Children from eight primary school across Teesside came together this week (24 January) to demonstrate their creative art talents.

Pupils from Ad Astra Academy Trust schools met up at Sunnyside Academy in Coulby Newham for the day-long event where they made ceramic tiles from clay.

Prior to the event, pupils were tasked with designing their tiles to reflect the principles and values of individual Ad Astra schools.

Helen Craggs, Art Leader at Sunnyside Academy, who helped co-ordinate the event, said: “This is the first time that Ad Astra schools have collaborated on an event like this.

“Sunnyside Academy is the only school within Ad Astra to have its own kiln, so it is an ideal location.

“The event has given children the opportunity to demonstrate their creative talent and all of the ceramic tiles will be displayed at Ad Astra’s Festival of Education later this year.”

The eight schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra are Sunnyside and Ayresome in Middlesbrough, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, added: “Creative arts features strongly in all of our schools and is an important part of the curriculum.

“All of the children have fully embraced the event. The artwork is of an exceptional standard, and I am very proud of all the pupils who participated.”

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and 525 employees in Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool.

Issued by Alastair Rae, on behalf of Ad Astra Academy Trust. For further information, call 07581239557.

25 January 2024

A Middlesbrough primary school has been granted a prestigious award for its commitment to science.

Staff and pupils at Ayresome Primary School in the centre of Middlesbrough are celebrating after recently receiving the national Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM).

The announcement follows hard on the heels of a recent Ofsted inspection at the school when it was judged to be “good” in all areas.

In a letter to the school, PSQM bosses, said: “We are delighted to inform you that your submission for a Primary Science Quality Mark was successful. Congratulations!

“The reviewers have been very impressed by the high quality of the submissions we have received. The commitment to leading science in your primary school over the last year has been outstanding and the positive impact on teaching and learning is very clear.”

Helen Sizer, PSQM Co-Director said: ‘Schools that have achieved a Primary Science Quality Mark have demonstrated a significant commitment to science leadership, teaching and learning and the profile and quality of science in each accredited school is very high. Science subject leaders, their colleagues, headteachers, children, parents and governors should be very proud.”

Charlotte Haylock, Headteacher of Ayresome Primary School, said: “The dedication, drive and passion of our staff which enabled us to achieve this award has had hugely positive outcomes for our children.

“However, as a school we will continue to strive to improve our curriculum further and develop ways of enabling our children to become the scientists of the future.”

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

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, added: “Science is a key subject which will help many children succeed as their lives progress. These awards are not granted lightly, and I would like to congratulate everyone at Ayresome Primary School on this significant achievement.”

Dozens of Middlesbrough children will start school this week with smart new uniforms – thanks to kind-hearted NHS workers.

Staff from Secure Inpatient Services (SIS) at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust have spent hundreds of pounds on school wear for youngsters at Ayresome Primary.

Administration manager Sophie Antill initially came up with the idea of a possible uniform exchange while sorting out her son’s new uniform – and the initiative snowballed from there.

“Loads of colleagues have happy memories of shopping for uniform and, when I mentioned my exchange idea, someone suggested buying new uniforms for a local school,” she said.

“I never expected it to get this big – and it’s been emotional at times. I kept thinking about the people who don’t have what my son has and wanted to help as many as possible.”

Ayresome Primary was chosen as the link school for the project, as its postcode falls within one of the most deprived communities in Middlesbrough.

Staff from across SIS – including admin, ward staff, housekeepers and leaders – took responsibility for buying individual uniforms and a total of 31 youngsters received support.

“The response was amazing,” said Sophie. “I linked staff up with families, and each child was given what they specifically needed – and often more as well. It was heart-warming.

“Not only did people buy the usual sweatshirts and polos, but also a lot of extra stuff – like hair bobbles, bags and school materials. One family requested shoes – and got them.

“When you consider we only launched this a few weeks ago, just before the school summer holidays, it is amazing what we have achieved. It’s lovely to think we’ve helped so many.”

Sophie has spent the past six weeks hot-desking at work, after turning her own desk space in the admin office into a school uniform drop-off point.

But, although glad to finally get her seat back, she is now looking ahead to Christmas – when she is planning to hold a festive gift appeal for the pupils of Ayresome Primary.

“I want to thank everyone who donated. The compassion value of the Trust really, really shone through during this appeal. People were so happy to help out,” she said.

“As a child I used to love getting my new uniform, then going to school feeling all nice and new – and I wanted the children we were supporting to feel like that too.

“It’s such a nice thing. I just love the idea of all the children going to school in their new unforms and feeling a million dollars. It makes me smile to think of that.”

Charlotte Haylock, headteacher of Ayresome Primary School, welcomed the donation of uniforms and thanked everyone at TEWV who had taken part in the initiative.

She said: “We are delighted with the support that we have received from NHS staff. It really does make a valuable difference.

“With the cost of living impacting on so many, we aim to help our families in a variety of ways to ensure all children can have the same sense of belonging and pride at attending school in uniform. The support means such a lot.”

Ayresome is one of eight primary schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

The others are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.

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A Middlesbrough primary school has been judged to be ‘good’ in all areas following a recent Ofsted inspection.

Four inspectors visited Ayresome Primary School in the centre of Middlesbrough in May of this year as part of its national inspection programme.

In her report, Lead Inspector Kate Morris, said: “Leaders are determined that all pupils feel included and succeed at Ayresome Primary School. New pupils are met with a warm welcome by staff and fellow pupils. They settle in quickly and soon feel part of the school community.

“Pupils behave well in lessons. Around school, pupils are very polite and well-mannered. Bullying rarely occurs. When it does, staff act quickly and effectively to resolve it.

“Leaders have prioritised reading throughout the curriculum. Pupils told inspectors that they enjoy reading. One pupil simply commented, ‘Books fall open, you fall in,’ when asked what they like about reading.”

The report goes on to praise teaching.

“Teachers have strong subject knowledge and value the professional development offered to them. In most subjects, teachers check pupils’ understanding regularly. They know the starting point of pupils and can fill any gaps in knowledge effectively.

“Teachers are proud to be part of Ayresome Primary school.”

The report continues: “Leaders are ambitious for all pupils to achieve well, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

“Pupils are enthusiastic in their learning. The positive, caring ethos contributes to a settled school environment.

“Leaders have carefully considered pupils’ wider development. Pupils learn about a range of faiths and cultures. They appreciate the importance of equality and show respect for the beliefs and opinions of others. Pupils feel listened to by leaders.

“Trustees and leaders have an accurate understanding of the strengths of the school. They know what actions are needed to make improvements.”

Charlotte Haylock, Headteacher of Ayresome Primary School, said: “Our school community are thrilled that Ayresome has now been recognised as a ‘good’ school by Ofsted to affirm what parents, staff and our children believed.

“We are delighted that our rapid improvements have shown some huge strides forward and that our quality of education offers all of our children a school that they are rightly proud of.”

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

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “In the ten years prior to joining Ad Astra Academy Trust, Ayresome had three Ofsted inspections, and none were judged to be ‘good’.

“Ayresome has made significant progress in recent times, and this is testament to the leadership of the school and the staff that have committed themselves to this great community.

“The hard work of everyone associated with Ayresome Primary School is reflected in this report and I am immensely proud.”

Ayresome has 721 pupils on the school roll between the ages of two and 11.

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last eight years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and 525 employees in Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool.

Charlotte Haylock, Headteacher of Ayresome Primary School celebrates the Ofsted report with pupils

Ad Astra’s 2023 Trust Dividend video which was launched at the Festival of Education on the 3^rd July 2023.

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Five-times Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave CBE sailed into Teesside this week to help inspire teachers and education bosses.

The most successful British rower in Olympic history was Guest Speaker at Ad Astra Academy Trust’s Festival of Education 2023 Conference.

The eight primary schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra are Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool.

Over 250 teachers and school leaders attended the day-long event, held at Teesside University, Middlesbrough.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Sir Steve Redgrave has a proven track record of sustained success at the highest level and that can only be achieved through hard work, resilience, and determination.

“These are just some of the attributes which we want to instil in our teachers and staff and Sir Steve Redgrave is a fantastic role model to demonstrate how success can be achieved against a backdrop of the daily challenges we all face.”

The event was chaired by leading educationalist Maggie Farrar CBE and included a series of workshops and discussions throughout the day on key current issues and challenges for schools.

Sir Steve Redgrave spoke about how one of his teachers at school had given him the opportunity to have a go at rowing.

He said: “Teachers are so important to guiding young people and one of my teachers gave me the opportunity to be a rower. If you ask any Olympian who their inspiration was, most will say one of their schoolteachers.”

He added: “Work ethic is the key to success. Even if you have talent you have to work hard; the harder you work, the better you become.”

Former newspaper editor and children’s author Peter Barron MBE hosted the question-and-answer session with Sir Steve Redgrave and also spoke at the event along with Anthony Daulphin of the Standing Ovation Project – a multi award-winning national education body.

Pupils welcomed guests at the start of the event which included an address from 10-year-old Janna Oyedeji from Rosebrook Primary School and a music and dance display by Crooksbarn Primary School.

Pupils also produced a range of artwork depicting Sir Steve Redgrave’s hugely successful rowing career which he was really impressed with.

Chris Simmons, chair of the Ad Astra trustees gave a vote of thanks at the end. He said: “What a day it has been with excellent speakers and workshops. We have outstanding staff across all of our schools who provide inspiration and raise the hopes and aspirations of young children.”

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last eight years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and 525 employees in Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees.

Sir Steve Redgrave CBE with Ad Astra Academy Trust CEO Andy Brown OBE

Delegates at Festival of Education 2023

Click below to view videos of Festival of Education 2023

Video – Andy Brown- Festival of Education 2023

Video – Sir Steve Redgrave – Festival of Education 2023

Video – Sir Steve Redgrave praises artwork

Ayresome Primary School have been awarded IQM Centre of Excellence Award, click here to read our full report.

Ayresome Primary is being inspected by Ofsted on 17th and 18th May 2023.

A group of Teesside primary schools will come together this Friday (24 March) to play their part in tackling climate change.
The schools – which are all part of the Ad Astra Academy Trust – will meet up at the ARC in Stockton-on-Tees for Pupil Action Conference 2023.
The initiative is part of Let’s Go Zero – a national campaign uniting pupils, teachers and parents to enable schools to become zero carbon by 2030.
At the event, which is being supported by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, individual schools will set out ideas to reduce their carbon footprint as well as pledging a commitment to one sustainable initiative moving forward.
Helen Durnion, School Improvement Lead for Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “It is fantastic that our children are at the heart of the efforts for schools to become carbon zero by 2030.
“After all, it is the children of today and future generations that could be adversely affected the most if immediate action isn’t taken to protect the planet.”
There will also be speakers at the event representing Greenpeace and Hartlepool firm J & B Recycling.
Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, added: “This is an opportunity for all schools within our Trust to take positive action to reduce their carbon impact.
“The actions that our schools will be taking will reach far beyond the school gates, inspiring families and the wider community to tackle the climate crisis which is hugely important.”
The event gets underway at 9.30am and will conclude around lunchtime.
Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last seven years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,000 pupils and 500 employees in Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool.
There are eight primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust. They are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.
Issued on behalf of Ad Astra Academy Trust by Alastair Rae. For further information, please call 07581239557.

20 March 2023.