North East local election results: What they could mean for education
Last week’s local election results have reshaped the political landscape across the North East, with significant changes in council control and growing political diversity across the region. As schools and trusts continue to navigate ongoing challenges around funding, SEND, workforce pressures and operational sustainability, the results mark an important moment for education leaders across the region.
Schools North East is the Voice, Glue, and Bridge of all 1,150 schools across the region. By keeping our finger firmly on the pulse of both regional and national policy developments, we work to ensure our schools and trusts are informed, connected and have the tools necessary to secure the very best outcomes for our children, young people and communities.
Major changes across North East councils
Reform UK has made substantial gains in several authorities previously led by Labour. Sunderland, South Tyneside and Gateshead all shifted following full council elections, while Newcastle’s results produced a far more fragmented picture.
Labour retained just two seats in the city, with the Liberal Democrats emerging as the largest party, closely followed by both the Greens and Reform UK. Although no party secured an outright majority, Newcastle is expected to move towards a Liberal Democrat-led administration.
Elsewhere, Hartlepool saw Reform UK win all 12 seats contested, leaving both Labour and Reform UK tied on 15 seats each and placing independent councillors in a potentially influential position. North Tyneside remains under Labour control, despite notable gains for both Reform UK and the Greens.
Across the wider region, the results reflect an increasingly varied political landscape, with no single party dominating across the North East’s local authorities. Reform UK now holds majorities in Gateshead, Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham, while Labour retains control in North Tyneside and Middlesbrough, and the Conservatives continue to lead in Northumberland.
Several councils, including Newcastle, Hartlepool, Darlington, Stockton, and Redcar & Cleveland, now sit under no overall control.
Education policy in focus
Alongside the local election results, education policy continues to evolve nationally, with parties outlining differing visions for schools, inclusion and accountability.
Earlier this year, the Labour Government published its Schools White Paper, with many of its proposals reinforced this week through the King’s Speech and the forthcoming Education for All Bill. The legislation has been described as aiming to “raise standards in schools and introduce generational reforms of the special educational needs system”.
The Government’s SEND reform principles are described as Early, Local, Fair, Effective and Shared. Alongside this, the Government has announced more than £4 billion in SEND investment over the next three years, including capital funding for new inclusion bases, accessible buildings and special school places, as well as investment in a new “Experts at Hand” national support offer for mainstream settings.
The Conservative Party responded with its own “Alternative King’s Speech”, including proposals for a Restoring School Standards Bill focused on academy freedoms, banning smartphones during the school day and strengthening behaviour policies. The proposals would also repeal Labour’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act.
Reform UK has not yet published detailed education policy proposals. However, last month the party’s education spokesperson, Suella Braverman MP, outlined plans for a “Patriotic Schools Initiative”, including greater emphasis on British history and national identity within the curriculum.
The Liberal Democrats’ education proposals focus heavily on wellbeing, inclusion and workforce support, including commitments around mental health professionals in schools, increased per-pupil funding and a national teacher workforce strategy.
Meanwhile, the Green Party’s education platform includes increased school funding, teacher pay investment and major changes to accountability and assessment, including proposals to abolish Ofsted and end high-stakes testing.
Keeping North East school voices at the centre
As political leadership changes across the region, Schools North East remains committed to ensuring the voices of schools and trusts are heard clearly and consistently. No matter what.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Regardless of political leadership or party affiliation, our priority remains the same: ensuring that North East schools, trusts and education professionals are supported to deliver the very best outcomes for children and young people.
“This is a period of significant change, both regionally and nationally, but it also presents an opportunity for meaningful dialogue around the future of education, inclusion, workforce sustainability and operational excellence. We look forward to working constructively with leaders across all parties to ensure the needs of our schools and communities remain front and centre.”
Schools North East has invited education representatives from all major parties to attend a roundtable discussion with North East school leaders, creating an opportunity for policymakers to hear directly from the sector about the challenges and opportunities facing education across the region.