A Legacy of lifting up: Celebrating Julie Deville’s impact on North East education
As the academic year fast approaches and the eagerly anticipated summer holidays beckon, it’s a time for reflection and, for some, a bittersweet moment of farewell, as it’s retirement that beckons.
At Schools North East, we want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the profound public service of key individuals who have dedicated their entire careers to shaping the lives of young people across our region.
Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have been truly outstanding, leaving an indelible mark on countless students, colleagues, and communities in the North East.
Today, we shine a spotlight on one such luminary: Julie Deville, the visionary founding CEO of Extol Trust, who is set to retire after more than 40 years of commitment to North East education.
Her remarkable journey, from nursery nurse to leading a thriving multi-academy trust, is a testament to her profound impact on improving the life chances of children across our communities.
We recently had the privilege of sitting down with Julie for a special episode of The Schools North East Podcast to reflect on her incredible career and glean her invaluable insights into the future of education.
Transforming schools and championing collaboration
Julie’s career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to excellence and a passionate belief in the power of collaboration. Over more than four decades, she has led the transformation of numerous schools in some of the most challenging contexts, consistently raising standards and outcomes for pupils. Her leadership has left a lasting legacy, improving life chances for children in communities where educational disadvantage is most acute.
The Extol Trust, whose name comes from the Latin “extolare” meaning “to lift up and celebrate,” embodies Julie’s philosophy. The Trust operates across four local authorities (Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool, and Sunderland), encompassing a diverse range of schools, from outstanding institutions to sponsored academies.
A core tenet of Extol is partnership, emphasising true collaboration over top-down approaches. Julie fostered a culture of “professional generosity” among North East CEOs, encouraging the sharing of best practices and mutual support.
Tackling funding inequities and prioritising early years
One of the most significant barriers Julie identified for North East schools is funding inequity, particularly in capital investment through Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) bids. She highlighted how the region receives a disproportionately small allocation compared to others, leaving schools in vital need of infrastructure improvements at a disadvantage.
Julie is a passionate advocate for early years investment, stressing its crucial role in preventing children from “playing catch up.” She noted the alarming trend of children starting school without basic skills like toilet training and tooth brushing, a direct consequence, she believes, of the decline of Sure Start services. While welcoming the return of Family Hubs, Julie emphasised that a strong early years focus must extend beyond Reception outcomes to include comprehensive nursery provision and parent engagement.
A lasting legacy
As Julie prepares for her well-deserved retirement, her legacy of integrity, consistency, and a deep commitment to the North East will undoubtedly continue to inspire. Her work has not only transformed individual schools but has also fostered a spirit of collaboration and excellence across the region. Julie leaves behind a thriving Extol Trust and a powerful call for continued professional generosity and system leadership development.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Julie has been an absolute titan in North East education for over four decades. Her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children, particularly in challenging areas, has been truly inspirational.
“She has not only transformed individual schools but has also fostered a vital culture of collaboration and generosity across our region’s leadership. Her retirement marks the end of an era, and her legacy will continue to resonate deeply within our schools for years to come.”
From everyone here at Schools North East, congratulations on your retirement, Julie! We wish you all the best for the future.
Tune in to the full podcast episode to hear more from Julie about her remarkable career and her insights into the future of education in the North East.
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