oneit, Author at West View Primary School - Page 2 of 7

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

A Hartlepool primary school has landed a major national award for its commitment to the arts and culture.

West View Primary School is celebrating after receiving the prestigious Artsmark Gold Award which is accredited by Arts Council England.

In their feedback, Artsmark assessors said: “West View Primary School has made significant strides in embedding arts and culture as part of its core identity, creating a richer, more equitable curriculum for all pupils.

“You have a bespoke curriculum for Art and Music and have set up an Arts team which is building a shared understanding of what quality in the arts curriculum means for your school.”

They go on to praise the school for creating partnerships to enhance arts provision including street dance, drama projects and specialist music tuition.

Assessors continued: “Partnerships with arts organisations have combined with inclusive clubs like Glee and recorder to create a range of opportunities that are truly accessible, supported by the school’s commitment that no child pays for clubs and that trips are heavily subsidised.

“Congratulations on achieving Artsmark Gold. We look forward to hearing about the impact of your work as you move forward.”

Rachael Johnson, a class teacher and Art and Design Lead at West View Primary School, said: “We’ve been working towards the Artsmark Gold Award for the last couple of years and we are absolutely delighted to receive it

“The award demonstrates that the arts and culture is embedded throughout the school and is testament to the wide range of opportunities which we offer to our children.”

West View Primary School is one of ten primary schools across Hartlepool, Teesside and County Durham under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra, commented: “Art is an important part of the school curriculum, and this award shows that West View is excelling in many areas.

“I’d like to congratulate everyone at the school for their hard work in achieving this significant national award.”

The other Ad Astra Academy Trust schools are Barnard Grove, Brougham and West Park in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Click on the link below to listen to Racheal Johnson’s reaction to gaining the Artsmark Gold Award.

Artsmark Video – Rachael Johnson

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 primary school in Hartlepool held a celebration recently to acknowledge the fantastic work undertaken by support staff.

West View, which is one of ten primary schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust, held a special assembly and made presentations to staff as part of ‘Stars in our Schools’ – an annual UK-wide celebration, co-ordinated by UNISON – to recognise the invaluable contribution by the likes of teaching assistants, catering and admin staff, cleaners, lunchtime supervisors and site staff.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Every year we choose different primary schools to mark UNISON’s ‘Stars in our Schools’ initiative and this year we selected West View and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees.

“Support staff make an invaluable contribution in all of our schools and events like this help to reinforce just how much they are appreciated.”

Speaking at West View Primary School’s special assembly, Headteacher Lauren Furness, said: “The work of our support staff is vital to ensure that our school runs smoothly every single day.

“We have people who clean the building, serve our school dinners, work in the office and support teachers. Today is about celebrating those people and acknowledging the great work that they do.”

Year 6 pupils read out poems to reflect how much they value support staff, whilst other pupils in assembly highlighted the importance of the various roles.

UNISON Northern regional head of local government Conor McArdle said: “UNISON is proud to be working with Ad Astra Academy Trust for UNISON’s annual Stars in our Schools celebration.

“The contribution school support staff make is essential to the success of every young person’s education.

“From cooks and cleaners to family support advisers, teaching assistants, administrative teams and school business professionals, their roles are incredibly varied.

“Together, they keep schools running smoothly and create the supportive environment that enables learning to thrive. Without them, schools simply couldn’t function.”

Support staff were presented with a box of chocolates and a UNISON goodie bag.

A Hartlepool primary school has received national recognition for providing “an inspiring science education”.

West View Primary School has been awarded Primary School Quality Mark (PSQM) status following a review of science practices at the school.

In their feedback report, PSQM said: “Congratulations to you all on achieving the Primary Science Quality Mark. The school is developing effective practice in providing an inspiring science education.”

The report adds: “A huge focus on linking science-rich texts to science lessons has gained positive results on children’s understanding and vocabulary use and is beginning to introduce them to how science links to the world around them.

“The review team identifies evidence that science teaching and learning in this school is having a positive impact on children’s progress in both science content and procedural knowledge across the school.”

Lucy Sedgewick, a Year 3 teacher at the school and Science Lead, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received the Primary School Quality Mark.

“The award reflects the hard work across the school to ensure that science is at the forefront of children’s education.

“However, we will not rest on our laurels, and we will continue to stive for further improvements in the months and years ahead.”

PSQM is a nationally recognised accreditation body that celebrates a commitment to developing excellence in science leadership, curriculum design, teaching and learning.

Helen Sizer, PSQM Director commented: “By achieving PSQM, West View Primary School has shown commitment to raising the profile and quality of science education through the development of effective science leadership, visionary curriculum design and excellent teaching practice which is positively impacting on children’s learning across the school.”

West View, on Davison Drive, is one of ten primary schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “A sound knowledge of science is important as it impacts on children right across the curriculum.

“The feedback from PSQM is extremely positive and I would like to thank everyone involved at the school for their hard work and commitment.”

The other nine primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Barnard Grove, Brougham and West Park in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough and Kelloe and Deaf Hill in County Durham.

Click on the link below to view a short video.

Lucy Sedgewick – West View Primary School

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 Hartlepool primary school has been granted a prestigious national award for its efforts to protect the environment.

West View Primary School has been awarded a Green Flag Award with distinction – the highest possible honour – by Keep Britain Tidy.

It is the fourth year in a row that West View has scooped the Eco-School award and the third successive year with distinction.

Laura Wears, a nursery teacher at the school and Eco Lead, said: “We have a group of children ranging from Reception Class to Year 6 who lead our eco work across the school.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be awarded Eco-School status with distinction once again which reflects the wide range of initiatives involving all of our children, parents and the wider community.”

Projects include: –

Fortnightly gardening sessions for Key Stage 2 eco-pupils in the community garden at West View Community Centre
Tree planting involving nursery children with parents/carers
The continued success of the school’s fundraising Recycling Clothing Bank scheme
Various wildlife initiatives

In their feedback report, Keep Britain Tidy, said: “We were delighted to hear about your terrific fundraising efforts as part of your global citizenship scheme.

“Your fantastic pupils have undertaken a sponsored bug hunt and sold bird seed in decorated recycled bottles at your Summer Fair – a super all-round effort.

“It was also terrific to learn that your pupils mounted a superb utilities saving campaign by switching off lights and taps and installing a water butt.

“To top it all, there’s been a really wonderful anti-littering campaign with regular school and community litter-picks and a brilliant regular beach clean.”

West View Primary School, on Davison Drive, is one of ten primary schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “The Green Flag Award with distinction is not granted lightly, and I would like to congratulate everyone at West View Primary School on this significant achievement.”

Please click on the links below to view a short video from West View Primary School’s Laura Wears and Eco Club Members.

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.”

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.

Children as young as two-years-old at a Hartlepool primary school have demonstrated their flair for art as part of a whole-school exhibition.

Pupils in all year groups at West View Primary School from pre-nursery (age 2) to Year 6 (age 11) showcased their work on the theme of nature.

Each class focused on a specific aspect of nature and studied an individual artist to help inspire their work.

Year 3 pupils studied the artist Georgina O’Keefe and created artwork based on various forms of flowers.

Michelle Crawford, a Year 3 teacher at West View and the school’s Arts Award Advisor, said: “The art exhibition was a fantastic success, with an incredible range of artwork from every year group.

“During the project, children used a variety of materials, including paint, watercolours, pastels and oil pastels.

“The excitement at the exhibition was contagious as children proudly shared their creations with their families, making it a joyful celebration of creativity across the whole school.

“Parents/carers were invited to view and purchase their child’s framed artwork with some of the proceeds being used to support the school. We had a brilliant turnout, and everyone was amazed with the standard of work on display.”

West View Primary School is one of ten primary schools across Hartlepool, Teesside and County Durham under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra, commented: “Art is an important part of the curriculum and enables children to be creative in lots of different ways.

“I am very proud of the artwork produced by pupils at West View. All year groups have excelled and the quality of work on display was outstanding.”