More schools face impact of failing test and trace system

With increasing reports of schools with confirmed cases of Coronavirus, whole year groups being sent home to isolate and even whole school closures, it is becoming clear that schools are being let down by the system and that this is unsustainable.  Last week, Schools North East wrote to the Education Secretary to highlight the issues …

North East Colleges win bid to join Centre for Excellence

Three North East colleges have been chosen as part of a list of 20 colleges across the country which are joining WorldSkills UK Centre for Excellence. Sunderland College, Middlesbrough College and East Durham College are set to join this project which is set to raise the bar for best practice. The centre has been set …

Failures over testing causing major issues for North East schools

Schools across the North East started the new term positively, with good attendance and students who are happy and keen to learn. School leaders have, so far, been able to maintain the confidence of students, parents and staff, however this is being threatened by extensive issues with the system for testing. Earlier this week Schools …

New network for special schools and AP is growing

Just before the summer break Schools North East made the exciting announcement that we would be launching a new network for School Business Professionals working in special schools and alternative provision, across the country. We were delighted to be commissioned by the Department for Education to deliver this, and pleased that we are able to …

Gavin Williamson questioned by MPs on GCSE and A level grades

The Education Secretary Gavin Williamson faced scrutiny this week over the awarding of exam grades this summer, as he went before the Education Select Committee on Wednesday. Much of the questioning focused on the relationship between Ofqual and the Department for Education, and whether or not Ofqual had acted truly independently of the Department.  Throughout …

Positive return for North East schools

The return to school has been largely positive and successful for schools across the North East despite ongoing issues with the track and trace system and process for reporting to Public Health England.  In feedback about the experience of returning to the new school year with significant extra measures in place due to the current …

Schools North East lobbying work on exam fiasco

You may have seen some of our lobbying work over the summer around GCSE and A Level results, working to ensure the voice of North East schools was heard. Here is a roundup of all the work we did on the issue, and what we will be doing going forward into 2020-21 academic year.  We …

Department for Education questioned by MPs

Questions for the Department for Education took place in the House of Commons on Monday, covering a range of issues such as school finances, the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown, the awarding of exam grades, as well as questions around higher education. The Secretary of State, Gavin Williamson, reassured the House of Commons that the …

Kenton School Stays Safe

Bubbles, portable sinks and sanitising stations are just a few things that Kenton School has implemented to ensure that their opening for the new term is a successful one. Speaking to the Chronicle Assistant Principal Claire Gibson said: “We’re trying to make it a welcoming environment, especially for the year 7s who may be walking …