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

A Teesside primary school has received the highest accolade possible for the quality of its play provision.

Ayresome Primary School, in the centre of Middlesbrough, is celebrating after recently receiving the Platinum Award from OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), putting the school in the top 1% in the country.

OPAL is a national body that issues accreditations to primary schools for their quality, richness and development of play facilities.

OPAL mentor Lizzie Pringle said in her feedback to the school: “It was a delight to return to Ayresome and once again see the quality of your playtimes to be truly exceptional.

“Your site provides children with a rich variety of play opportunities from den building to mud kitchens, varied movements and journeys, swings and hanging upside down to accessing your brand-new garden space.

“Every child at Ayresome has the freedom to play and become whoever they choose to be on a daily basis, and that in itself is invaluable.”

The school will receive a plaque and a certificate plaque from OPAL in recognition of what they describe as “an incredible achievement”.

Gavin Brownless, Assistant Headteacher and Play Curricular Lead at Ayresome, commented: “It has been a real team effort across the school in developing our play facilities over the last 18 months and we are all thrilled to receive the Platinum Award.

“Our pupils enter class more settled, more focused and genuinely ready to learn. Play has become a powerful driver for inclusion, which is at the heart of everything we do at Ayresome.

“The wide range of lunchtime play facilities has helped to actively engage our children and has improved behaviour. They are developing resilience, creativity, and social skills, catered for by ever-developing areas that are brought to life by our play team.

“Most importantly, there is a visible sense of joy across the school; happier children who feel valued and connected. For us, play is no longer an ‘extra’, it is fundamental to both wellbeing and academic success.”

Ayresome is one of ten primary schools across Teesside under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust. The others are Sunnyside in Middlesbrough, Rosebrook and Crooksbarn in Stockton-on-Tees, Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool andDeah Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “I’d like to congratulate everyone involved at Ayresome on this significant achievement.

“The development of play provision at Ayresome is a real success story. The dedication of staff has been exceptional and their commitment to making play a central part of school life is having a clear and lasting impact. Children are happier, more confident, and better prepared for learning because of it.”

A group of schools across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool are holding a special event to help people find out about career opportunities.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella, is one of the area’s biggest employers with around 500 members of staff.

The Career Open Evening takes place at Rosebrook Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees on Tuesday 3 February between 3.30pm and 5.30pm.

Martyn Ingram, Human Resources Manager with Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “We have ten primary schools and a central team across the Trust so recruit regularly for a range of teaching and support staff posts.

“The event is an opportunity for people to come along to find out a bit more about the Trust and chat to existing members of staff.”

Andy Brown, OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra, who will be present at the event, said: “Anyone is welcome to attend the event whether it is someone who is in the last year of their teaching degree, someone undertaking a teaching assistant qualification or someone who is looking to progress their career.

“It will be a very informal event and a chance to find out more about how the Trust operates and its plans for the future.”

Michael Roberts, who joined Rosebrook Primary School last 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, who started at Brougham Primary School last September as a Year 2 teacher, said: “I love the culture within the school; there is great support from staff, and everyone has been very welcoming.”

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last eleven years has grown and now provides 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.

Anyone wishing to attend the event should register in advance by visiting www.adastraschools.org/join-us

Picture Caption – Andy Brown OBE (centre left) is pictured with some of Ad Astra Academy Trust’s recent recruits.

Issued 21 January 2026

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 North-East teacher training programme is helping people reach their career goals and lifetime ambitions.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella, took on eleven new recruits in September who are all hoping to become newly qualified teachers within one year.

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

The ‘Train to Teach’ programme has a 100% success rate of trainees acquiring teaching jobs at the end of the scheme.

As part of the programme, Ad Astra Academy Trust recently teamed up with Lingfield Education Trust to organise a day-long conference for trainees from both trusts.

Helen Durnion, School Improvement Lead for Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Our new trainees are all thriving in their roles, but we are always exploring ways in which we can improve the experience for them.

“Working together with another trust provides an opportunity to share experiences and ideas and also enables trainees to widen their network of contacts.”

The ‘Train to Teach’ programme offers an alternative to going to university to obtain a teaching degree. Trainees spend around 80% of their time in the classroom which is great preparation for when they become newly qualified teachers.

Kristen Connell is a trainee at West Park Primary School, with a Year 1/2 class after previously working as a teaching assistant.

Kirsten said: “I’m really pleased I made the leap from being a teaching assistant. Since I started the trainee role, my confidence has grown and to see young children progress is the best feeling ever and very fulfilling.”

Maria McSorley is doing her training in a reception class At Redcar’s Zetland Primary School after working for the last five years at Middlesborough Council in their Early Years/Inclusion Team.

Maria said: “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher and when the trainee opportunity came along, the timing was just right for me now that my children are a bit older.

“I’m loving every minute of the trainee programme. There is lots of support and the school has been very welcoming and supportive.”

Lingfield Education Trust operates 24 schools across the North-East.

Victoria Patton, Lead Mentor with Lingfield Education Trust, said: “This is the second year that we have ran the trainee programme and we have a very high success rate of trainees gaining employment as a qualified teacher.

“We are delighted to be working closely with Ad Astra Academy Trust. Sharing our expertise and bringing our trainees together can only result in positive benefits for everyone involved.”

Enrolment is open for Ad Astra’s 2026 programme. To apply, visit  https://adastraschools.org/about-us/scitt/apply/

Alternatively, for more information, email traintoteach@adastraacademytrust.com

Applicants need to have a degree for the ‘Train to Teach programme. Trainees graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

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 school academy trust has taken on eleven new trainees who hope to become newly qualified teachers within the next 12 months.

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

The ‘Train to Teach’ programme, which is run by Ad Astra Academy Trust, has a 100% success rate of trainees acquiring teaching jobs at the end of the one-year 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 are very proud of the programme and delighted to welcome our latest trainees.

“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.

“Initially, participants spend approximately 40% in the classroom and at the end of their third and final term they are 80% classroom based.”

Trainees will be based at all ten of Ad Astra’s primary schools. 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.

As part of the programme, a new training hub has been created at Hartlepool’s West Park Primary School.

Louise Sheffield, Headteacher at West Park, who spent ten years of her education career training teachers, said: “We’ve converted a former storeroom at the school into a state-of-the-art training hub which is a fantastic new resource for the programme.

“Although all of the new recruits have been allocated their own class, they will also get the opportunity to gain experience working at other schools across the Trust.”

Trainee Caroline Hall, who has spent 30 years working in Human Resources across the banking sector and has a degree in Education, is excited about the career change.

She said: “I’m passionate about learning and this is is a great opportunity to help shape young people’s minds. Hopefully, I can bring my knowledge and experience to the classroom, and it is great that most of the training is classroom based where we will have the benefit of learning from experienced teachers.”

Kyle Higgins, who has been working in a children’s home for the last two years is equally excited about the opportunity, commenting: “Despite studying law at university, I’ve always wanted to be a teacher.

“I jumped at the opportunity when I saw it because it gives me the chance to train on the job and gain valuable experience so that I am classroom ready when I qualify. I’ve already met the pupils in my class, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Applicants need to have a degree for the ‘Train to Teach programme. Enrolment for the 2026 programme opens on 30 September 2025. To apply, visit  https://adastraschools.org/about-us/scitt/apply/

Alternatively, for more information, email traintoteach@adastraacademytrust.com

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

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.”

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

Over 400 teachers, educationalists and school staff came together recently for an education conference which took place at Digital Life, Teesside University in Middlesbrough.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool, held its annual Festival of Education where the focus was on inclusion.

The event was opened by pupils from West Park Primary School’s choir and the Trust Pupil Leadership Team who talked about what inclusion means to them.

Speaking at the conference, Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “This conference aims to provide the staff of Ad Astra with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to foster inclusive classrooms that support the diverse needs of all of our children.

“Each year, this gathering grows in strength and in number—and that speaks volumes about the commitment, passion, and unity across our trust.

“Our conference this year is entitled ‘To the Stars Together – An Inclusive Learning Festival’; Inclusion is central to every decision I make as CEO.

“What a brilliant year we have had. As CEO I have never been so proud of Ad Astra, we are nearly 10 years old and have 100% of schools judged by Ofsted to be good.”

Mr Brown went on to cite several examples across the trust’s schools where excellence has been achieved over the last year, with pupils been at the heart of decision making.

During the day-long event there were keynote speakers and several workshops covering a range of education issues ranging from recognising Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and supporting pupils with anxiety to strategies that benefit all pupils in the classroom.

The trust also unveiled a Teachers’ Forum during the conference made up of teachers and school staff representing a mix of career stages, experiences and perspectives.

Andy Brown commented: “The purpose of the Teachers’ Forum is to inform, challenge, and shape the direction of our trust. This initiative is about amplifying the voices of those at the heart of the classroom and creating a vital bridge between our frontline and trust leadership.”

Recognition was also given at the event to Chris Simmons, the former chair of Ad Astra Academy Trust after he recently received an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

Andy Brown said: “How wonderful it was it to see our previous chair, Chris Simmons receive an MBE. He was very instrumental in setting Ad Astra up and it’s so well deserved.”

Speaking at the close of the conference, Richenda Broad, chair of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Thank you all so much for curating and organising such an enjoyable day – it really is appreciated.

“The day encapsulated the best in Continuous Professional Development (CPD).  It was engaging, thought provoking, inspirational and motivational, and did all these things almost by stealth because it was all so enjoyable.”

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 ten years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and over 500 employees.

The packed delegate hall for Ad Astra Academy Trust’s Festival of Education