Welcome to St Cuthbert’s Primary School and Nursery
On behalf of the children, staff and Governors of St Cuthbert’s Primary School and Nursery in Crook, welcome to our website. We believe our school has got something special that enables the children in our care to progress and be the best that they can be, reaching their full potential in all aspects of their development. From the moment our children enter our school they are instilled with the message that they are ‘wonderfully made’ and that they are capable of great things. Here at St Cuthbert’s Primary School and Nursery, we continually strive to nurture our pupils so that they may become caring, compassionate human beings ready to make a positive contribution to the wider community when they leave our care.
Our Vision
Our school vision is rooted in our Motto, Mission Statement and our Christian faith. We have key core values which focus on high expectations for all learners, developing skills for life, encouraging good self-esteem and developing a set of core moral values based upon the teachings of Jesus Christ. Our faith is precious and central to every part of our lives. The way that we treat each other, the way that we look for every day opportunities to help those in need and in the example that we demonstrate to all those we meet. This is summed up in our school motto, as created by our school community;
Live the light, Share the light, Be the light!
We believe that by our actions we spark a light in each other just like St Cuthbert did, so that we can each be inspired to realise how wonderful and special we all are and the difference each of our lives can make in the world. We ask the children to stand tall and be a light for all to see!
It is that light that has inspired and driven our Governors, staff, families and parishioners to ensure the best provision for the children of this community. By working in partnership in such a supportive and proactive way, they have ensured the happy, caring and effective learning environment we have here at St Cuthbert’s Primary School.
We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated team of teachers, teaching assistants and other staff who strive to ensure that every child is successful, confident and responsible, equipped with all the skills they need to continue on their future learning journey.
This is only a brief insight into the school community we have here and to truly experience the ethos we have in school you are warmly invited to visit, speak to staff, meet our pupils and see the school in action. I look forward to meeting you and your child in the future.
Our school is named after St Cuthbert.
St Cuthbert was born in 634AD. As a boy he worked as a shepherd.
One night in 651, he saw a great light in the sky. On that same night, Bishop Aidan of Lindisfarne, died. St Cuthbert believed the light was God calling him to be his servant and so he became a monk.
St Cuthbert travelled all over Northumbria teaching people how to live good lives and healing people. He was loved for his kindness and generosity.
In 664, St Cuthbert was invited to be the Prior of Lindisfarne. This meant that he was in charge of running the Abbey.
Eventually in 676, he moved to Inner Farne, where he lived in solitude and peace for a while.
He would pray for long times at night on the shores of the sea in all weathers and seasons.
Legend has it that the sea otters would come and sit at his feet warming them in the freezing North Eastern weather. Legend also has it that the local ducks who would flock around him too.
He is recognised as one of the world’s earliest wildlife conservationists and the Eider Duck is known locally as the Cuddy Duck or Cuthbert Duck in his memory.
Eventually he left Holy Island and the Inner Farne when he was called back to work as Bishop of Hexham in 684.
For two years he travelled around the North of England. He had the reputation of being a saint and a miracle worker.
He returned to Inner Farne and died there on 20 March, 687.
The memory of St Cuthbert is kept alive through celebrating his feast day on the 20th of March.