A teacher training programme which has a 100% success rate is appealing for budding teachers to come forward.

Ad Astra Academy Trust – which has ten primary schools under its umbrella in Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool – has spaces available for their ‘Train to Teach’ programme which commences in September 2025.

Under the scheme, participants train on the job rather than go to university and no previous teaching experience is required.

At the end of the one-year programme, trainees will graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Applicants need to have a degree and train for three terms in Ad Astra or their schools over a one-year period.

The ten primary schools within Ad Astra are Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Our programme is an alternative to going to university and every previous applicant has gone on to secure a teaching job at a school within our Trust.”

Lauren Thomson, who trained at Ayresome Primary School in Middlesbrough and went on to secure a permanent teaching job at another Ad Astra primary school (Crooksbarn), said: “The teacher training programme meant I received a significant level of support, and I felt fully prepared to teach my own class after one year. I would highly recommend the programme.”

Helen Durnion, School Improvement Lead for Ad Astra Academy Trust, commented: “The biggest advantage of our scheme compared to going to university is that people train on the job and get first-hand experience in the classroom from day one.

“Initially, participants spend approximately 40% in the classroom and at the end of their third and final term they are 90% classroom based.”

If anyone is interested in the programme, two open days are planned at Rosebrook Primary School in Stockton on Friday 31 January at 1pm and Brougham Primary School in Hartlepool on Thursday 13 February at 9am. To book a place at the open days, email Traintoteach@adastraacademytrust.com

 

For further information, visit https://adastraschools.org/ and follow the link https://www.find-postgraduate-teacher-training.service.gov.uk/course/3A8/F499 to apply.

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and over 500 employees.

Teacher Reece Huntley is pictured with pupils at Hartlepool’s West View Primary School

Children from primary schools across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool came together recently (4 December) to host their very own International Food Festival.

Pupils from Ad Astra Academy Trust schools met up at Ayresome Primary School in Middlesbrough to showcase their culinary talents and learn about different cultures across the world.

Schools buddied up in pairs to produce a range of different foods from England, Greece, Italy, Romania and Pakistan. Scones, Greek Salad, Pizza, Salam de Biscuit and Samosas were all on the menu.

Each school sourced their own ingredients and youngsters prepared and cooked their dishes during the day-long event.

Helen Durnion and Pete Wiley, School Improvement Leads with Ad Astra, co-ordinated the event.

Helen Durnion said: “This was the latest in a series of collaborative events for our schools and the theme was Togetherness’ which is one of the Trust’s values.

“The children worked together really well and excelled in producing a wide range of food dishes from around the world.

“Events like this help our children to learn new skills and prepare them for future life.”

Ayresome Primary School teachers Nikki Robson and Sophie Dunn along with parent volunteer Neelam Zaman were heavily involved in organising the event.

Sophie Dunn commented: “We linked in with our fellow Design Technology leads in other schools across the Trust when planning the event.

“Our vision was to create an event whereby children would prepare and cook various foods from around the world whilst learning about the different cultures.

“Everything went to plan, and it was amazing to see all of the children from across the Trust working together.”

There are ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust. They are Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Collaborative events like this are important because they provide an opportunity for children to develop their skills and meet fellow pupils from across the Trust.”

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown to provide education for over 3,500 pupils and 600 employees.

A group of primary schools across Teesside, Hartlepool and County Durham have teamed up with UNISON to acknowledge the fantastic work undertaken by school support staff.

‘Stars in our Schools’ is an annual UK-wide celebration, co-ordinated by UNISON, to recognise the invaluable contribution by the likes of teaching assistants, catering and admin staff, cleaners, lunchtime supervisors and site staff.

Celebratory events took place at Sunnyside Academy in Middlesbrough and Barnard Grove Primary School in Hartlepool which are both under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Every year we choose different schools to mark UNISON’s ‘Stars in our Schools’ initiative and this year held special assemblies at Sunnyside Academy and Barnard Grove Primary School.

“The contribution made by support staff is hugely important in all of our schools and events like this provide an additional opportunity to show our appreciation for everything they do.”

At the Sunnyside Academy event, pupils sang to show their appreciation to support staff whilst at Barnard Grove Primary School, representatives of the school’s Junior Leadership Team read out tributes to support staff members.

Headteachers were full of praise for their support staff who also received a certificate and a goodie bag from UNISON during the celebrations.

Julie Sutton, Headteacher of Sunnyside Academy, said: “Events like this are so important as it presents an opportunity to say thank you to our amazing support staff who help enormously in the smooth running of our school.

“A lot of the work of our support staff is ‘behind the scenes’ and without them, Sunnyside would not be the amazing school that it is.”

Lee Walker, Headteacher of Barnard Grove Primary School, said: “Every single employee in our school is integral to ensuring that our children are safe, ready to learn and enjoy their time at school.

“Some of the work of our support staff is not always at the forefront so this is our opportunity to tell each and every one of them that their work is vital in making us really special.”

UNISON northern regional head of local government Conor McArdle said: “UNISON is pleased once again to work in partnership with Ad Astra Academy Trust to celebrate Stars in our Schools on its 10th Anniversary.

“School support staff are often hidden behind the scenes, but they are vital to the education of young people.

“Their roles are incredibly diverse, from cooks, cleaners and family support advisers to teaching assistants, admin staff and school business professionals.

“They all play a vital role in every aspect of school life and without them, schools simply could not function.”

The other eight primary schools within Ad Astra are Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and over 500 employees.

 

 

A Hartlepool primary school has received praise from Ofsted following a recent inspection.

Inspectors visited Barnard Grove Primary School on 5/6 November 2024 as part of Ofsted’s national programme of school inspection.

The Ofsted report says that the school has taken effective action to maintain the standards set at the previous inspection when it was judged to be “good”.

The report states: “Pupils are proud to attend Barnard Grove Primary School. They feel happy, safe and valued here. Parents explain that the school feels like a family. This is reflected in the warm relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils are keen to make their teachers proud. They work hard and achieve well.

“The school has high expectations that are clearly summed up in their school values of ‘ready, respectful, safe and kind’. Pupils understand and live these values. Pupils are taught how to behave well. They recognise this as the ‘Barnard Grove way’.

“Pupils’ school experience is enriched by a range of trips and visits. Many pupils also enjoy taking part in a wide range of extra-curricular sporting clubs and competitions.”

The report, which has been sent to all parents/carers, adds: “Pupils achieve well at Barnard Grove. From their arrival, pupils begin learning important foundational knowledge quickly.

“The school has an ambitious wider curriculum in place. It has been designed to make sure that pupils learn about their own community as well as the world beyond.

“Pupils are keen to learn and engage in lessons. They are confident to share their ideas and happy to give things a go.

“The school is an inclusive community and staff have been well trained to identify pupils who may have SEND (Special educational needs and disability).

“Pupils across school are kind to each other. Across the inspection, older pupils were seen helping and playing with younger pupils. Pupils know what bullying is and explain that it is taken very seriously in school. They are confident that teachers would sort it out quickly.”

Leadership also comes in for praise at the school.

“Leaders have an accurate view of the school’s strengths and areas for further development. Staff and parents explain that leaders are visible and willing to listen. Staff feel well supported in school. Staff, pupils and families are proud to be part of this school community,” says the report.

Headteacher Lee Walker commented: “This is a very pleasing report. It highlights many of the positive aspects of the Barnard Grove school community where everyone works very closely together to do the very best for our children.”

Barnard Grove is home to 285 pupils between the age of three and 11 and is one of ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “This is a very positive report, and I would like to congratulate everyone for ensuring that the high standards at Barnard Grove are being maintained.”

Ofsted’s Lead Inspector for the visit was Katie Spurr.

There are some child places available in certain year groups. For further information, call the school on 01429 230300.

The other primary schools within Ad Astra are Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in Durham.

Please click on the link below to view the full Ofsted report.

Barnard Grove Primary School – Ofsted Report

A group of schools across Teesside and County Durham have welcomed forty new staff during a special event.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella, is one of the area’s biggest employers with 525 members of staff.

The Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown and now provides education for over 3,500 pupils.

The event was held at Rosebrook Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees for staff who have joined the Trust in the last twelve months.

Speaking at the event, Andy Brown, OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra said: “It is important that we formally welcome you all into the Trust at an event like this.

“It gives me an opportunity to emphasise how much we value our staff, and it gives you the chance to meet other staff members and find out a little bit more about Ad Astra Academy Trust.

“As a Trust we continue to develop and evolve as an organisation and listening to our staff is a key part of this process.

“We are one big family at Ad Astra – you will have good days and challenging days, but we all support one another. Staff are central to everything we do to ensure that our children get off to the best possible start in life.”

Michael Suthers was appointed Deputy Headteacher at Sunnyside Academy in Middlesbrough in September. He was previously English Lead at Pallister Park Primary School where he had spent the last 12 years.

Michael said: “The prospect of working with Ad Astra was one which excited me greatly.  They are a forward-thinking, supportive organisation who always place the best interests of the children first.

“They have a central team who continually strive for the best opportunities for children, who place teaching and learning at the centre of their planning and ensure that barriers to achievement are broken down.

“From a personal point of view, they have already played an integral role in supporting my journey as a leader which I am sure is the case for so many others.”

Chantele Dawes recently joined West View Primary School in Hartlepool as a nursery teaching assistant after working for the previous 18 years in childcare.

Chantele, whose children attended the school, said: “West View has always been my passion as I have seen it grow from a deprived school to the school it is today. I know a lot of the families; it is a wonderful school, and I cried down the phone when I was told that I had got the job.”

Amy Crawford started her first job in September as a reception class teacher at Ayresome Primary School in Middlesbrough after studying for three years.

Amy commented: “I absolutely love my role and love teaching in my community. I studied in Manchester for three years and the demographics are similar to Middlesbrough so coming back and being able to utilise my experience is really good.”

Jordan Messenger also recently joined Ayresome as a Year 4 teacher having worked in education for the last 13 years.

Jordan said: “Over the years I’ve been to several events and Ayresome has always been a school that stood out. When I saw the job advert, I knew straightaway I wanted to be there.

“The children are very well behaved, and everyone excels and achieves together.

“I love the children I work with, the families and the community spirit at Ayresome is second to none.”

The primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside Academy in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

A group of schools across Teesside and County Durham have launched a new charter to ensure the wellbeing of all staff.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella in Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool, is one of the area’s biggest employers with 525 members of staff.

Andy Brown, OBE, Chief Executive Officer at Ad Astra said: “The Staff Wellbeing Charter demonstrates our commitment and dedication to support and enhance the wellbeing of all of our employees.

“It is extremely important that as an employee of the Trust, individuals feel supported with their health and wellbeing and are provided with practices and support that can have a positive impact on their daily lives both at school and at home.

“Wellbeing should be interwoven into everything we do, with the understanding that happy and content employees perform better and live happier lives.”

The charter has been communicated to all staff and posters highlighting the key components are displayed around each school. Key elements of the charter are as follows:

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils.

The primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside Academy in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Martyn Ingram, Human Resources Manager with Ad Astra Academy Trust, commented: “The importance of staff health and wellbeing cannot be understated, and it is a top priority for the Trust.

“It is hugely important that we have all the appropriate measures in place to provide the best level of support possible to staff.

“We also see the charter as a key tool in terms of staff retention and recruitment.”

Click on the link below to view the Staff Wellbeing Charter.
Ad Astra Wellbeing Charter Document

A group of schools across Teesside and County Durham have pledged their support to a charity that provides free beds for struggling families.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella, demonstrated its commitment to the national charity during the Trust’s annual Festival of Education, held recently at Teesside University.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said; “We became aware of the fantastic work that Zarach Charity is undertaking so decided to invite them to participate in our annual festival.

“No child should be without a bed as this can seriously impact on their education and well-being. A number of our schools have already signed up to work closely with the charity and I am sure others will do likewise soon.

“Not only do the charity provide a new bed and mattress to families in poverty, but they also provide bed linen and pyjamas/nightwear. It is a fantastic scheme, and we are delighted to support it.”

Since Zarach Charity was set up in 2018 it has provided beds for over 9,000 children.

Jess Sandy, the charity’s National Development Manager, said: “We would like to thank Ad Astra Academy Trust for inviting us to the Festival of Education 2024.

“It was an amazing day that gave us the platform to raise awareness of our Every Head a Bed scheme. We raised an amazing £385 with our raffle on the day, and we have seen lots more donations being made online too.”

For further information, visit zarach.org

The ten primary schools within Ad Astra are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and over 500 employees.

A Hartlepool primary school has raised over £6000 for two very worthy causes.

Children and staff at Barnard Grove Primary School took part in the ‘Mini Miles for Men & Women Schools’ Sponsored Run’ event during the summer as part of National School Sports Week.

Amazingly, the school raised a total of £6062.75 which has been divided equally between two great causes with local connections – Miles for Men charity and Lewin Tubuna, who will be competing in the 2024 Teenage CrossFit World Games in Michigan at the end of August.

Janine Cowie, Deputy Headteacher of Barnard Grove Primary School, who has led on the initiative, said: “Miles for Men is very close to our hearts at Barnard Grove as Micky Day (the charity’s founder) and his team have supported several of our pupils and their families during their journeys with cancer over the past few years.

“The initial suggestion for the fundraising was for any profits to be split 50/50 between Miles for Men and school funds. However, we became aware of Lewin Tubuna’s fundraising to participate in the Teenage Cross Fit World Games in the USA.

“Lewin is a former Barnard Grove pupil, and we have followed his journey since he left primary school and know the amount of hard work and dedication he has committed to achieving this goal.

“Nothing Lewin has done has ever come as a surprise to us because from a young age he always pushed himself to the absolute limit. Whilst at Barnard Grove, Lewin took on several huge challenges to raise money for Alice Hospice, Muscular Dystrophy and Miles for Men, including a Coast-to-Coast bike ride and a mini triathlon.

“We are extremely proud of the determined and successful young man he has become so decided to show him our support for his biggest challenge yet.”

Janine Cowie continued: “Our families really got on board with the sponsorship and money started to flood in. We held an assembly to announce the final grand total with Lewin and his parents and Micky Day in attendance as guests of honour.

“They were thrilled to learn that, in total, we had raised £6062.75 – an unbelievable effort from our whole school community. Micky told the children that their half of the money would be used to fund holidays for poorly children and their families at a caravan the charity has purchased at Crimdon Dene whilst Lewin said he’d be using his half to help pay for travel and accommodation during his American adventure.”

 

Barnard Grove is one of ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer with Ad Astra, said: “The amount of money raised is an outstanding achievement and I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in contributing to such a fantastic success story.”

The other primary schools within Ad Astra are Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in Durham.

A Hartlepool higher level teaching assistant has waved goodbye after serving a primary school for over thirty-eight years.

Colette Richardson, who has worked in a number of roles at Barnard Grove Primary School since March 1986, called time on her career at the end of the summer term.

Lee Walker, Headteacher of Barnard Grove Primary School, said: “Mrs Richardson has been an outstanding member of staff. To serve a single school for over thirty-eight years is an amazing achievement and shows her true dedication and commitment to the Barnard Grove community.

“She has worked with several generations of families throughout her time and has never wavered in her commitment in laying the foundations for our youngest children to become the fine young people that they are.

“Mrs Richardson has the unique quality of remembering everybody and always, without fail, sees the best in people with her lovely caring nature.

“Everyone connected with Barnard Grove has huge respect for Mrs Richardson and we all wish her a long and happy retirement which she so richly deserves.”

Barnard Grove is one of ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer with Ad Astra, said: “Mrs Richardson has been an extremely valued member of staff at Barnard Grove and made a significant contribution over a considerable length of time.

“She’ll always be part of the Barnard Grove family, and I wish her the very best of luck in the future.”

Colette Richardson commented: “Barnard Grove Primary School and the local community have been a huge part of my life for the past thirty-eight years.

“The generations of families I have worked with along with the amazing, dedicated staff have created some of the most special memories that I will always cherish. It is extremely difficult to say goodbye. I will miss everyone, but especially the children.”

The other primary schools within Ad Astra are Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in Durham.

Picture Caption – Colette Richardson is pictured with Headteacher Lee Walker and Barnard Grove pupils

Issued 23 July 2024.

A group of staff from schools across Teesside and County Durham have been recognised for their commitment and long service.

The 64 staff members have accumulated over 1000 years between them and work for Ad Astra Academy Trust which has ten primary schools under its umbrella.

The awards were presented at the Trust’s recent annual Festival of Education at Teesside University which was attended by over 350 school staff, educationalists and the Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham.

Speaking at the event, Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Our employees are our most valuable resource, and this initiative reflects the Trust’s desire to recognise long service, and to thank staff for their continued support, commitment and loyalty to the Trust.

“Service milestones are achieved at five-year intervals following ten years’ service. As many employees have transferred into the Trust all continuous service is counted.

“To each of these employees, I just want to simply say thank you for all you do.”

Each employee will receive a badge, certificate and letter. The badge contains the number of years worked.

Martyn Ingram, the Trust’s Human Resources Manager added: “Our staff are central to everything we do, and it is important that we recognise their hard work and commitment.

“The 64 staff members receiving awards accumulated 1075 years’ service between them. This is a significant achievement and deserves to be recognised in this way.”

The ten primary schools within Ad Astra are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and over 500 employees.