Little Shells: A new chapter for St James’ Catholic Primary School
Exciting times are ahead at St James’ Catholic Primary School in Hebburn as the community prepares to welcome its brand-new Nursery this September. Thanks to the creativity and imagination of four proud pupils, the Nursery already has a special identity… even before the doors officially open.
“The children are at the heart of all we do”
To find the perfect name for the new Early Years provision, the school launched a whole-school competition, inviting pupils to put forward their ideas. The challenge? Come up with a name linked to the school’s patron saint, St James.
Head Teacher, Mrs Frances Heslop, said: “As we had decided to launch our Nursery, it was necessary to think of a unique name. As the children are at the heart of all we do, it seemed only fitting that they should decide on the name.
“We were inundated with brilliant and creative ideas, making it incredibly hard to choose. As four children had plumped for the same name, we decided to go with Little Shells—a symbol associated with St James and his travels to Spain.”
The winning name, Little Shells, came from not one, but four children: Lewis and Eleanor in Year 3, and Charlie and Eva in Year 4. Each of them had their own “lightbulb moment” that led to the same thoughtful idea.
To celebrate their success, the young winners enjoyed a well-deserved treat—an extra playtime with their classmates, along with a delicious chocolate chip cookie.
Rooted in the values of community, faith, and creativity
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, praised the initiative, saying: “This is a fantastic example of how schools can place children at the very heart of their community. Giving pupils the opportunity to shape something as important as a new Nursery name not only sparks creativity, but also gives them a real sense of pride and ownership.
“The story of Little Shells perfectly shows how schools in our region nurture both learning and belonging.”
The Little Shells Nursery will open in September, marking an exciting new chapter for St James’ Catholic Primary School. With its name chosen by the very children it will serve, the Nursery is already rooted in the values of community, faith, and creativity.
Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust is a Schools North East Partner Trust. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
We love to hear good news from North East Schools! To share your news with Schools North East, please tag @SchoolsNE on X (formerly Twitter) or fill out this short form here.