Take a deep breath… You’ve done it! The 23/24 academic year has come to an end and a well deserved break is just around the corner.
It’s been an interesting year, to say the least. It started with crumbling buildings and ended with a crumbling government! The government was replaced far more quickly than the North East’s school building estate though. So many changes and challenges, but the one positive thing that has stayed constant amidst all the chaos is… you, and your relentless hard work and dedication to the region’s young people.
Our schools would be nothing without the workforce behind them. Whether you’re a CEO, teacher, School Business Professional, caterer, parent, or just an active member of the North East schools community, you play a critical role in ensuring that our children and young people get the best possible start in life, and you should be immensely proud of yourself and your achievements.
Nobody said that working in schools would be easy. In fact, most would say that it’s anything but. However, the job that you do is indispensable, and that in itself should equip you with the strength and motivation to keep pushing on and being the best you can be, and we know you are.
For now though, you’ve got a fantastic six week break ahead of you and we hope you spend this time wisely – and by wisely we mean by doing whatever you want! Make lasting memories with loved ones, finally start that book you’ve had your eye on for ages, feast on your favourite Netflix series… This is your time to do whatever makes you happy, so please do exactly that.
Another successful year for the Schools North East network
We exist to amplify your voice and shed light on the real concerns and challenges that weigh on your shoulders, and we’re delighted to say that we were able to exceed expectations for the 23/24 academic year. And that’s because of your support.
A brilliant year for Schools North East events
In terms of events, we united 3,500 school colleagues from across the region and beyond, giving them the opportunity to network, learn, and grow – both personally and professionally.
Keynote speakers at the Summit 2023 and Academies Conference 2024 included Gillian Keegan (then Secretary of State for Education) and Catherine McKinnel (now Minister of State at the Department for Education).
We also had the pleasure of hearing from renowned industry experts and motivational speakers throughout 23/24, including Stephen Morales (CEO at the ISBL), Paul Dix (behaviour specialist, author, education reformer and advisor), and Mary Myatt (education adviser, writer and speaker).
Our roundtables had a very strategic focus this year, looking in detail at individual policy issues and showcasing the solutions and good practice in our region, allowing North East schools to ‘lead not plead’. Across the academic year, we were joined by special guests including Russell Hobby (CEO of Teach First), Leorra Crudas (founding Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts) and more.
Amplifying your voice through regional and national media
Looking through our policy lens, we received a staggering 118 requests from the media (another increase on last year) for the North East perspective on a wide range of topics, including RAAC, attendance, budgets, and Ofsted.
The Guardian: Headteachers in England tell of worsening behaviour of pupils – and parents
ITV Tyne Tees: Lack of special school places is ‘a kick in the stomach’ for North East parents
The Telegraph: Schools concrete crisis: We are taking deliberately cautious approach, says Gillian Keegan.
We made certain to keep the media, stakeholders, and our network members informed of various critical updates throughout 23/24, too, with over 60 press releases, Bitesize Briefings, and Stakeholder Briefings.
Spreading good news far and wide
This academic year, we received and distributed over 100 good news stories from North East schools and their communities, sharing them in our Weekly Update and across our social media and press channels.
We never tire of reading about our schools’ successes and achievements – from outstanding Ofsted inspections to transformative trips and powerful projects. The sector can often feel a little ‘doom and gloom’ at times, which is why we make it a priority to share as much of the positive stuff as we can, too.
Watch our roundup of 23/24 good news stories here.
Thanks again for your amazing efforts and we hope you have a truly brilliant break!
It’s almost time to shut down your computer and lock up your workspace– quite possibly until September. That feels like ages away, doesn’t it? But it’ll likely go by in a flash, so we urge you to make the most of whatever break you’re able to have across the next six weeks.
We look forward to seeing you again in 24/25 for what will surely be another fantastic year!
