"An inspiring space to learn and grow."
Thank you for the warm welcome and the fantastic experience during my time at Langdale CofE School.
It’s been a real privilege to be part of such a supportive, creative environment—and it’s clear that the children here thrive because of the care and dedication of the whole team.
From day one, I felt truly welcomed and included. The support I received from staff at every level was not only incredibly generous but also consistent and thoughtful. Whether it was advice, encouragement, or simply a friendly check-in, there was always someone ready to offer help. I always felt that people were genuinely invested in each other’s well-being and success. The openness and willingness to share ideas and best practices created such an inspiring space to learn and grow.
I’ve learned so much and will take away countless positive memories from my time at Langdale. It’s rare to find a school with such a strong sense of community, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of it.
Wishing you all continued success, and thank you once again for the opportunity.
Charlotte Williams - Student Teacher - Summer Term 2025
"A vibrant and inclusive curriculum"
My staff and I visited Langdale School in February 2025 and we were inspired by the Christian Ethos of the school. We were particularly impressed by the number of engaging displays which looked to promote the school’s values and visually evidenced the vibrant and inclusive curriculum on offer. The use of photographs made these displays bespoke to the school and really showcased the learners living out the school's values. The faith-focussed reading area, which sits at the heart of the building, was beautifully curated and offered a wide variety of bible stories for all ages and abilities.”
Sally Hay
Headteacher
Langwathby Primary School
"The outdoor learning facilities and grounds are just exceptional!"
Thank you Mrs Underwood for a wonderful visit to Langdale C of E Primary. From the minute I walked through the door, I felt welcomed and could feel the family atmosphere. All of the children and staff were friendly and happy to engage in conversation. The classroom displays were purposeful and demonstrated the children’s curiosity in their learning but also gave them information to scaffold / support their knowledge and skills. The children shared how they used the information on these displays to guide them in their learning.
The outside area is a delight! The outdoor learning facilities and grounds are just exceptional! The children have got first class areas to play, develop outdoor skills, grow their own produce and just be mindful in the mountains. The school really does excel in developing children’s curiosity about the outdoor world and how to look after it! You feel an energy of enthusiasm from the teaching staff as they are passionate about taking learning outside. This included SATs maths questions practise outside on the playground.
Every child is valued in the school and this was obvious by every member of staff knowing the children well and where they are in their personal learning journey.
Nicky Steels
Head Teacher
Patterdale CofE Primary School
"An environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired."
I had the pleasure of working with Rachel and the staff from Langdale CofE School. Whilst visiting Langdale, I was truly inspired by the way the school has embedded outdoor learning into the heart of its curriculum. As a headteacher myself, I’ve seen a variety of approaches to outdoor education, but Langdale stands out for the depth of its commitment and the quality of experiences it provides for its pupils.
From the moment I arrived, it was clear that outdoor learning isn’t just an ‘add-on’ at Langdale — it’s a core part of the school’s ethos. The children were fully engaged in meaningful, hands-on activities that not only enhanced their understanding of the natural world but also developed their teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving skills. What struck me most was the sense of calm, confidence, and curiosity among the pupils — clear indicators of an environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired.
The staff at Langdale are clearly passionate and highly skilled in delivering outdoor education. Their ability to link outdoor experiences seamlessly with curriculum objectives is exceptional, and the respect they show for children’s ideas and contributions creates a learning culture that is both inclusive and empowering.
Langdale School is a shining example of what is possible when outdoor learning is embraced with vision and purpose. I left with plenty of ideas. It’s a model worth sharing and celebrating.
Michelle Clark
Headteacher
Asby Endowed School
"Unwavering support and encouragement"
My time at Langdale C of E Primary School was nothing short of transformative, both professionally and personally. I had the privilege of working at Langdale for five years, beginning my journey as a Teaching Assistant and School Cook. Through the unwavering support and encouragement of Headteacher Rachel Underwood, I progressed to become a Senior Teaching Assistant and eventually a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA).
Rachel played a key role in supporting my Continuing Professional Development. With her mentorship, I achieved qualifications in Early Years Education, "Learning Beyond the Classroom," and many others. She went above and beyond, mentoring me through various facets of the education system at my request, from understanding the responsibilities of a subject lead to gaining insight into working with children with SEND, as well as the importance of policies, procedures, and the reasoning behind them.
Rachel’s ethos, that every child deserves a champion regardless of their ability, background, or circumstances, was not just something she said; it was something she lived by and embedded into the heart of the school. It is a philosophy that deeply shaped my own practice and continues to influence me today.
Langdale was also where I discovered a deep passion for outdoor learning. Inspired by the school’s approach and its nurturing environment, I went on to complete a BA (Hons) in Education, choosing to focus my dissertation on outdoor learning, something I fell in love with thanks to the staff and children at Langdale.
On a personal level, Langdale made an enormous difference to my own family. My child joined the school in 2018 and, thanks to the dedicated support of Mrs Underwood, Mrs Turley (the school’s SENDCo), and his class teacher, he was able to access the right support to suit his learning needs. Their guidance helped us navigate his diagnosis of dyslexia and ensured he was equipped with the tools he needed to succeed. Today, he is thriving in secondary school and exceeding all his predicted expectations, an outcome that would not have been possible without the compassion, expertise, and commitment of the Langdale team.
Since leaving my permanent role, I’ve had the pleasure of returning to Langdale on a number of occasions as a supply member of staff during the summer term. I was genuinely touched by the warm welcome I received, not only from the staff but from many of the families as well. It was a reminder of the strong, close-knit community that makes Langdale so special.
I can safely say there is no place quite like Langdale. It didn’t just teach me how to be a better educator, it reminded me why this work matters, and it left an imprint on both my professional journey and my family’s life that I will always cherish.
Mrs Amie Morrison
Staff Testimony – Langdale C of E Primary School