An unwavering commitment: A message to our schools at the end of 24/25
It’s hard to believe that the 24/25 academic year is already coming to a close! As the final bells ring and you prepare to shut down your computer for a well-earned break, we want to offer our sincere thanks to all North East education staff for their incredible work and extraordinary commitment.
In the face of intense pressure—from rising needs and shrinking budgets to stretched SEND systems—you have shown unwavering dedication to each and every pupil, especially those who need you most. Through it all, you have proven what schools and Trusts truly are: communities of dedicated professionals working together to make a difference.
Every single member of staff, from the classroom to the office to the canteen, has played a vital role. Together, our schools have not only navigated these challenges but have also driven real improvements, accelerating academic progress, improving student attendance, and leading impactful community initiatives.
Schools North East: Uniting and leading together
This past year, we found great delight in bringing the North East educational community together once again. We’re proud to have united 3,500 school colleagues from across the region and beyond throughout 24/25, providing opportunities to network, learn, and grow at our key events.
A true highlight was welcoming newly appointed Minister for School Standards, Catherine McKinnell, to Summit 2024, where she delivered her first major public speech. We also had the pleasure of hearing from DfE’s new Inclusion Advisory Group Chair, Tom Rees, at the Academies Conference 2025.
In addition to our headline events, our strategic roundtables allowed us to showcase the innovative solutions and good practice happening right here in the North East. We were joined by special guests, including MPs Sam Rushworth and Sharon Hodgson, and a major highlight: the Children’s Commissioner, Rachel de Souza.
The Voice of North East schools
This year, our collective Voice grew stronger than ever. The Schools North East Podcast has gone from strength to strength, providing a crucial platform to explore the gap between national policy and the realities of education in our region.
We’ve been honoured to host some influential guests this year, from Frank Norris (former HMI and one of the key architects behind The Alternative Big Listen) and Cathy Westgate (Head Teacher at Hudson Road Primary School), to Nicola Taylor (Director of SEND at Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust) Andy Brown (CEO of Ad Astra Academy Trust), and Donna Walker (Head Teacher at The Link School), we’ve been truly inspired by the powerful conversations we’ve shared.
Regular listeners to the podcast include the DfE and BBC, so the podcast has continued to give us another vital way to ensure the North East perspective is heard and to showcase the amazing leadership and innovation happening right here.
The Voice of SBPs working in specialist schools
Another huge highlight of 24/25 has been the National Network of Special Schools for School Business Professionals (NNoSS). This community, powered by Schools North East, has continued to display a powerful force this year. Together we have challenged decisions and influenced policymakers for the greater good of the specialist sector.
By sharing best practices and providing a united voice, this network has been instrumental in ensuring that special schools across the country are well-resourced and supported to meet the unique needs of every learner. The hard work and collaboration of this community truly embodies the spirit of what we do!
Sharing your success stories
It’s easy to get bogged down by the “doom and gloom” that can sometimes feel ever-present in the sector. That’s why we’ve yet again made it a priority to champion the incredible work happening in our schools.
This year, we shared over 100 good news stories from our schools, celebrating everything from outstanding Ofsted inspections to transformative school trips and powerful community projects. We never get tired of reading about your successes!
And in a year of significant change, we made sure your voices were heard. We responded to 100s of media requests for the North East perspective on key issues like funding, exams, and recruitment. We also kept key stakeholders informed with 80 press releases and briefings so you had the latest information at your fingertips.
A well-deserved break
Now, it’s time to switch off and rest. It feels like September is ages away, but it will be here in a flash. We urge you to make the most of the time you have—you’ve more than earned it.
Thank you again for all your amazing efforts. We hope you have a truly brilliant break and look forward to seeing you back for what will surely be another fantastic year in 25/26.