ABOUT US

Richard Thornton's Church of England (Voluntary Aided) Primary School serves the area included in the parishes of Burton-in-Lonsdale and Thornton-in-Lonsdale. However, children from outside this “catchment area” may also come to the school.

Our small, rural, village school offers education for children from 4 to 10 years of age (Reception to the end of Year 5).

Children join us in September, at the start of the academic year during which they have their 5th birthday. It is expected that this will be for full-time education, unless otherwise agreed between the parents and the school.

Our vision is to ensure that all pupils develop their full potential – academic, emotional, physical, social and spiritual. We achieve this through the quality of care and the quality and range of educational learning experiences we offer to all in our school community. The small size of our school means we know each child well and can cater for their individual needs.

We provide an environment that promotes a sympathetic understanding of the Christian faith, an appreciation of difference and diversity, valuing those from different faiths and cultures. Christian values are placed at the centre of our daily life and underpin all the relationships we develop.

Children are taught in 2 relatively small mixed-age classes ~ the Infants for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 (that is from age 4 to 7) and the Juniors for children in Years 3, 4 and 5 (that is from age 7 to 10). A child therefore spends 3 years in each class. Each class is staffed by a teacher and, for much of the week, an Advanced Teaching Assistant or Higher Level Teaching Assistant.

Our curriculum for children in Year 1 onwards meets the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2.

Our school curriculum aims:

• to provide a wide range of opportunities for all children to learn and to achieve their best,
• to promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.