A group of schools across Teesside and County Durham have welcomed 22 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 eleven years has grown and now provides education for over 3,500 pupils.

The event was held at Hartlepool’s Queens Meadow Business Park for staff who have joined the Trust in the last year.

Speaking to staff at the event, Andy Brown, OBE, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ad Astra said: “It gives me great pleasure to formally welcome you to our Trust.

“We are one big family and all work together to help one another. If we don’t know the answer to something we will find it somewhere across the Trust.”

Mr Brown went on to say that he is a responsive and reflective leader and isn’t afraid to change his mind after listening to headteachers and other staff.

He also said that staff well-being is paramount and a top priority in all schools.

He added: “As a Trust we continue to evolve, always exploring new ways of working to ensure that we do the very best for our children,”

Lauren Bramley, who has just started work as a teaching assistant at Hartlepool’s Brougham Primary School, said: “I previously worked in retail but now that my four children (aged 7 to 17) are growing up I was ready to return to work.

“After a period working at Brougham as a supply teaching assistant, I was encouraged to apply for a permanent position, and I am absolutely loving it. Everyone at the school is so friendly and supportive.”

Karen Anderson, who has worked for over two decades in early years education has just been appointed Assistant Headteacher (Early Years & Key Stage 1) at Middlesbrough’s Ayresome Primary School.

She said: “When I was studying, I spent two years on placement at Ayresome Primary School and when the Assistant Headteacher opportunity became available I didn’t hesitate.

“I knew straightaway it was right for me because of the previous connection and Ayresome has always been a school that’s remained close to my heart.

“I am thoroughly enjoying my new role; there’s fantastic support from the senior leadership team and I am loving every minute of it.”

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.

Picture Caption – Andy Brown OBE (centre) is pictured with Ad Astra Academy Trust’s new starters.

21 September 2026

A group of newly qualified teachers have been celebrating after completing a 10-month in-house teacher training programme.

Six newly qualified teachers recently attended a special graduation ceremony at Hartlepool’s West Park Primary School after completing Ad Astra Academy Trust’s Train to Teach programme.

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

One of the graduates – Caroline Hall – who previously worked in the financial sector for 30 years, has secured a job at Barnard Grove Primary School.

She said: “Completing the Train to Teach programme has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has challenged me, supported me and given me the knowledge and confidence to become a qualified teacher. I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my teaching career.”

Thomas Coverdale, who has trained at Middlesbrough’s Ayresome Primary School, commented: “Becoming a teacher has been a lifelong dream of mine, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see my dream become a reality thanks to Ad Astra’s Train to Teach scheme.”

Fellow graduate Kayleigh Brown added: “My training journey has been incredibly rewarding. The guidance of experienced teachers and supportive mentors, combined with daily classroom experience, has given me the confidence and skills to begin my teaching career.”

Under the scheme, trainees graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Helen Durnion, School Improvement Lead for Ad Astra Academy Trust and the Train to Teach lead, said: “The graduation ceremony was a wonderful, celebratory occasion.

“All of our trainees have been totally committed to the programme over the last 10 months, and many have already secured teaching roles.

There are ten primary schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool. 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.

Anyone interested in the Train to Teach programme can apply from September 2027 by visiting www.adastraschools.org/about-us/scitt/

Alternatively, for more information, call 01429 282090 or email traintoteach@adastraacademytrust.com

Graduates are pictured at the ceremony with Ad Astra Academy Trust staff.

29 July 2026

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Staff from schools across Hartlepool, Teesside and County Durham are being recognised for their commitment and long service.

The 57 staff members have accumulated 1,060 years’ service between them and work for Ad Astra Academy Trust which has ten primary schools under its umbrella.

They include Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Presentations are taking place at each school to mark long service ranging from 10 years to 40 years. Employees receive a letter from Ad Astra CEO Andy Brown OBE, a certificate and a long service badge.

Kathleen Bird, who has worked for 40 years as a lunchtime supervisor at Hartlepool’s Barnard Grove Primary School was delighted to receive her award.

She said: “I’ve been doing this job for a very long time, and it is nice to be appreciated.

“My job is to support the children in the dining hall which involves a variety of things from helping them to open food packets to cleaning up spillages.

“Over the years I’ve observed thousands of children going through primary school from age three to 11 which is lovely.

“I even get people coming up to me in street saying – Hi there, you used to be my dinner nanny.

“Barnard Grove is a great school; the children and staff are fantastic, and everyone looks after each other. I’ll keep doing the job for as long as I can.”

Lee Walker, Headteacher at Barnard Grove Primary School, said: “Long service awards are important as they acknowledge commitment and dedication to our children.

“In Kathleen Bird’s case, it is remarkable that she has served Barnard Grove in the same job for 40 years and we really appreciate the contribution she makes.”

Martyn Ingram, Ad Astra’s Human Resources Manager, added: “As A Trust, we feel it is really important to recognise staff for their dedication and hard work, and this is a way of thanking staff and showing our appreciation for their loyalty.”

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and employees over 500 staff.

Picture Caption – Lee Walker (back left) and Tilly Greer (back right) of Ad Astra Academy Trust are pictured with long service recipients and pupils at Barnard Grove Primary School

30 June 2026.

A group of schools across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool is offering people the opportunity to become teachers.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella, is appealing for people to come forward for its ‘Train to Teach’ programme which starts in September.

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

The programme has a 100% success rate of trainees acquiring teaching jobs at the end of the ten-month scheme.

Trainees graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Helen Durnion, School Improvement Lead for Ad Astra Academy Trust and the course lead, said: “We’ve had a good response to our 2026/27 programme, but we still have a few places available.

“The programme offers an alternative to going to university to obtain a teaching degree. There is also the advantage that people train on the job and get first-hand experience in the classroom which is great preparation for when they become newly qualified teachers.”

Trainees will be based at every Ad Astra primary school. 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.

Kristen Connell, who is currently on the programme, said: “I’ve really enjoyed the programme and looking forward to seeing all the hard work pay off as I step into my new career.”

Fellow trainee Tom Coverdale added: “The support throughout the programme has been brilliant and the classroom experience is invaluable. With my new career on the horizon, I can’t wait to put everything I have learned into practice in my new classroom in September.”

Applicants need to have a degree for the ‘Train to Teach programme.

For further information or an informal chat, telephone 01429 874552 or email office@westpark.adastraschools.org

Children from primary schools across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool came together recently to host their very own poetry competition.

Pupils from Ad Astra Academy Trust schools met up at Hartlepool’s High Tunstall College of Science to put their poetry skills to the test before a panel of judges.

Three local poets – Bob Beagrie, Sara Dennis and Julie Easley – have been working with Year 5 (9/10-year-olds) pupils across the Trust to support them in planning, writing and performing their own poems, with the winning teams from each school competing against each other.

Pete Wiley, School Improvement Lead with Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Every term we hold a major collaborative event, where pupils from all ten of our schools come together.

“Previous events have included pupils making clay tiles, cooking dishes from around the world, a climate action conference and visiting the Port of Tees to look at industry in our local area, as well as our annual sports day. This term we chose poetry.

“One of our Trust priorities this year is oracy, so the event gave pupils the chance to use their voices for a different purpose by performing to an audience and panel of judges. We want to give our pupils the stage and the platform to express themselves, develop their confidence and hone their performance skills.

“All of the teams performed superbly and to an exceptional standard. Only one point separated the first four teams with a team from Hartlepool’s Barnard Grove Primary School just edging it.”

Poet Bob Beagrie said: “Poetry is very important because it enables children to express themselves using figurative language. Sharing that experience in team events like this is great for vocabulary, orality and helps them to grow emotionally. It has been a spectacular day – they’ve all shone like stars.”

The panel of judges included Chris Simmons MBE, former Chair of the Trust Board, Rachel Laycock from Bloomin Arts and Phil Swinburn who is a local writer, singer and actor.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “As a Trust, we have developed our ‘Ad Astra Approach to Oracy’, which underpins the work that all of our schools do, with the aim of ensuring that every child, leaves school with the confidence, fluency and ability to express themselves clearly, thoughtfully and with purpose. We describe oracy as the ‘golden thread’ that weaves through every moment of the school day.

“We are very grateful to High Tunstall for hosting the event as it supports pupils’ transition to secondary school, as they get to experience some of the school’s facilities.”

The winning team and runners-up were presented with medals. The poets also recited some of their own poems at the event to help inspire pupils.

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.

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

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 ten years has grown and now provides education for over 3,500 pupils.

The event was held at Hartlepool’s Queens Meadow Business Park for staff who have joined the Trust in the last year.

Speaking to staff at the event, Andy Brown, OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra said: “You are part of a large organisation, and it is important that you get to know others working across the Trust.”

He emphasised that ‘Working together for children’ is one of the key values for the Trust and added: “We are all in this for the children. We want all of our pupils to succeed but we can only do that if we look after our staff and ensure that they have a healthy work/life balance.”

Mr Brown went on to highlight that supporting staff is a strength of the Trust and added: “One of the benefits of working in a large Trust is that you will never be isolated. There is always someone to support you and we all help each other.”

Michael Roberts, who joined Rosebrook Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees in May as a sports coach said: “I studied Sport & Exercise Coaching Sciences at university but for the previous five years I had been working as a warehouse manager.

“I am really pleased I made the switch. Every day is different, and I love the job.”

Megan Brown started at Brougham Primary School earlier this month (September 2025) as a Year 2 teacher.

Megan said: “I qualified in July 2024 and was working as a supply teacher at Brougham. Having attended neighbouring Dyke House School, I am very familiar with Brougham.

“I love the culture within the school; there is great support from staff, and everyone has been very welcoming.”

Harry Ashley has also just started at Brougham as a Year 6 teacher after studying Sports Science at university and completing a one-year teacher training programme.

Harry commented: “I know the school really well and I am very excited to begin my teaching journey at Brougham.

“I am really looking forward to supporting the children and helping them become the best they can be.”

Claire Howe, who has a primary teacher degree, started as a teaching assistant at West View Primary School last November.

Claire said: “I’ve been a teaching assistant for the last 18 years but jumped at the opportunity at West View when it came along.

“I know a lot of people whose children have gone to West View, and everyone speaks highly about the school. It is a fantastic school, and I am delighted to be part of it.”

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 staff from schools across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool have been recognised for their commitment and long service.

The 62 staff members have accumulated 975 years’ service between them and work for Ad Astra Academy Trust which has ten primary schools under its umbrella.

The long service awards, which ranged from 10 years to 35 years, were presented recently at local events in schools with each employee receiving a letter from Ad Astra CEO Andy Brown OBE, a certificate and long service badge.

Chris Twiby, who has been headteacher at Crooksbarn Primary School in Norton for the last 15 years, said: “I started out as a newly qualified teacher (NQT) in Manchester 30 years ago and it really has been a privilege to be involved in teaching across diverse communities during my career.

“Every classroom, every culture and every colleague has shaped the journey, and I am so grateful to have worked alongside some truly remarkable people along the way.”

Rob Bradbury, who teaches 10/11-year-olds at Barnard Grove Primary School in Hartlepool received an award for 20 years’ service.

He commented: “I am very proud to have had a positive impact on lots of children over the last 20 years and have enjoyed working with such supportive staff.

“The award means a lot to me, and I think it is good that long service and loyalty is recognised in this way.”

The ten primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust 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.

Martyn Ingram, Ad Astra’s Human Resources Manager added: “Our staff are the bedrock of Ad Astra and the ten schools that provide education and support to over 3,500 pupils.

“As a Trust, we feel it is really important to recognise staff for their dedication and hard work, and this is a way of thanking staff and showing our appreciation for their commitment and loyalty to the Trust.”

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 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.