Welcome Back: changing the lives of every child, for the future of our region
We hope you’ve had a well-deserved summer break and are returning to school feeling recharged for the year ahead.
As educators in the North East, you have never shied away from challenges. Time and again, you rise to the occasion, making an extraordinary difference for every child in every classroom. And this year will be no exception.
Before the academic year is fully underway and the rhythm of daily responsibilities takes hold, we want to pause and remind you of the profound, lasting impact you have on the lives of children across our region.
Earlier this summer, we received a powerful message from a parent that captures this truth perfectly. They wrote to a Head Teacher to share their gratitude for the role he had played in their son James’s education.
“You did it, and you changed James’ life for good.”
James, who has cerebral palsy and additional needs, is now celebrating a remarkable achievement: a First in Politics and International Relations from Northumbria University. His father’s words speak volumes:
“Dear Nick
“Today, James received a ‘First’ in Politics and International Relations from Northumbria. I think I told you he got A*A B at A-level. He’s turned out to be quite the brainiac and intends to go on to Newcastle for a Masters.
“You should know and believe, that without your intervention and ongoing support, his mother and I doubt very much that James would be where he is today. The link deserves to be closed, you should know the extra mile you went for James has resulted in a hugely positive outcome for him.
“My sincere and lasting thanks. As is often the case with folk who do jobs that have a vocational element, you may brush it off as being just part of your job and that any good head teacher would do what you did. I’d be happy if that is true but the fact remains, you did it and changed James’ life for good.
Again, our huge thanks and best wishes always.”
Your unwavering commitment make lifelong differences
This incredible story highlights the transformative impact that this Head Teacher, as well as the wider St Aloysius and St Joseph’s communities, had on James, and it’s truly wonderful to read.
And stories like this are not the exception. They are happening every day, in every school across our region, thanks to you. Your resilience, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment make lifelong differences in the lives of the young people you teach and support.
So, welcome back. Thank you for everything you do.
Schools North East will be with you every step of the way
This term comes with important developments on the horizon: a new Ofsted framework in November, the outcomes of the SEND and curriculum reviews, and the government’s anticipated White Paper in October.
While these changes may bring new challenges, they also open up opportunities—opportunities to shape the future of education and champion what children truly need.
At Schools North East, we will be with you every step of the way, ensuring your voices are heard, making sure our region is not overlooked, and working with you to share challenges, successes, and solutions.
On Thursday 16 October at St James’ Park, we’ll bring 500 of the region’s leaders together to influence these reforms and ensure they reflect the needs of our schools, our pupils, and our communities. Hear from the changemakers transforming the system:
- Lee Owston (National Director of Education, Ofsted) will deliver top-level insight on the constantly evolving new Ofsted inspection framework. You also have a unique opportunity to gain further Ofsted insight at our following Ofsted Update North & South events in November.
- Jean Gross CBE (author, former Communication Champion) – evidence‑based tactics for closing the attainment gap, starting with white working‑class boys.
- Dan Fitzpatrick (The AI Educator) – turning generative AI from threat to tomorrow’s leadership tool, strengthening the education system for the future.
- Baroness Estelle Morris and Sir Paul Collier – cutting through the policy noise to show what the forthcoming reforms really mean for our region’s schools.
Find the full details and registration link here, and please do share this event with your colleagues.