Welcome

Dear Families,

I work as Executive Headteacher across the three small schools that comprise Sussex Spires Federation working closely with our talented Heads of School. I am responsible for overall leadership including the strategic decisions and processes across the schools whilst the Heads of School deal with the day to day management and leadership.

I love the process of learning and want to pass this on to the children in our schools.  Learning for me is not always an easy process. It should be challenging and rigorous, but also creative and engaging. I love lateral thinking and getting people to look at things in new ways. I want our children to live in a deliberate and responsible way, to engage with life’s big questions, to be curious and to understand that they can make a difference in the world. In today’s changing times, our children will need to think differently and adapt to new roles and responsibilities and we need to equip them to do this effectively. 

My priority is always to do my best to enable all in our school community to be they very best that they can be. I am completely committed to the children in our care and love seeing them learn and flourish during their time with us.  They are the reason I do my job and they are at the heart of everything I do.  Sometimes as Executive Headteacher, I face difficult decisions, but if I’m ever in any doubt, I simply ask myself, “What is best for the children?”

Catherine Cottingham

Executive Headteacher, Sussex Spires Federation

Dear families,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Herstmonceux Church of England Primary School. We work hard to enable all members of our community to thrive, academically, socially and spiritually. In everything we do, we strive to be the absolute best we can be, cherishing every opportunity we are given.

Learning to be the best they can
Loving all God's Kingdom 
Living life in all its fullness 
 

We are very proud of our broad, balanced and carefully crafted curriculum and the exciting opportunities we provide for our children. We aim to develop a lifelong love of learning for the children to carry into their lives beyond our school. We are an inclusive community where diversity and difference is embraced and celebrated. Children are encouraged to discuss big issues and are confident to respectfully stand up for what they believe.

I look forward to welcoming you to Herstmonceux C of E School as I love nothing more than sharing our school with visitors and introducing them to our wonderful children. If you wish to come and see our school in action, please contact the school office.

Stuart Ritchie
Head of School