St John's Church
At the heart of our school lies St John’s Church, a place that holds a special significance for our school families. Together with our school, it serves as the cornerstone of our community. The Church of St John the Evangelist, located in Ingleton, County Durham, was erected in 1843, the creative work of Ignatius Bonomi and J.A. Cory. Recognised for its historical importance, the church is proudly Grade II listed on the National Heritage List for England.
Every fortnight, Holy Communion services are held on a Sunday at 11.00 a.m. where families come together for worship and connection. Beyond these services, our pupils play an active role in contributing to both school and community worship. In School we have our Worship Leaders programme, where the children are learning to plan and deliver their own services under the guidance of our local Children, Youth and Families Missioner - Sarah Fells .
There are offers lots of opportunities locally for our pupils and children from the wider community to explore Christianity in a fun and engaging manner. One such programme is Youth Saints, which takes place every fortnight at St Mary’s Church in Gainford, our neighbouring village. This gathering allows young people to come together to sing, enjoy Bible stories, and participate in creative activities, all while having a great time.
Additionally, Messy Church sessions are held on the third Sunday of every month (3.30pm-5.30pm). This event focuses on the involvement of families, providing a fantastic opportunity for everyone to engage in exciting, hands-on activities that nurture faith within pupils, their families, and the wider community. Through our partnership with St Mary’s and our dedication to community events, we aim to enrich not only the lives of our pupils but also the entire community surrounding us.
Rev Eileen Harrop
Canon
It is a privilege to be the Vicar to add to this school’s wonderful legacy as a place of love and learning. The close relationship between St John's Church and the school testifies to our Christian responsibility to care for the whole school community: the children, parents and families, teachers and staff. As an Honorary Canon of Durham Cathedral and of Durham Diocese with a special role to develop Pilgrimage, I hope to stir up the spirit of the pilgrim in our children – to explore God’s created world, to discover their gifts and talents, to be filled with hope and inspired by wonder, to shine the light of Jesus by acts of love towards others, as they journey through life each moment, each day, and year on year. Coming from a south-east Asian Chinese heritage and with a prior career advising companies across the globe, I am happy to share experiences of the world beyond this beautiful part of County Durham. I commend to everyone this excellent school where every child’s flourishing is our joy.
Rev Moji Jaiyesimi
Reverend / SSM Curate
My name is Moji Jaiyesimi. I am a Self-Supporting Minister (Curate) in the Durham Diocese. I was ordained in the Chelmsford Diocese. I am a qualified Solicitor, whose passion is now Early Years Education. I love meeting people, reading, cooking, travelling and spending time with my grandchildren.
I speak English and Yoruba. My tradition is evangelical with an ecumenical outlook. I have been in the Durham Diocese since 2023.
Mrs Sarah Fells
Children, Youth & Families Missioner
Sarah is a welcome addition to our school team. She visits our school to help with Collective Worship and RE. She is helping to further develop our children as Leaders of Collective Worship. Through working with Sarah our pupils have planned, organised and delivered aspects of Collective Worship both in school and in church Sarah helps us to provide activities for families at home that link in with both school and church activities.
Sarah also runs a wonderful, weekly after-school club. This is a fun club with Bible stories, crafts, singing, drama and so much more!
Sarah is a wonderful asset to our school and we now can’t imagine school without her! She is a great link with school, church and home helping to grow faith within our community.