The Schools North East Podcast

To the Stars: Strategic Trust Leadership in Challenging Times – Ad Astra's Andy Brown Shares Insights

In this episode of the Schools North East Podcast, we speak with Andy Brown, CEO of Ad Astra Academy Trust, about his 47-year journey in education and the strategic leadership needed to guide a multi-academy trust through both growth and challenge.
Andy shares insights on:
Leading with purpose across diverse school communities
Developing internal leadership pipelines and planning for succession
Tackling financial pressures while maintaining reserves
Advocating for SEND funding reform and Ofsted restructuring
Launching a SCITT to invest in teacher development
Discover how Ad Astra’s mission — to the stars — is grounded in values-driven leadership, inclusion, and unwavering commitment to giving every child their one chance to succeed.

Lifetime Service in Education: Steve Stringer’s Caretaking Journey

In this episode, we celebrate Steve Stringer’s remarkable 40-year career as caretaker at North Fawdon Primary School. Originally planning to stay only five years, Steve began in December 1986 at age 19 and has since become a fixture of the school and local community.
 
Known for his exceptional dedication, Steve maintained near-perfect attendance over four decades, missing just five weeks due to a heart attack. He has witnessed three generations of families pass through the school, living on-site as one of the region’s last resident caretakers.
 
Steve reflects on the school’s evolution—from open-access doors and coal-fired boilers to advanced security systems and touchscreen technology. His role has grown to include safety compliance, emergency procedures, and a daily presence welcoming parents and pupils. Stories from his time, including memorable students and community support, highlight the deep connections he’s built. Describing his time at North Fawdon as “the best years of my life,” Steve plans to continue his service well beyond retirement age.

The Power of Purpose: Three Sisters, One Mission to Inspire

In a region where many children face significant challenges, schools are rising to the occasion—thanks to passionate, skilled educators. However, teacher shortages are reaching crisis levels, with recruitment targets missed across most subjects and a sharp drop in new primary trainees. In this episode, we spotlight three sisters—an Executive Head, Head Teacher, and Deputy Head—who’ve each dedicated their careers to primary education, shaping countless young lives. Their inspiring journey highlights the purpose and impact of teaching, making this a must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of our schools.

Beyond Inclusion: Transforming SEND Support Post-Pandemic

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nicola Taylor, Director of SEND at Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, to explore how the trust has responded to the dramatic 50% increase in students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) over the past two years. Nicola shares the trust's innovative, data-driven strategies to tackle rising speech and language deficits post-pandemic, and how early intervention, consistent frameworks, and holistic family support are driving measurable improvements in attainment and behavior.

Rethinking Parental Engagement: Lessons from the Classroom to the Community

How do schools truly connect with parents beyond the usual events and newsletters? In this episode of the Schools North East Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan Booth, headteacher of Warkworth Primary School, to explore the real challenges and opportunities in parental engagement.
From his experiences in inner-city Newcastle to rural Northumberland, Jonathan shares hard-earned lessons on breaking down barriers, building trust, and rethinking the school’s role in the community. We discuss why big events aren’t the answer, the surprising realities of engaging parents in different socio-economic settings, and why humility and empathy matter more than ever.
Tune in for an honest, thought-provoking conversation that challenges assumptions and offers practical strategies for every school leader.

Forever School: How The Harbour is Transforming SEMH Support in Sunderland

In this episode of the North East Schools Podcast, we explore how Hudson Road Primary's Additionally Resourced Provision, known as The Harbour, is redefining support for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. The Harbour offers a nurturing, inclusive environment that fosters growth and belonging.
Head Teachers Cathy Westgate and Donna Walker share their insights into the collaboration that brought this initiative to life and its profound impact on students and families. Tune in to discover how Sunderland is leading the way in creating supportive educational spaces close to home.
 
This Episode is sponsored by Howden.

Beyond the City: Inclusion & Innovation in Rural North East Schools

In this episode of the Schools North East podcast, we explore the unique pressures facing rural schools in the North East, from financial struggles and declining pupil numbers to the ongoing SEND crisis. Paul Rickard, CEO of the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust, shares firsthand insights into the severe budgetary constraints that have led to 22 staff reductions in the past year. Managing 21 schools—six of them small, rural, and deeply embedded in their communities—Rickard stresses the urgent need for policies that support sustainability and inclusion. He also critiques short-sighted initiatives like the school breakfast program and calls for cross-party collaboration to ensure a more effective, long-term approach to education policy.

Breaking Barriers in Education: A Conversation with Phil Latham

In this episode of the Schools North East Podcast, we sit down with Phil Latham, Chief Executive of Endeavour Academies, to explore his 27-year journey in education and his mission to rethink how schools address the challenges of today.
From leading Macmillan Academy to shaping policy as a National Leader of Education and advisory board member, Phil shares how his experiences have inspired innovative solutions in the North East. We discuss the systemic barriers his trust faces, the partnerships and strategies redefining education in his schools, and his vision for creating lasting impact. Tune in for insights on leadership, collaboration, and the future of education in one of the most unique and resilient regions in the UK.

Inclusion and Innovation: Looking Ahead with Mark Tilling

Join us for a special episode recorded live at the Schools North East AGM, where we sit down with Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, and Mark Tilling, Head Teacher of High Tunstall College of Science. Together, we explore the importance of inclusion in education, celebrate successes, and discuss the challenges schools face as they strive to support every student. Looking ahead to the rest of the academic year, our guests share their vision for fostering equitable and thriving school communities across the North East. With the lively atmosphere of the AGM in the background, this conversation is filled with practical insights and inspiration for educators at all levels.

Empowering Voices: Education, History, and the Fight for Equality

In this insightful episode of The School's North East Podcast, we are joined by two remarkable guests: Ziauddin Yousafzai, education activist and father of Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, and Dr. Dan Jackson, renowned historian and author of The Northumbrians. Together, they explore the power of education in transforming societies, the importance of preserving regional history, and the ongoing fight for equality in both global and local contexts. Ziauddin shares his inspiring journey advocating for girls' education, while Dr. Jackson delves into the rich cultural and historical landscape of North East England. This episode is a compelling conversation about history, identity, and the role education plays in shaping a better future for all.