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

Children at a Stockton-on-Tees primary school have teamed up with a former England women’s international footballer to help raise vital school funds.

Jess Clarke, who won over 50 caps for the Lionesses and scored 11 goals, was guest of honour recently at Rosebrook Primary School.

Jess, who was a member of the 2011 Women’s World Cup team was representing Activekids UK – a national body that was set up to inspire the next generation to be more active and to help promote a healthier lifestyle, both physically and mentally.

The former Liverpool, Notts County, Sheffield United and Durham star joined in with pupils on a sponsored fitness circuit event which raised over £2,000.

Jess also spoke to youngsters during assembly where she talked about the importance of healthy eating, keeping fit and mental wellbeing, along with telling the story of her footballing journey.

Leanne Todd, Headteacher of Rosebrook Primary School, said: “The event was a huge success and provided an opportunity for our children to meet a real-life Lioness.

“Jess Clarke worked with all of the children in school and has hopefully inspired the next generation of young footballers and possibly another Lioness. The children were so excited to meet her and had a fabulous day!

“We would like to thank all of our families that helped raise a phenomenal amount of money. The money raised was split with Activekids UK and £1080 will go towards the further development of our outdoor area and playground.”

Children also had the chance to win signed football memorabilia as part of the event.

Rosebrook is home to over 400 pupils between the age of two and 11 and is one of ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra, commented: “It’s fantastic to have such a high-profile former Lioness visiting one of our schools.

“Jess Clarke has achieved at the highest level in women’s football, and I am sure her story will help inspire our young children at Rosebrook to aim high and succeed in life.”

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

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 Teesside primary school has scooped two prestigious national awards for its commitment to inclusion.

Rosebrook Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees is celebrating after being awarded Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) as well as being granted a Centre of Excellence.

In her report, IQM Assessor Joanne Smith, said: “We can be whatever we dream,” is the school’s vision for children to achieve without limitation. The leaders and staff team work to remove barriers to ensure pupils have every opportunity to be happy and succeed in school learning and life.

“The children know that staff believe in them and care for them and the leaders’ vision is echoed through the children’s voice. Pupils speak warmly about the adults in school and enthusiastically shared their happy experiences and memories from the many opportunities and the interesting curriculum that the school provides.

“High expectations are the starting point for the work of all involved in the life of Rosebrook.  The school’s purpose is to serve their community which is evident from their website welcome, their online presence, communications with parents, carers and community members and strong governor involvement.”

The report goes on to praise leadership at the school.

It says: “The leaders are uncomplicated in their vision, they see children wanting to attend their local primary school and are very clear that their job is to welcome every child and their family to their happy, hardworking school.

“A number of staff gave examples of the compassion shown by the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher.”

The report continues: “One parent shared the kindness of a staff member who worked with their young child to settle into school life, the parent knew that the staff member had given up their own lunchtime to make sure their child was settled and happy and could not have been more grateful.

“Families cannot speak more highly of the support, kindness and positivity shown by all school staff. All parents and carers could not be more complimentary about the never-ending kindness and compassion from staff.”

Staff are also applauded in the report.

The report adds: “The staff talked positively about the impact of training and in particular the whole school approach to understanding adverse childhood experiences. Staff said that everyone has a strong understanding of children’s lived experiences and are able to ensure support is given at the earliest opportunity.”

In the report, Rosebrook’s Inclusion Team was recognised as a beacon of positivity and hope, supporting families with compassion and care, and helping children to feel safe and thrive.

Headteacher Leanne Todd expressed immense pride in the recognition.

She added: “We are incredibly honoured to receive both the Inclusive Quality Mark award and Centre of Excellence status. These awards are a reflection of the belief we hold in every child’s potential and the dedication of our entire school community to nurturing that potential through care, consistency, and high expectations.”

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

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “These are significant achievements, and I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Rosebrook.

“The awards demonstrate Rosebrook’s exceptional commitment to being an inclusive school that engages well with the school community and puts the well-being of pupils at the heart of everything they do.”

Reception places for September 2025 are still available at Rosebrook. For further information, contact the school on 01642 677985

Click on the link below to read the full IQM report

Rosebrook Primary School Report – Mar 2025

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.

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MFL One Page Overview 2024

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