Education Insights brings North East educators together to re-centre creativity
06/02/26
Yesterday (5 February), the North East education community came together at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead for an inspiring Education Insights event, focused on re-centring education around creativity.
For Schools North East, the evening was a powerful reminder of why collaboration, shared learning and regional voices sit at the heart of everything we do.
As a network committed to supporting, connecting and championing all 1,150 schools across our region, this event reflected one of our missions perfectly: creating spaces where colleagues can learn from one another, feel valued, and shape a stronger future for our children and young people.
The event series is organised by independent charity The Teaching Awards Trust, in partnership with Nord Anglia Education, the international schools group. The Teaching Awards Trust recognises the transformative power of educators through key education events, including the Pearson National Teaching Awards and National Thank a Teacher Day.
Its arrival in the North East as part of the A Focus on Creativity strand felt especially meaningful for our community.
Bringing our region together
Education Insights brought teachers, school leaders and education professionals from across the North East and beyond into one room — not just to listen, but to connect, share and reflect.
The event championed creativity as a core part of learning at a time when the creative industries are one of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors. However, the North East currently holds just 2 percent of the UK’s creative jobs, highlighting the importance of ensuring all young people can access creative pathways.
For Schools North East, this collective purpose is vital. Real progress happens when schools feel supported by a strong professional community and empowered to learn from one another.
Giving the North East a strong collective voice
Among the speakers was Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, who shared the regional perspective on why creative practice matters: “Creativity is how young people develop the confidence to think differently, express themselves authentically, and engage with their communities. Art unlocks potential in children, especially those who struggle in traditional academic settings.
“The North East has just 2% of the UK’s creative jobs. If we’;re serious about closing that gap and preparing our young people for the creative economy, we must make creativity accessible to every student, regardless of background.”
Exploring the issues that matter most
Presenter and BAFTA-winning filmmaker Professor David Olusoga kicked off the evening with a keynote discussing how creativity shapes identity and gives voice to lived experience. As Professor of Public History at the University of Manchester and a writer for The Observer, The Guardian and the BBC, his work demonstrates how imagination brings complex histories to life and creates connection.
Kalam Neale from the British Esports Federation led a panel featuring Oonagh Jaquest, Executive Producer for BBC Bitesize, Adrianne Chapman, Vice Principal of the BRIT School, Steven Underwood, Managing Director of digital & media agency Bonded and Chris Zarraga. The insightful discussion evolved around practical classroom strategies, the tension educators may face between assessment pressures and creative exploration, and how teachers can weave creative approaches into core subjects.
Interactive table sessions led by former Pearson National Teaching Awards winners invited educators to explore creativity in practice. Through discussion prompts and real classroom scenarios, teachers exchanged ideas about incorporating creative thinking into lesson planning and maintaining their own creative energy as professionals.
Why events like this matter in the North East
High-quality, regionally hosted events like Education Insights ensure colleagues can access professional development, build networks and feel part of a wider movement — without having to leave the North East.
Our thanks go to The Teaching Awards Trust, Nord Anglia Education, and everyone involved in delivering such a high-quality and impactful event. We are proud to support opportunities that bring our region together and help ensure the North East thrives as a place where education and creativity leads the way.