Pupil demographics, policy and poverty: Roundtable conversations with Kim McGuinness

It’s no secret that we’re passionate about getting to grips with what's really going on in all 1,150 schools across our region. So, we regularly hold roundtable discussions to hear firsthand about the challenges our school leaders are facing. These conversations offer a great opportunity to identify gaps in support, and make sure that decision …

Year 6 pupils shine a light on Autism Awareness Day in heartfelt assembly

Autism Awareness Day, which took place early last month on 2 April, is critical for schools to recognise as it promotes understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity among students and staff. By raising awareness about autism – whether that be through a dedicated assembly, a bake sale to raise important funds, or something else entirely –  …

Newcastle teen activist: Championing refugee aid on the path to politics

Meet Eleanor Woolstencroft, a remarkable local youth activist who has much to celebrate – and we want to celebrate with her. In between her A Level studies (which is a huge commitment all by itself!) Eleanor has been supporting refugee communities in northern France.  Unsurprisingly, she has big dreams of a bright future in politics …

Community Foundation Funding: How Kenton School boosted pupil confidence and improved attendance

Schools North East partnered with the Community Foundation to make a staggering £100,000 of funding available for schools wishing to develop their cultural, sporting or careers provision for disadvantaged and looked-after children. Funding of up to £4,000 was available per bid for schools across Tyne and Wear This project meant so much to us all …

The looming general election: What we’re doing in the run-up to it

Recently, we can’t seem to get through our day without coming across two infamous words: GENERAL ELECTION. Although we still haven’t yet had confirmation of exactly when it’s going to take place, we can all agree that it’s closer right now than it ever has been before. It could be May, or it may be …

Triumph amidst trouble: RAAC-impacted school triumphs to secure prestigious award

When the going gets tough… the tough get going! Just look at St James Catholic Primary School (part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust) as proof. Children and staff from this local Hebburn primary school didn’t let a RAAC problem – which forced them to split the school across three different sites – stand in …

Lord Touhig embraces in-depth Q&A session with Seaton Sluice Middle School

It’s not everyday a school gets a direct call with a Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom! Pupils at Seaton Sluice Middle School were very fortunate to embrace this special moment, with Lord Touhig taking part in a 45-minute online Q&A session as part of the popular ‘Learn with the Lords’ …

St. John Boste Catholic Primary School earns glowing ‘Outstanding’ rating in recent Ofsted victory

Great news for staff and pupils at St John Boste Catholic Primary School!  The school, based in Oxclose, Washington, recently received an ‘outstanding’ grade in their latest Ofsted inspection, which is always delightful to hear of a North East school.  We know that all of our schools are outstanding, but when it’s awarded as such …

NNoSS Conference2024: The latest conversations around SEND

Yesterday marked the fourth annual conference for the National Network of Special Schools  (NNoSS) for School Business Professionals. Powered by Schools North East, NNoSS is a collaborative network of School Business Professionals. Through collaborative initiatives, the NNoSS community strives to ensure their settings are well resourced for each unique learner. Together they’re a loud and …

Sunderland Head Teacher soars to national spotlight as awards finalist!

Huge, huge congratulations to the North East’s very own Robert Bell, who has been named as a finalist in the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards. We’re delighted for both Robert and Evolve, the alternative provision school in Sunderland in which he’s the Head Teacher of.  Reaching the finals means national recognition for his groundbreaking work …