A well-known North-East education boss has called time on a career spanning over 50 years.

Andy Brown OBE is the Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust which he founded in 2015. It has since grown and now has ten primary schools under its umbrella across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool – all of which are rated “good” by Ofsted.

Born in Darlington, Mr Brown’s teaching career started in Leeds in 1975. He then taught in Marske, Guisborough, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool before being headteacher of West View Primary School in Hartlepool for 21 years.

Accredited as a National Leader of Education and former Ofsted Inspector, the married father of two children and four grandchildren has been a regular visitor to Downing Street for meetings with Prime Ministers. He received a Silver Award at the Teaching Awards Headteacher of the Year in England and Wales in 2015.

He has also played a pivotal role in setting national education policy over the years as Chair of the Government’s Primary Headteacher’s Reference Group.

Mr Brown will retire in August 2027, and the process is already under way to find his successor

Mr Brown said: “I am very fortunate to have worked for such a long time, and I’ve met many wonderful people over the years.

“Being a teacher and working in education provides an opportunity to influence young people and set them on the right pathway in life and this is what has given me the most satisfaction.

“I’m very proud of all of the schools I have been involved with over the years; the people, the children and communities that they serve, and I am going to miss this incredibly, but I am looking forward to supporting my successor as they start their role.”

In retirement, the avid Darlington FC supporter said that he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and playing more golf and tennis.

Richenda Broad, chair of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Andy Brown set up Ad Astra Academy Trust following a very successful career as headteacher of West View Primary School. The principles he established at West View became those of Ad Astra.

“Andy has an easy style of working alongside colleagues to ensure that the experience of children in Ad Astra schools is the best it can be for them rooted in school improvement.

“Under Andy’s stewardship, Ad Astra has developed as a group of schools who are very different in their diversity, community and at times approach to learning. What they have in common is their commitment to the core principles that underpin the Trust. That is Andy’s legacy and is something that as Trust we are determined to retain and build on.

“He will be missed by not just Ad Astra, and on a personal basis by me, but the whole school community in the North-East and Teesside in particular.”

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 provides education for over 3,500 pupils and has over 500 employees.

Recruitment has begun to find a new Chief Executive Officer. For more details, visit www.adastraschools.org/ceo-recruitment/

Over 400 teachers, educationalists and school staff came together recently for an education conference which took place at Middlesbrough’s Teesside University.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool, hosted its annual Festival of Education entitled ‘Strong Foundations, Brighter Futures’.

The event was opened by pupils from Sunnyside Academy’s school choir and staff choir who impressed delegates with their singing and music repertoire. delivering a moving performance that celebrated inclusion, belonging and the belief that every child has the potential to succeed.

Speaking at the conference, Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Success is not what happens while children are with us, success is who they become because of us.”

Mr Brown cited the example of Middlesbrough-born footballer Robbie Blake who he taught in the 80s and went on to be a Premier League footballer.

“Regularly, I had pressure as the PE lead to ban him from school football matches because of the difficulties he had managing the school day. I felt differently, football was his outlet, his means to being successful, why take that away from him?

“I could see football gave him something many children need – a place to belong and a reason to believe in himself.

“I could see football was a way out for him. Somebody believed in him before the rest of the world did,” said Mr Brown.

He added: “Like every trust, we face challenges – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reform, attendance and funding pressures. Yet our response remains the same: we support one another, we innovate together, and we keep children at the centre of every decision.

“I firmly believe that when you look to me and the Trust, you should see values-driven leadership.

“I was so pleased to see that 92% of you stated in the recent survey about our strong staff support and relationships and how comfortable you were in getting help when you need it- that demonstrates we are a values-driven trust.

“Our strength has never been individual schools. Our strength has always been and always will be what happens when schools work together.

“Great schools don’t just create successful pupils; they create successful adults.”

 

Mr Brown went on to give several examples across the trust’s schools where excellence has been achieved over the last year.

During the day-long event there were keynote speakers including Chris Zarraga of Schools North East and several workshops covering a range of education issues ranging from early years pupil development and parental communications to self-care and mental health.

Money was also raised at the event for Tom’s Trust, a UK charity with substantial presence in The Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle, where former West Park Primary School pupil Alex Bell received treatment before he sadly passed away in 2026 aged just 11.

For further information about Tom’s Trust or to donate, visit www.tomstrust.org.uk/donate/

Pupils from Ayresome Primary School, performed an uplifting dance with the message of ‘different countries, one team’ demonstrating their inclusive culture.

The event was closed by well-known local musician Mike McGrother and the Infant Hercules Pub Choir. All of the male staff in Ad Astra were invited onto stage standing shoulder to shoulder with Infant Hercules, reminding everyone in the room of the transformative power of music.

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 eleven years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and over 500 employees.

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 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.”

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.

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

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 at a Hartlepool primary school have demonstrated their flair for art during a special project which has also raised funds for the school.

 

West View Primary School in Davison Drive recently became an Arts Award Centre – an initiative run by Trinity College London – to inspire young people to develop their art and leadership talents.

 

As part of the programme, children have the opportunity to gain art qualifications at a number of levels.

 

Michelle Crawford, a Year 3 teacher at West View and the school’s Arts Award Adviser, said: “Art is an important part of the school curriculum and initiatives like this help our children grow their art skills.

 

“Some children visited the beach to create the theme for their individual pieces of art whilst others focussed on photography. Children also study the work of a well-known artist as part of the first stage of the qualification.

 

“Year 3 (7/8-year-olds) and Year 4 (8/9-year-olds) participated in the initiative and produced amazing artwork which recently went on display in our school gallery.

 

“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 fantastic turnout, and everyone was really impressed with the quality of work on display.”

 

Mrs Crawford added that the school has art ambassadors in each class.

 

West View teamed up with an organisation called Images which work throughout the UK promoting art in schools.

 

Duncan Robinson of Images said: “It’s been a joy to work with West View Primary School and see the incredible creativity of the children come to life.

 

“At Images we’re passionate about giving young people a professional platform to shine – seeing their framed work displayed in a gallery setting not only builds confidence but also fosters a real sense of pride within the school and wider community.”

 

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

 

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.

 

West View Primary School pupils are pictured with some of the framed artwork on display. 

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.