PRESS RELEASE

School award in memory of leading businessman

A group of schools across Teesside has launched an annual award in memory of a leading local businessman.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which runs eight primary schools in Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, and Stockton-on-Tees, recently unveiled the Alby Pattison Award which will be awarded every year to the school within the Trust that has gone above and beyond in the arts or sport or both.

Alby Pattison, a former trustee of Ad Astra Academy Trust and the founder of the hugely successful Hart Biologicals in Hartlepool, died recently (October 30) from a rare heart condition.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Alby made a significant contribution to the business, education and sporting community across Teesside and the annual award is a great way to remember him.

“The arts and sport are two things that Alby cared about deeply so it is very fitting that the award reflects these key areas of the curriculum.”

The inaugural award was presented recently to Ayresome Primary School during the Trust’s Christmas Concert at Billingham Synthonia Social Club.

Andy Brown added: “During the calendar year, all our schools have excelled in the arts and sport, but the judging panel felt that the music initiatives undertaken at Ayresome outside of the curriculum were worthy of the Alby Pattison Award.”

Charlotte Haylock, Headteacher of Ayresome Primary School said: “We are absolutely delighted to be presented with the award. Children are overjoyed, as are staff, to have their efforts within the Arts recognised.

“Music has been a strength of the school and prior to the pandemic, children from Ayresome took part in many concerts and competitions. With the pandemic hopefully behind us, we aim to enable all children who wish to play an instrument and develop their music talent to have the opportunity to do so once again.”

Speaking on behalf of the Pattison family, Alby’s daughter Lizzie, said: “‘We are incredibly honoured and proud that Alby is being remembered in this way. He was always incredibly passionate about both the arts and sports and was involved in both from being at school himself.

“From his own passion stemmed a belief that all children should have the opportunity to experience or be involved in the arts or sports themselves.”

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.

Alby Pattison grew Hart Biologicals from a small business start-up in 2002 to an award-winning medical diagnostics company.

Among his many achievements, Alby was Hartlepool’s Business Leader of the Year in 2016. He was also awarded the MBE for services to international trade, the economy and charity in 2018.

He was granted the Freedom of the Borough by Hartlepool Council and last month (November) he was posthumously named Hartlepool Sports Council’s ‘Personality of the Year’ in recognition of his significant contribution to sport in the town.

The other 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 and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.

Issued by Alastair Rae on behalf of Ad Astra Academy Trust. For further information, contact Alastair on 0758 1239557.

Picture Caption – Headteacher Charlotte Haylock, Max Wilkins and Nayab Kousar with the Alby Pattison Award

Picture Caption – Among his many attributes, Alby Pattison had a passion for music.

Issued 16 December 2022

A primary school in Middlesbrough is opening its doors to parents to help them cope with rising living costs.

Ayresome Primary School, in the heart of Middlesbrough, is set to launch its Warm Hub Scheme which will enable parents to come together with their children after school three days a week.

A wide range of activities will be available in school from 7 November for both children and parents, as well as the opportunity to eat, saving families money on food and energy costs.

Charlotte Haylock, Headteacher of Ayresome Primary School, said: “We are well aware of the financial pressures facing many of our families due to the rising living costs and as a school we have a duty to support our children and their families as much as we can.

“Activities will include arts and crafts, board games, sports and it will provide an opportunity for parents to build friendships.

“At the end of the school day we already operate after school clubs for children so the Warm Hub Scheme is, in essence, an extension of this which will enable parents to benefit too.

“There is no additional cost to the school because the heating and lighting is on anyway and we have staff in the school.

“The school is also liaising with charitable organisations to see if they can help with costs towards food and it’s fantastic that The Teesside Charity has already contributed £350.”

Just days after the scheme was announced, over fifty families have already signed up to the scheme.

It also has the backing of Middlesbrough Council and its directly elected mayor, Andy Preston.

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

Its Chief Executive Officer, Andy Brown OBE, added: “All of our schools within the Trust offer a variety of initiatives to help meet the needs of all of our children and their families.

“The Warm Hub Scheme at Ayresome is a great idea and will provide much-needed support to families at a very difficult time.”

Several Middlesbrough Council buildings are also doubling up as Warm Spaces. The venues will offer a range of services and advice at different times. For further information, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/warm-spaces

The other seven primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.

BBC Radio Tees visited the school to find out more about the Warm Hubs scheme. Click the link below to listen.

BBC Radio Tees – Ayresome – Warm Hubs

A famous Olympic ski jumper and celebrity landed in Teesside this week (Monday 4 July) to help inspire teachers and education bosses.

Michael David Edwards, better known as ‘Eddie the Eagle’, was Guest Speaker at Ad Astra Academy Trust’s Festival of Education 2022 Conference at Teesside University, Middlesbrough.

Edwards rose to fame in 1988 when he became the first British ski jumper to appear in the Winter Olympics for over 60 years.

Despite finishing last, Edwards won the hearts of the nation for his effort and commitment, earning him celebrity status. He went on to carve out a successful career and in 2016 his life story was portrayed in the biographical film, Eddie the Eagle.

Over 200 delegates attended the annual event which has not been held for three years due to the pandemic.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “The theme for this year’s event was that you don’t need to be perfect to be a good teacher or education leader and Eddie the Eagle is a brilliant example of how you can be successful without being at the top of your game.

“The whole ethos throughout Ad Astra and across our eight schools is that we work hard to create a togetherness so that staff can learn from one another and support each other.

“We don’t expect staff to have all the answers and never make mistakes. We want them to learn from their failures as much as their successes.”

Eddie the Eagle told delegates that from the age of 13, when he started skiing, it was his dream to compete in the Winter Olympics.

He added: It was through determination, resilience, and perseverance that I made it to the Olympics – all traits that are vital to teachers and those working in education.

“If you have a dream, you have to hold on to it and you’ll get there.”

Andy Brown also spoke at the event which was being chaired by BBC Radio Tees presenter Rachel Teate.

Another key speaker was Andrew Hammond, brother of former Top Gear co-host Richard Hammond. Andrew is a headteacher and author of several children’s books.

Chris Simmons, chair of the Ad Astra trustees gave a vote of thanks at the end. He said: “Schools are at the centre of communities, and I want to thank you all for your hard work.

“You fly the flag for our children. You love them, you teach them, you care for them, and you play a huge part in shaping their lives.”

Just under £450 was raised during the day for the Russ Devereux Headlight Project – a charity providing mental health support.

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.

Eighty-six per cent of its schools are judged by Ofsted to be either “outstanding” or “good”.

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.

Eddie the Eagle and Andy Brown video

The Mayor of Middlesbrough has welcomed the appointment of a new headteacher at the largest primary school in central Middlesbrough.

Charlotte Haylock, previously an Executive Headteacher within Ad Astra Academy Trust has been supporting Ayresome Primary School for 15 months and has now been permanently appointed to lead the school into its next stage of development.

Andy Preston, the Mayor of Middlesbrough, recently visited the school to congratulate Charlotte and meet with pupils from the School Parliament and also talk about his vision for the community and how he envisages Ayresome Primary to be a big part of this.

Mayor Preston said: “Middlesbrough is making great progress and schools like Ayresome Primary are vital to our future strength and successes – so it’s fantastic to visit and see first-hand just what an incredible place this school is.

“I would like to thank all of school staff for the energy and passion they commit to Middlesbrough’s children.”

Ayresome Primary is the largest of the eight primary schools within the Ad Astra Academy Trust with over 700 pupils and 100 staff.

Headteacher Charlotte Haylock commented: “I immediately fell in love with the school and my vision for the future at Ayresome was welcomed by all the staff, the community and the Trust.

“The Trust and the Government are investing in the future of this school, demonstrated by the significant funding for improvements that are just starting.

“It’s going to be an exciting journey and we will be recruiting more teachers and support staff in the near future.”

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.

Eighty-six per cent of its schools are judged by Ofsted to be either “outstanding” or “good”.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Charlotte which demonstrates that we place our strong leaders where they are needed the most.

“Charlotte has already made an impression in the school and the community. She is a very visionary and credible leader and will work relentlessly to ensure the community of Gresham, Middlesbrough get a school they can be even more proud of.”

Andy Brown was invited recently to the House of Lords to share education best practice with key Government figures.

The other seven primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.

For further information about Ad Astra Academy Trust, visit www.adastraschools.org