Welcome to West Cliff Primary

Message from the Headteacher

It is a real privilege to welcome you to West Cliff Primary School, a warm, nurturing and vibrant community where every child is known, valued and encouraged to flourish.

We are a school of approximately 150 children across 7 classes, including our Nursery and The Rockpool. We provide education for children aged 2–11 and are proud to be at the heart of the Whitby community, welcoming families from across the town.

At West Cliff, we believe that where we learn is just as important as what we learn. We are incredibly fortunate to live and learn in such a beautiful coastal environment and, as a Beach School, we make the most of the wonderful surroundings on our doorstep. Our Beach School approach is woven into our curriculum and gives children opportunities to learn outdoors, explore their environment, develop confidence and resilience, and make meaningful connections between their learning and the world around them.

Our Beach Curriculum reflects the unique place in which we live. From exploring our coastline and local wildlife to understanding our community, environment and heritage, we want our children to develop a deep sense of curiosity, belonging and pride in Whitby and the surrounding area. We want them to leave West Cliff not only with a strong academic foundation, but with a genuine appreciation of the natural world and the community they are part of.

We are ambitious for every child. Our curriculum is designed to give children the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to succeed, while also providing opportunities to discover their interests, develop their talents and become confident, independent learners. We place great importance on strong relationships, high expectations, excellent teaching and creating an environment where children feel safe, happy and ready to learn.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive school community. We work closely with families and value the contribution that parents and carers make to their children's education. We want our school to be a place where children are excited to come each day, where they are encouraged to ask questions and take on challenges, and where they know that their voice matters.

Children can join our Nursery from the age of two. Some children are eligible for funded places from the age of two, while most children are eligible for funding from the term after their third birthday. Children join Puffin Class (Reception) in the September following their fourth birthday.

We hope that our website gives you a sense of what makes West Cliff such a special place to learn. However, the best way to experience our school is to come and see it for yourself. If you are considering West Cliff for your child, we would be delighted to welcome you, show you around and answer any questions you may have.

At West Cliff, we want every child to discover what they can achieve, develop a lifelong love of learning and create memories that will stay with them long after they leave us.