Children from primary schools across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool came together recently (4 December) to host their very own International Food Festival.

Pupils from Ad Astra Academy Trust schools met up at Ayresome Primary School in Middlesbrough to showcase their culinary talents and learn about different cultures across the world.

Schools buddied up in pairs to produce a range of different foods from England, Greece, Italy, Romania and Pakistan. Scones, Greek Salad, Pizza, Salam de Biscuit and Samosas were all on the menu.

Each school sourced their own ingredients and youngsters prepared and cooked their dishes during the day-long event.

Helen Durnion and Pete Wiley, School Improvement Leads with Ad Astra, co-ordinated the event.

Helen Durnion said: “This was the latest in a series of collaborative events for our schools and the theme was Togetherness’ which is one of the Trust’s values.

“The children worked together really well and excelled in producing a wide range of food dishes from around the world.

“Events like this help our children to learn new skills and prepare them for future life.”

Ayresome Primary School teachers Nikki Robson and Sophie Dunn along with parent volunteer Neelam Zaman were heavily involved in organising the event.

Sophie Dunn commented: “We linked in with our fellow Design Technology leads in other schools across the Trust when planning the event.

“Our vision was to create an event whereby children would prepare and cook various foods from around the world whilst learning about the different cultures.

“Everything went to plan, and it was amazing to see all of the children from across the Trust working together.”

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.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Collaborative events like this are important because they provide an opportunity for children to develop their skills and meet fellow pupils from across the Trust.”

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown to provide education for over 3,500 pupils and 600 employees.

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 nine years has grown and now provides education for over 3,500 pupils.

The event was held at Rosebrook Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees for staff who have joined the Trust in the last twelve months.

Speaking at the event, Andy Brown, OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra said: “It is important that we formally welcome you all into the Trust at an event like this.

“It gives me an opportunity to emphasise how much we value our staff, and it gives you the chance to meet other staff members and find out a little bit more about Ad Astra Academy Trust.

“As a Trust we continue to develop and evolve as an organisation and listening to our staff is a key part of this process.

“We are one big family at Ad Astra – you will have good days and challenging days, but we all support one another. Staff are central to everything we do to ensure that our children get off to the best possible start in life.”

Michael Suthers was appointed Deputy Headteacher at Sunnyside Academy in Middlesbrough in September. He was previously English Lead at Pallister Park Primary School where he had spent the last 12 years.

Michael said: “The prospect of working with Ad Astra was one which excited me greatly. They are a forward-thinking, supportive organisation who always place the best interests of the children first.

“They have a central team who continually strive for the best opportunities for children, who place teaching and learning at the centre of their planning and ensure that barriers to achievement are broken down.

“From a personal point of view, they have already played an integral role in supporting my journey as a leader which I am sure is the case for so many others.”

Chantele Dawes recently joined West View Primary School in Hartlepool as a nursery teaching assistant after working for the previous 18 years in childcare.

Chantele, whose children attended the school, said: “West View has always been my passion as I have seen it grow from a deprived school to the school it is today. I know a lot of the families; it is a wonderful school, and I cried down the phone when I was told that I had got the job.”

Amy Crawford started her first job in September as a reception class teacher at Ayresome Primary School in Middlesbrough after studying for three years.

Amy commented: “I absolutely love my role and love teaching in my community. I studied in Manchester for three years and the demographics are similar to Middlesbrough so coming back and being able to utilise my experience is really good.”

Jordan Messenger also recently joined Ayresome as a Year 4 teacher having worked in education for the last 13 years.

Jordan said: “Over the years I’ve been to several events and Ayresome has always been a school that stood out. When I saw the job advert, I knew straightaway I wanted to be there.

“The children are very well behaved, and everyone excels and achieves together.

“I love the children I work with, the families and the community spirit at Ayresome is second to none.”

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 group of schools across Teesside and County Durham have launched a new charter to ensure the wellbeing of all staff.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella in Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool, is one of the area’s biggest employers with 525 members of staff.

Andy Brown, OBE, Chief Executive Officer at Ad Astra said: “The Staff Wellbeing Charter demonstrates our commitment and dedication to support and enhance the wellbeing of all of our employees.

“It is extremely important that as an employee of the Trust, individuals feel supported with their health and wellbeing and are provided with practices and support that can have a positive impact on their daily lives both at school and at home.

“Wellbeing should be interwoven into everything we do, with the understanding that happy and content employees perform better and live happier lives.”

The charter has been communicated to all staff and posters highlighting the key components are displayed around each school. Key elements of the charter are as follows:

The promotion of a good work/life balance
A Wellbeing champion in each school
Counselling and physiotherapy services for staff
A ‘buddy’ system for new employees
A culture of kindness and empathy

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.

Martyn Ingram, Human Resources Manager with Ad Astra Academy Trust, commented: “The importance of staff health and wellbeing cannot be understated, and it is a top priority for the Trust.

“It is hugely important that we have all the appropriate measures in place to provide the best level of support possible to staff.

“We also see the charter as a key tool in terms of staff retention and recruitment.”

Click on the link below to view the Staff Wellbeing Charter.
Ad Astra Wellbeing Charter Document

A group of schools across Teesside and County Durham have pledged their support to a charity that provides free beds for struggling families.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella, demonstrated its commitment to the national charity during the Trust’s annual Festival of Education, held recently at Teesside University.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said; “We became aware of the fantastic work that Zarach Charity is undertaking so decided to invite them to participate in our annual festival.

“No child should be without a bed as this can seriously impact on their education and well-being. A number of our schools have already signed up to work closely with the charity and I am sure others will do likewise soon.

“Not only do the charity provide a new bed and mattress to families in poverty, but they also provide bed linen and pyjamas/nightwear. It is a fantastic scheme, and we are delighted to support it.”

Since Zarach Charity was set up in 2018 it has provided beds for over 9,000 children.

Jess Sandy, the charity’s National Development Manager, said: “We would like to thank Ad Astra Academy Trust for inviting us to the Festival of Education 2024.

“It was an amazing day that gave us the platform to raise awareness of our Every Head a Bed scheme. We raised an amazing £385 with our raffle on the day, and we have seen lots more donations being made online too.”

For further information, visit zarach.org

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 nine 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 and County Durham have been recognised for their commitment and long service.

The 64 staff members have accumulated over 1000 years between them and work for Ad Astra Academy Trust which has ten primary schools under its umbrella.

The awards were presented at the Trust’s recent annual Festival of Education at Teesside University which was attended by over 350 school staff, educationalists and the Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham.

Speaking at the event, Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Our employees are our most valuable resource, and this initiative reflects the Trust’s desire to recognise long service, and to thank staff for their continued support, commitment and loyalty to the Trust.

“Service milestones are achieved at five-year intervals following ten years’ service. As many employees have transferred into the Trust all continuous service is counted.

“To each of these employees, I just want to simply say thank you for all you do.”

Each employee will receive a badge, certificate and letter. The badge contains the number of years worked.

Martyn Ingram, the Trust’s Human Resources Manager added: “Our staff are central to everything we do, and it is important that we recognise their hard work and commitment.

“The 64 staff members receiving awards accumulated 1075 years’ service between them. This is a significant achievement and deserves to be recognised in this way.”

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 over 500 employees.

A well-known Hartlepool public figure is to stand down from a key education role which he has held for the last nine years.

Chris Simmons has been Chair of Ad Astra Academy Trust since 2015 and the announcement came at the Trust’s recent annual Festival of Education at Teesside University.

Ad Astra Academy Trust has ten primary schools under its umbrella across Teesside and County Durham.

Mr Simmons, who headed up the music department at the former Henry Smith School in Hartlepool for over 25 years and was a key figure in Hartlepool Youth Choir for decades, received a special send off from dignitaries and pupils.

Mrs Sue Snowden, the Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, who carries out duties on behalf of His Majesty King Charles, thanked Mr Simmons for his service and along with pupils presented him with a star, which is named after him, and artwork of a tree where pupils from each school printed fingerprints to represent the leaves.

Speaking at the event, Sue Snowden, said: “Chris’s impact on children’s lives in terms of education across the region and especially within Hartlepool has spanned almost 60 years, and his impact within the world of music has been evident worldwide.

“Chris has always been a champion of children and in particular drove the policy of the Council to improve educational outcomes for Hartlepool children and was granted Freedom of the Borough in 2005.

“It gives me the greatest pleasure to thank you personally for your hard work, commitment, and dedication and present you with this token of appreciation for all you have done.”

Chris Simmons thanked the Lord-Lieutenant and then went on to praise Ad Astra Academy Trust staff.

He said: “I cannot thank you enough for everything you do in driving the Trust forward. All of your efforts and hard work will stay with children forever and help them enormously on their journey in life.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to serve you in my various roles. There’s a great togetherness and staff trust each other and believe in one another.”

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Chris has been an inspiration and pillar of strength to everyone across the Trust.

“He has carried out the role with great empathy and integrity and been a tremendous servant.

“Chris has been by my side for over 27 years in different roles and I cannot thank him enough for his support, tireless effort and dedication.”

Mr Simmons has also been Chair of Governors at West View Primary School and Vice-Chair of Lynnfield Primary School and a Hartlepool councillor for nine years.

He was also Vice-Chair of the British Federation of Young Choirs and President and then Vice-President of the European Federation of Choirs for 6 years.

Chris Simmons will stand down at the end of the summer term but continue to be a member of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

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 over 500 employees.

Pupil power was one of the central themes at an education conference which took place in Middlesbrough recently (Monday 1 July).

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella across Teesside and County Durham, held its annual Festival of Education at Teesside University.

Over 350 teachers and educationalists attended the day-long event in Middlesbrough.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Our Annual Festival of Education presents an excellent opportunity to celebrate our successes and maximise the benefits of collaborative working.

“As a Trust we are continually looking at making things better and we focused on a number of themes at this year’s event.

“One of those involved pupils from each of our ten primary schools addressing the delegates and informing them of the things that they would like to see improve.

“Our Pupil Leadership team is a key voice, and it is important that we take their views on board.

“Another important theme at the event was Early Years provision to ensure that we are providing the best possible education for our youngest pupils.”

Speaking at the conference, Andy Brown said: “Despite the challenging circumstances across the world, I continue to have unwarranted optimism about the future of education in this country and the growth and direction of our Trust.”

He also took the opportunity to announce a new Staff Wellbeing Charter for the Trust and said: “The Wellbeing Charter demonstrates our commitment and dedication to support, improve and enhance the wellbeing of employees.

“Wellbeing should be interwoven into everything we do, with the understanding that happy employees perform better and live healthier lives.”

Keynote speakers at the event included Tom Sherrington, an experienced former headteacher who has worked in schools for over 30 years and Bruce Robertson, the Headteacher of Berwickshire High School and author of The Teaching Delusion trilogy.

There was also a passionate presentation from brothers Andy and Matt Smith who were abused as children and have since set up their own company called Smash Life to try and ensure that vulnerable children get the appropriate support to help them achieve in life.

The Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sue Snowdon attended the conference and joined pupils in making a presentation to Chris Simmons, who is standing down as Chair of Ad Astra Academy Trust after holding the position since its inception in 2015.

Zarach Charity’s Beds for Heads also benefited from the event – a charity initiative to provide free beds for poverty-stricken families.

The event was chaired by BBC Radio Tees presenter Rachel Teate. It was opened by singers from Sunnyside Academy and closed by Middlesbrough musician Finn Forster.

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 over 500 employees.

Click on the link below to view the full Festival of Education programme

Ad Astra Programme 2024

Children from ten primary schools across Teesside and County Durham came together recently (7 June) to demonstrate their sporting talents.

Pupils from Ad Astra Academy Trust schools met up for the day-long sports event at Middlesbrough Sports Village where they competed in a range of events including running, long jump, hurdles and distance throwing.

Pete Wiley and Helen Durnion, School Improvement Leads with Ad Astra, helped co-ordinate the event.

Pete Wiley said: “We organise regular collaborative events for our schools and the sports event was a huge success.

“All of the pupils showed their determination to succeed. They gave their all and competed in a very respectful manner.

“One of our primary schools (Ayresome) hold their annual sports day at Middlesbrough Sports Village so we modelled their programme and it worked really well.

“Performing at such a notable regional sporting venue like Middlesbrough Sports Village can only help inspire our pupils to achieve high in their chosen sports.”

Around 150 youngsters aged between 7 and 11 took part in the event and they all received a medal.

A rosette was also awarded to a child from each school who was judged to best reflect the Ad Astra Academy Trust STARS (Support, Togetherness, Achieve, Respect, Success) values.

The ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust are Sunnyside and Ayresome 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.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “This was a wonderful event, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to its success.

“As a Trust we encourage our pupils to participate in sport and physical activity as part of our overall approach to promote healthy lifestyles.

“Events like this are also important because they provide an opportunity for our children to meet their counterparts from other schools.”

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.

Youngsters from primary schools across Teesside and County Durham came together this week (22 April) to demonstrate their science knowledge.

Pupils from Ad Astra Academy Trust schools met up at AV Dawson offices in the Port of Middlesbrough for the day-long event where they showcased their talents.

Prior to the event, pupils were tasked with devising a specific project on a science theme which they then shared with fellow pupils at the event.

Topics were wide ranging and included inventions, density, biodegradables, evolution, and the human body.

At the event, pupils received a tour of AV Dawson’s 360 degree viewing platform where they learned about the vast range of local industries and businesses.

There are ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust. They are Sunnyside and Ayresome 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.

Pete Wiley and Helen Durnion, School Improvement Leads with Ad Astra, helped co-ordinate the event.

Pete Wiley said: “We aim to organise a collaborative event for our schools each term and this time the topic was science.

“All of the children worked really hard to prepare for the event and it was a great way for them to demonstrate their talents and learn from each other.

“The event also provided an excellent opportunity for children to learn about the fantastic range of industries and careers that exist on their doorstep, and this can only inspire them to achieve high and reach their goals in life.”

Mr Wiley added that the event was a huge success and thanked AV Dawson for providing the venue.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, added: “Science is an important part of the school curriculum and all of the children excelled at the event.

“Science is a massive sector in the jobs market, and it is important that we highlight to children at a young age that there are fantastic opportunities in their local area.”

The event was supported by Andrew Stogdale of Sparks Tees Valley who delivered a science show to children, highlighting the many opportunities in the local area.

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown to provide education for over 3,500 pupils and 600 employees.

22 April 2024

Headteacher Paul Newton (left) is welcomed by Andy Brown OBE

Two Durham primary schools have joined one of the North-East’s most successful academy trusts.

Deaf Hill Primary School in Trimdon and Kelloe Primary School joined Ad Astra Academy Trust on 1 March 2024, bringing the total number of primary schools under its umbrella to ten.

Deaf Hill and Kelloe primary schools worked closely together previously as part of a primary federation and Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust is delighted to have them onboard.

He said: “I am delighted that we have expanded the Trust to incorporate Deaf Hill and Kelloe primary schools. Both schools have lots of qualities and they share the values of the Trust.

“It will enable us to enhance the excellent collaborative work across the Trust and embrace schools in Durham for the first time.”

Paul Newton, Headteacher of Deaf Hill and Kelloe Primary Federation said: “Our Federation is very excited to join Ad Astra Academy Trust. We are two successful schools in County Durham keen to embark on the next, exciting phase of school development.

“We are aware that Ad Astra is a Trust that is hugely supportive, while allowing schools to retain their individual characteristics that make them special – something which appeals to us greatly.

“We have chosen Ad Astra Academy Trust for many reasons. They live and breathe their ‘to the stars’ motto and it is clear that every Ad Astra school is committed to improving the experiences and standards of all children.

“We are also very excited to be part of a diverse and vibrant group of schools – to learn from their exceptional practice, but also to share our expertise and talents. Ad Astra embraces all of its schools – supporting and challenging when needed and we feel it is an organisation we will be proud to be part of.”

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley. With the two additional schools, it will provide education for over 3,500 pupils and 600 employees in Durham, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Stockton-on-Tees.

The other eight 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 Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.

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

Headteacher Paul Newton (left) is welcomed by Andy Brown OBE