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

A teacher training programme which has a 100% success rate is appealing for budding teachers to come forward.

Ad Astra Academy Trust – which has ten primary schools under its umbrella in Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool – has spaces available for their ‘Train to Teach’ programme which commences in September 2025.

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

At the end of the one-year programme, trainees will graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Applicants need to have a degree and train for three terms in Ad Astra or their schools over a one-year period.

The ten primary schools within Ad Astra 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: “Our programme is an alternative to going to university and every previous applicant has gone on to secure a teaching job at a school within our Trust.”

Lauren Thomson, who trained at Ayresome Primary School in Middlesbrough and went on to secure a permanent teaching job at another Ad Astra primary school (Crooksbarn), said: “The teacher training programme meant I received a significant level of support, and I felt fully prepared to teach my own class after one year. I would highly recommend the programme.”

Helen Durnion, School Improvement Lead for Ad Astra Academy Trust, commented: “The biggest advantage of our scheme compared to going to university is that people train on the job and get first-hand experience in the classroom from day one.

“Initially, participants spend approximately 40% in the classroom and at the end of their third and final term they are 90% classroom based.”

If anyone is interested in the programme, two open days are planned at Rosebrook Primary School in Stockton on Friday 31 January at 1pm and Brougham Primary School in Hartlepool on Thursday 13 February at 9am. To book a place at the open days, email Traintoteach@adastraacademytrust.com

For further information, visit https://adastraschools.org/ and follow the link https://www.find-postgraduate-teacher-training.service.gov.uk/course/3A8/F499 to apply.

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.

Teacher Reece Huntley is pictured with pupils at Hartlepool’s West View Primary School

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.

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.

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.