News - Diocese of Durham

Lanchester EP School reach finals for two national awards for excellence

First published on: 19th June 2026

Lanchester 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 2026

This 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 2026

Church 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 2026

A 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 2026

Paul 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 2025

Students 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 2025

Staindrop 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 2025

Holy 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 2025

A new choir has been launched at St Cuthbert’s Church in Darlington to provide exciting opportunities for children.

New facilities for pupils following schools merger

First published on: 16th September 2025

School children in Durham Diocese are enjoying their new surroundings following the merger of two schools.