Times Education Commission releases interim report

The Times Education Commission published findings this week, looking at the evidence they have taken on the purpose of education, social mobility, the curriculum, teaching, assessment and mental health. The report said that, despite the important work done by individual teachers and schools, evidence suggests that the system is failing to ensure every child is …

DfE focuses on student absence, while staff absence still a concern for NE schools

The Department for Education has turned its attention to student attendance figures this week, with new proposals to tackle ‘avoidable absences’ being announced. As well as a more consistent approach to issuing fines across the country, the government wants every school to have an attendance policy in place - including plans for how they will …

North East school’s project shortlisted for Award

Thorntree Academy in Middlesbrough have contributed to a research project which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged students. The school has partnered with the South Tees Arts Programme (STAR) to start an initiative which aims to increase access to the arts for children who are living in deprived areas of South Tees …

School in Durham adopts ‘The Ponderous Pit Pond’

Easington Colliery Primary School are educating their pupils about their local coastline in order to help them further their understanding of the history of their local area.  The school children were involved in a project which focussed on improving the nature reserve, which is situated on an old pit site. Major improvements were made to …

North East Schools cautious as Covid restrictions are lifted

Yesterday the Government announced the easing of Covid restrictions with many decisions having a direct effect on schools. These included the announcement that students are no longer required to wear face masks in classrooms, while the Department for Education will remove guidance on their use within communal areas, such as corridors and dining halls. As …

Calls for teachers to be trusted amidst new research on ‘narrow’ phonics approach

The way primary school children are taught to read is ‘failing’ them, according to research from University College London. The current method of encouraging pupils to identify and pronounce sounds before they then blend them together has been branded as ‘uninformed because it is not underpinned by the latest robust evidence’ by Prof. Dominic Wyse, …

Generous students support their community

Pupils from Haughton Academy in Darlington used some of their time over the festive period to help those who are more disadvantaged than themselves. The pupils and their families collected 71 boxes of provisions and donated these to the King’s Church Food Bank alongside boxes of presents which were donated to the Salvation Army for …

Middlesbrough secondary school celebrates 80 years

St Peter's Catholic College is preparing to celebrate its “80th birthday” this year with events involving students past and present. The secondary school, who pride themselves on having a unique sporting, cultural and educational heritage, have planned two major celebrations in the beginning of March which the school hopes will include all of their community. …

Schools North East receives response from Secretary of State

Back in November 2021, Schools North East wrote to Secretary of State for Education, Nadhim Zahawi, highlighting the pressure schools had been under during the pandemic and suggesting that the Department for Education implemented 5 key policies that would have an immediate positive impact on schools and their staff. We called attention to the incredible …

National Tutoring Programme allocates additional resource to North East

The National Tutoring Programme has been under the spotlight again this week, with Karen Guthrie, Programme Director of Randstad, answering questions on its progress at the House of Commons  Education Select Committee Meeting on Thursday morning. When asked about regional disparities within the programme, Ms Guthrie identified the North East as a ‘coldspot’ in regard …