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This year saw the first ‘normal’ GCSE exam period since 2019. Schools are concerned about post-pandemic school attendance. In particular, as tests are marked and pupils eagerly await results, the region is waiting to see how Year 11 attendance may impact exam results.

Houghton Community Nursery School has collaborated with Durham University to produce a research-based project focused around mathematics. 

Fresh from half term, schools continue to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee whilst educators from the region have been honoured as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

On 3 June, Former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton visited the region to attend David Miliband’s South Shields Annual Lecture at Harton Academy. The lecture was chaired by Sir Ken Gibson, Executive Head Teacher.

Yesterday the DfE published data showing a rise of pupils eligible for Free Schools Meals (FSM) nationally from 20.8% in 2019 to 22.5% in 2022.

Schools Week reported this week that the DfE are planning to start their plans for academisation in the next half term. The Department is looking to create “strategic delivery plans” which will outline how it will reach their goal of a fully academised school system. They will focus on working with trusts, councils, dioceses and other groups to prioritise academisation in its 55 education investment areas (EIAs), six of which are in the North East. The new strategy includes plans to look at successive ‘requires improvement’ schools that are not yet in a ‘strong’ trust, merging Trusts without capacity, and local proposals for Local Authority multi-academy trusts.

The Secretary of State for Education faced departmental questions in the House of Commons this week. Shadow Education Secretary and MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, Bridget Phillipson, asked about the Schools Bill, published earlier this month and building on the Government’s Schools White Paper.

Pupils from West End Schools’ Trust took part in a week of activities focussed around STEM subjects with support from the Enviresearch Fund administered through Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Newcastle West End Children’s Community.

Schools across the region have been preparing for Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee with celebrations, educational initiatives and themed lessons. As half term approaches, teachers have engaged with North East students, rewarding them with garden parties, fancy dress and royal crafts. 

As part of its inquiry into the future of post-16 qualifications, the Education Select Committee took evidence from the British Chambers of Commerce and small and medium sized enterprises this week. The session looked at the post-16 landscape of qualifications, T-Levels, apprenticeships, and the knowledge, skills, and employability of students.

Norham High School in North Shields has been graded Good in their most recent Ofsted inspection. The report said that the school was a ‘rapidly improving school at the heart of the community’ with the inspectors finding that the school had ‘undergone significant changes’ since the last inspection.

Schools North East is a network for all.  Committed to supporting those working in North East Schools and ensuring their voice is heard.   We are very grateful to our 626 Partner Schools from across the North East who make this work possible.