Welcome to our school! 

I am delighted to welcome you to our school and website. I hope that you find it useful and that it gives you an insight into our school and what it means to be part of our community.

We are a small rural school in Westnewton, located not far from the edge of the Lake District National Park.  Being a small school, we thrive on the happy, family and community feel we have nurtured and we hope you feel the same way when you visit!

We are a Voluntary Aided Church of England School and we base all that we do on our school vision and the Christian values that we have chosen as a school community. Our vision and values underpin all that we do in school, as well as our belief of ‘Life in all its fullness’.

We believe that children flourish when they have a wide range of learning opportunities and that a stimulating and enriching curriculum and environment will enhance your child’s knowledge, experience and understanding which will develop their moral values and a love of learning. We aim to teach our children about the importance of community and being responsible citizens who take care of their world and each other, both locally and globally.

We want every individual here to feel valued and part of our school family. We want every pupil to achieve their best and have the skills to successfully progress their educational journey when they leave us.

We would be very happy to welcome you should you wish to visit and are sure that you will love our school too!

We hope to see you soon!

Miss Helen Harrison

Head teacher

At St Matthew’s C of E School, we aim:

• To be a helpful, learning community where everyone values themselves, other people, and both the local and greater environment.

• To be a place where all children achieve their best in the knowledge and skills they need, through quality teaching, collaborative and independent work.

• To create an ethos where the entire school takes responsibility for their own actions, make informed choices, and make a positive contribution to the school, the local community and the wider world.

• For children to develop their minds and bodies, and to increase their awareness of their social, spiritual and emotional skills and needs in a Christian context.

• To develop the children’s unique qualities.

• To develop the children's involvement in the decision making within school.