World’s top 10 honour for Hartlepool church school
First published on: 25th June 2026A church school in Hartlepool has been named among the world’s top 10 for helping children to overcome significant challenges in their lives.
News
Lanchester EP School reach finals for two national awards for excellence
First published on: 19th June 2026Lanchester EP school has recently reached the finals for two national awards for excellence. In the first, run by the Times Educational Supplement (the TES) the voluntary controlled church school has secured a place amongst the final eight schools across the UK in the category ‘The Primary School of the Year’. For the second award run by Pearson Education, the EP school has been awarded Silver for the ‘Making a Difference - Primary School of the Year’ award.
Durham Cathedral welcomes school leavers for 2026
First published on: 10th June 2026This week, more than 1800 year six pupils from 52 different schools have been welcomed to Durham Cathedral for leavers’ services as they prepare to transition to secondary school.
Growing Younger team workshop supports secondary school transitions
First published on: 18th May 2026Church leaders and youth workers from across the diocese gathered on 6 May for an inspiring and practical workshop exploring how churches can better support children and young people moving from Year 6 into Year 7.
Durham Diocese priest to chair £20m neighbourhood fund
First published on: 6th January 2026A priest in Durham Diocese has been appointed to chair a neighbourhood board that will decide how £20 million of vital funding will be spent to help regenerate one of Gateshead’s most disadvantaged communities.
CEO of Diocesan Learning Trust awarded OBE in Honours List
First published on: 2nd January 2026Paul Rickeard, CEO at the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust, has been recognised in the 2026 New Years Honours list with an OBE.
Whitburn students bring Christmas joy to disadvantaged teenagers
First published on: 19th December 2025Students from Whitburn Church of England Academy have been spreading Christmas joy through a chaplaincy-led campaign to support disadvantaged teenagers in South Tyneside.
Staindrop CE Primary School appointed as Growing Faith Foundation Learning Hub
First published on: 18th December 2025Staindrop Church of England Primary School has been appointed as a Growing Faith Foundation (GFF) Learning Hub, becoming one of only 14 new hubs nationally to be launched by the Church of England in January 2026.
Paper prayers take flight in Pelton
First published on: 6th November 2025Holy Trinity Church, Pelton, has unveiled a striking new art installation of origami doves - each one carrying a handwritten prayer from local schoolchildren, congregation members and visitors.
Sing and Shout! There’s a new children’s choir in town
First published on: 17th September 2025A new choir has been launched at St Cuthbert’s Church in Darlington to provide exciting opportunities for children.
