTONCESCHOOL A GREAT EDUCATION
L C O M E
E
WWe are a single-form entry primary school set in the heart of Houghton village and, with 190 pupils on roll. We have recently celebrated 60 years of education on this site, but the original school dates much further back…..the school dates back to 1841 where a tiny school was built by the Church of England next to St John’s Church. There began our close relationship with St John’s Church and the village community.
Our school has a dedicated team of staff, Governors, PTA and Church members who strive to reach the highest standards. Key to this, are the successful partnerships with our school family, church and community. Everything we do at Houghton CE School is underpinned by our Christian values and ethos. Our school is a school for all children and families regardless of faith, no faith, gender, race or social circumstances - our warm, inclusive atmosphere is evident throughout the school where our Christian values shine out! We really do all ‘learn together in a caring Christian environment’ with an education built on a firm Christian foundation.
At Houghton CE School we believe children should be curious and excited about their learning. Through our engaging curriculum, we provide the foundations for the passion and love for learning that help to develop high aspirations and create lifetime memories. From those first tentative steps in Reception class, all the way through to Year 6 where our children stride out as confident young people, we pride ourselves on ensuring our children are happy, capable young people who love learning as much as we love teaching them!
V I S I O N & V A L U E S
At Houghton CE School, a proud Church of England school, our curriculum is deeply rooted in Christian values, drawing inspiration from the teachings of the Bible. Our vision for education reflects the Church of England's commitment to nurturing the whole child—academically, spiritually, and emotionally. We encourage pupils to develop a strong sense of purpose, compassion, and integrity, fostering an environment where every individual is valued and supported. Through our faith-led approach, we strive to cultivate a lifelong love of learning, guided by principles of respect, kindness, and service to others.
At Houghton CE School, we embrace the Church of England's Vision for Education, grounding our curriculum, daily worship, and the school communities personal development in our six core Christian Values chosen from Values for Life (see previous page). These values Responsibility, Friendship, Respect, Courage, Compassion and Creativity are at the heart of everything we do, shaping the academic, spiritual, and emotional growth of our pupils. By embedding these values into our daily practice, we aim to inspire a strong moral foundation, encourage positive relationships, and nurture a sense of purpose and resilience, equipping our pupils to thrive both within and beyond the school community.
Respect
The school curriculum supports pupils’ wider development. Visits to places of worship, such as a mosque and a Sikh temple, help pupils learn about different faiths and cultural traditions.
Ofsted 2022
SchoolDay
Morning:
8 40am - 12:00pm (EYFS, Key Stage 1 & Year 3)
8 50am - 12:00pm (Years 4, 5 & 6)
Afternoon:
13:00pm - 15:10pm (EYFS & Years 1, 2 and 3)
13:00pm - 15:20pm (Years 4, 5 & 6)
Organisation
Houghton CE School has 7 classes and we are a one-form entry school
Early Years Foundation Stage
Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2)
Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4)
Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5 & 6)
Teachers make sure that children become confident and independent as they learn and play together. Across the school, pupils have respect for one another and adults in the school.
Ofsted 2022
Wraparoundcare
At Houghton CE School, we offer convenient wraparound care from Monday to Friday in partnership with the private nursery located next to our school This provides families with flexible, high-quality childcare before and after the school day, ensuring a seamless and supportive experience for both children and parents.
Schoollunches
At Houghton CE School, our school lunches are freshly prepared on-site each day, offering a variety of hot and cold dishes for £2 90 per day Meals can be easily ordered online, either from home or at school, providing flexibility and convenience for families.
Snacks&Drinks
At Houghton CE School , children in EYFS and Key Stage 1 receive a free piece of fruit or vegetables daily as part of the National Healthy School Government initiative. We encourage Key Stage 2 children to bring a piece of fruit (no nuts) for their break. Children under 5 and those eligible for Free School Meals are also offered milk at break time, which can be ordered through the Cool Milk Scheme.
q g p y ethos. Rooted in Christian values, our curriculum provides pupils with a broad and balanced education that nurtures academic achievement alongside spiritual, moral, and personal growth. We draw upon our local area of Cumbria, incorporating its rich history, culture, and natural environment into our learning, while also engaging with national and international contexts to ensure our pupils are globally aware and culturally competent.
Through diverse subjects and learning experiences, we aim to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning, preparing our pupils to succeed in an everchanging world. Our curriculum is infused with Christian principles, emphasising compassion, respect, and service, encouraging pupils to become thoughtful, responsible citizens. With a focus on both academic excellence and character development, we ensure that our pupils leave school equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to thrive in their future endeavours.
Learningenvironment
At Houghton CE School, we take pride in our exceptional learning environments, designed to provide a stimulating and supportive atmosphere for all our pupils. Our large, spacious, and modern classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring teachers can deliver high-quality, first-rate lessons that engage and inspire From interactive screens to digital learning tools, our technology enhances teaching and learning across all subjects, providing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the 21st century.
Beyond the classroom, our school offers outstanding outdoor facilities to promote physical development, creativity, and play. Our large flat playground is home to a climbing wall and climbing apparatus, encouraging the development of motor skills, coordination, and a healthy approach to risk-taking in a safe, supervised environment. The school also boasts a vast grass playing field for outdoor sports and activities, alongside a newly installed all-weather pitch, allowing pupils to enjoy physical education and team sports throughout the year, regardless of the weather.
We also cherish our strong relationship with St. John's Church, our local church, which plays a significant role in our school life. We visit the church regularly for Harvest, Christmas, and Easter services, giving pupils the opportunity to engage with the Christian values that underpin our school’s ethos while fostering a sense of community and reflection
Situated in an area rich with natural beauty, we are fortunate to have both the Wildlife Trust and a local farm right on our doorstep Our classes visit these wonderful resources regularly throughout the school year, exploring the natural world and deepening their understanding of the environment in line with the National Curriculum These hands-on experiences allow our pupils to connect their classroom learning to realworld contexts, fostering a love for nature and a deeper understanding of ecological principles.
Beyondtheclassroom
At Houghton CE School, we are proud to offer a wide range of extracurricular clubs that run beyond the school day from 3:20pm to 4:00-4:20pm, providing our pupils with engaging, enjoyable, and enriching experiences Our clubs span across various interests and disciplines, including the arts, music, technology, and sports, ensuring there is something for everyone Whether exploring creativity through art and drama, honing musical talents in choir or instrument lessons, diving into coding and robotics in technology clubs, or staying active in football, gymnastics, and multi-sports, our extracurricular program enhances learning and allows pupils to pursue their passions These clubs are designed to complement the school curriculum, encouraging personal growth, teamwork, and a well-rounded education
30% OFF
In addition to our vibrant after-school program, we take our pupils on a variety of awe-inspiring school trips throughout the year These excursions bring the curriculum to life, allowing children to experience their learning beyond the classroom. Whether visiting local historical landmarks, exploring the natural beauty of Cumbria, engaging with museums and cultural institutions, or participating in national and international events, our trips are designed to ignite curiosity, broaden horizons, and provide real-world learning experiences that stay with our pupils for a lifetime.
For our Upper Key Stage 2 children, we offer an exciting week-long residential trip each summer term This much-anticipated adventure provides pupils with the opportunity to develop independence, build resilience, and strengthen bonds with their peers, all while participating in a variety of challenging and fun activities From outdoor pursuits to team-building exercises, our residential trips are a highlight of the school year, creating lasting memories and offering invaluable life skills as pupils prepare for the next step in their educational journey.
Pupils take part in many activities after school, including choir, judo and a range of other sports. Pupils also participate in interesting trips and visits.
Aschoolforall
At Houghton CE School, we are committed to being an inclusive school where every child is valued, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive. We believe in promoting equality and equity across all areas of school life, ensuring that every pupil has access to a high-quality education Our curriculum is designed to be inclusive, diverse, and responsive to the needs of all learners, fostering a learning environment where every child feels respected and represented We work diligently to remove any barriers to learning, providing tailored support, interventions, and resources to meet the individual needs of our pupils Through our inclusive practices, we aim to ensure that every child, regardless of background, ability, or circumstance, can achieve their full potential and develop the confidence, skills, and resilience needed for success both in school and beyond.
LEARNING TOGETHER IN A CARING
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
