Our heritage

The Lindisfarne Coat of Arms features a representation of St Oswald’s head and the dominant feature of the shield is the St. Cuthbert’s cross. In addition, the diagonal division of the shield is a reference to St. Aidan, the first Bishop of Lindisfarne. The wave patterns on the shield are also a reference to the establishment of Lindisfarne College far across the sea. The motto “Ascensiones in Corde” comes from Psalm 84. The preferred translation is “Highways in the Heart”.

The College’s Māori name Motutapu Kāreti, was chosen to reflect the connection with the Holy Isle as is the case with many of the College traditions.

Note: ​​​​​​​Lindisfarne Island is considered to be one of the holiest sites of Anglo-Saxon Christianity and was founded by St. Aidan, an Irish monk who converted Northumbria to Christianity at the invitation of its king, Oswald. St Aidan founded Lindisfarne monastery in 635, becoming its first abbot and bishop.

1953–1954 — Reverend F. H. Robertson
1955–1956 — P. H. G. Southwell
1956–1959 — J. W. Scougall
1959–1970 — A. C. Francis
1970–1978 — J. H. N. Pine
1978–1980 — P. M. Hill
1980–2000 — W. G. Smith
2000–2009 — G. W. Lander
2010–2020 — K. MacLeod
​​​​​​​2020–2025 — S. Hakeney​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​2026–Current — C Hardman

Lindisfarne College was established as a boys’ boarding school under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church. This is a connection which remains strong today and the College values its links with both the Presbyterian Church and Lindisfarne Island or The Holy Isle as it is known.

​​​​​​​Lindisfarne Island is considered to be one of the holiest sites of Anglo-Saxon Christianity and was founded by St. Aidan, an Irish monk who converted Northumbria to Christianity at the invitation of its king, Oswald. St Aidan founded Lindisfarne monastery in 635, becoming its first abbot and bishop