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 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.

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 Hartlepool primary school has been granted flagship status from a national education body for its commitment to inclusion.

West View Primary School in Davison Drive had previously been awarded Centre of Excellence status by the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) but following a recent visit from assessors, the school has risen to flagship status.

In her report, IQM Assessor Joanne Smith, said: “The leaders of West View Primary School embody their vision of inclusion. They approach their work with careful planning using evidenced based research and expert advice.

“Leaders ensure the training and development offer to staff gives every opportunity for them to deeply understand how best to support all pupils, so they are not only included but enjoy school and thrive in all areas of learning and life.

“The leadership team is supported and held to account by knowledgeable and skilled local governors and Ad-Astra Trust colleagues.

“The school continues to develop its strong curriculum. They look for ways for pupils to celebrate learning. The school was recently recognised for its excellent work in phonics with a national award of Little Wandle Champion status.”

The report continues: “West View is proud of becoming an Arts Award Centre – an initiative run by Trinity College London – to inspire young people to develop their art and leadership talents

“The learning environment has been developed with the Curiosity Approach and is outstanding. From the earliest ages, pupils are immersed in their learning activities, both inside and outside the classroom.”

Pupils also come in for praise in the report.

It says: “The behaviour of pupils is excellent. Children are happy and engaged in their lessons. They enjoy coming to school and talk warmly about the staff and their friends. They were eager to talk about the importance of a happy mind as well as being physically fit and healthy.”

Staff and the positive relationship with parents also come in for praise.

“The Inclusion Team is exceptionally supportive to families; they work hard to develop positive relationships and invest time to build trust to ensure the best outcomes for all pupils.

“The team at West View not only plans activities to welcome families so they engage positively in their child’s school journey with them, but they also monitor the engagement through feedback from parents and staff. They are very good at listening to parents and carers and signpost them to services that can support.

“Communication systems in school are strong. The website is a window into a vibrant school packed with information and celebration. Social media and the website also share the leaders’ vision of inclusion and parents shared that this is a real strength of the school.”

The report concludes: “The school continues to move from strength to strength in terms of its superb inclusive practice and I am firmly of the opinion that the school fully meets the standard required by the Inclusion Quality Mark to pursue Flagship School status. I therefore recommend that the school moves to Flagship Status and is reviewed again in 12 months.”

Lauren Furness, Headteacher of West View Primary School, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be awarded flagship status by IQM which is recognition of our ongoing commitment to be a fully inclusive school.

“The award is testament to the continuing hard work and commitment of everyone involved at West View to ensure that the school does everything it can to provide the best possible opportunities for all of our children and the community we serve.

“In particular, I like to say a huge thank you to our IQM Lead Natalie Boagey, who has driven this initiative.”

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, CEO of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Flagship status is not granted lightly by IQM, and I would like to congratulate everyone involved at West View Primary School on this major achievement.

Inclusion is an integral part of our Trust Strategic Plan, and we will be sharing good practice at our Festival of Education on 30th June at Teesside University.

Natalie Boagey of West View Primary School is pictured with pupils.

Click on the link below to read the IQM report in full.

West View Primary School Review – April 2025

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.

A Hartlepool primary school has been recognised by a national body for its commitment to spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

West View Primary School in Davison Drive recently received a Silver quality mark following a visit from an organisation called Young Citizens.

In a letter to Headteacher Lauren Furness, verifier Sandra Saint states: “I am delighted to inform you that as a result of the recent verification visit, West View Primary School has been awarded Silver level of the National SMSC (Spiritual, moral, social and cultural) Quality Mark.

“West View Primary School most definitely has SMSC at its core and it is a fundamental aspect of the education that is provided. It is evident that everyone is indeed encouraged and empowered to ‘Dream Big, Aim High and Shine Bright’.

“There is such a welcoming, relaxed, calming atmosphere and physical environment which appears effortless. However, it is created with a great deal of careful consideration alongside a great deal of staff skill and dedication stemming from your commitment to The Curiosity Approach to learning.

“Please pass on my thanks to the pupils who gave me a tour of their school and chatted with me. They are obviously proud to be part of West View School and shared lots of valuable insights.

“I congratulate West View School on the silver standard of SMSC development that is afforded their pupils. However, I also must note that there is a great deal of ‘beyond gold’ level practice taking place.”

Lauren Furness commented: “Clearly, this is a very positive report which highlights the school’s commitment to spiritual, moral, social and cultural values.

“We have a fantastic team ethos here at West View and I would like to thank pupils, staff, parents/carers and everyone else who has played a part in this achievement.”

West View Primary School has xxx pupils on its roll between the ages of 2 and 11 and is one of ten primary schools across Teesside and County Durham under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer for Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “This is an excellent achievement and well deserved. West View Primary school has a unique approach to teaching and learning and it is really pleasing to see it recognised in this way by a national body.”

To read the full report, click on the link below.

Young Citizens Report

Children from eight primary school across Teesside came together this week (24 January) to demonstrate their creative art talents.

Pupils from Ad Astra Academy Trust schools met up at Sunnyside Academy in Coulby Newham for the day-long event where they made ceramic tiles from clay.

Prior to the event, pupils were tasked with designing their tiles to reflect the principles and values of individual Ad Astra schools.

Helen Craggs, Art Leader at Sunnyside Academy, who helped co-ordinate the event, said: “This is the first time that Ad Astra schools have collaborated on an event like this.

“Sunnyside Academy is the only school within Ad Astra to have its own kiln, so it is an ideal location.

“The event has given children the opportunity to demonstrate their creative talent and all of the ceramic tiles will be displayed at Ad Astra’s Festival of Education later this year.”

The eight schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra are Sunnyside and Ayresome in Middlesbrough, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, added: “Creative arts features strongly in all of our schools and is an important part of the curriculum.

“All of the children have fully embraced the event. The artwork is of an exceptional standard, and I am very proud of all the pupils who participated.”

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.

Issued by Alastair Rae, on behalf of Ad Astra Academy Trust. For further information, call 07581239557.

25 January 2024