THE achievements of “truly exceptional” staff have been celebrated at a North East education trust’s inaugural employee awards.

The Advance Learning Partnership (ALP), comprising a mix of 18 secondary and primary schools, staged its Employee Awards 2024 at Whitworth Park Academy, Spennymoor.

The Trust’s chief executive, Kelvin Simpson, opened the evening by saying: “This is a really special night because it’s an opportunity to say thank you to some truly exceptional people.

“The Trust has had an incredible year, growing its number of schools, celebrating Ofsted successes, national awards, and a range of wonderful achievements, and I am so proud of the people who work at ALP.”

Chair of the Trust Board, Alan Boddy, added: “As the Trust has grown, one of the things I’ve noticed is that it doesn’t take long for staff from new schools to get over that initial apprehension and really feel part of the ALP family.”

Over the past year, the Trust has been strengthened by the addition of four new schools: Hummersknott Academy, Darlington; Greenfield Academy, Newton Aycliffe; Skerne Park Primary, Darlington; and Peases West Academy, Billy Row, Crook.

ALP, which has a “Your child is our child” ethos, employs more than 1,200 staff, 39 of which were shortlisted for 13 categories, with the costs of the event covered by 10 companies that work with the trust and local businesses.

ROLL OF HONOUR

Central Services: Winner – Central Catering Manager Paul Frankland for his skill in providing nutritious food across the Trust. Shortlisted – Catherine Taylor and Grace Rennie.

Innovation In Education: Winner – Wolsingham School’s IT manager, Brett Sterling, for his “amazing work” in creating and running ALP Radio. Shortlisted – Amelia Arrowsmith and Jade Noakes, both of Dean Academy, Peterlee.

(Image: Advance Learning Partnership)

Outstanding contribution:  Winner – Guy Gray for his dedicated leadership of PE at Parkside Academy, Willington. Shortlisted – Val MacDonald and Jeff Spence, both of Whitworth Park Academy.

(Image: Advance Learning Partnership)

Primary leadership: Winner – Sarah Wheatley for showing “great leadership and adaptability” as Deputy Head of Moorside Primary Academy, Consett. Shortlisted – Kaye Hodgson, of New Brancepeth Primary; and Melissa Morton, of Peases West Primary, Crook.

Primary Non-Classroom Support: Winner – Richard Pratt, of Hartside Primary, Crook, for his expert use of Makaton as a communication tool. Shortlisted – Joseph Welsh and Ellen Short, both of Moorside Academy.

Primary Classroom Support: Winner – Michelle McCabe, a “dedicated and versatile” Higher Level Teaching Assistant, who has been part of Moorside Primary for more than two decades. Shortlisted – Susan Knotts, of Peases West Academy; and May Clark, of Howden-le-Wear Primary.

Primary Teacher: Winner – Ava Acaster for her “dedication, enthusiasm and working tirelessly” at Hartside Primary.  Shortlisted – Amy Buckmaster, of Howden-le-Wear Primary; and Claire Porthouse, of Middleton Moor Primary.

Early Career Teacher: Winner Jordan Conroy for being an asset to the English department at Parkside Academy. Shortlisted – Tamsyn Tuburu, of Hartside Primary; and Abbie Bunting, of Dene Academy.

Secondary Leadership: Winner – Danielle Dakers, of Dene Academy for being “a leader who inspires everyone around her” at Dene Academy. Shortlisted – Val Rayne, of Hummersknott Academy; and Rachael Ptak, of Parkside Academy.

Secondary Non-Classroom Support: Winner – Jo Baker, “a role model for excellence and dedication at Staindrop Academy. Shortlisted – Zac Fletcher, of Whitworth Park Academy; and Colin Newton, of Parkside Academy.

(Image: Advance Learning Partnership)

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Secondary Classroom Support: Winner – Pauline Wilson for “making a positive difference to the lives of everyone she interacts with” at Dene Academy. Shortlisted – Claire Slater, of Parkside Academy; and Lorraine Wilson, of Whitworth Park Academy.

Secondary Teacher: Winner – Seb James, “visionary leader and role model for students and staff” at Durham Academy. Shortlisted – Laura Porter, of Bishop Barrington Academy; and Lauren McMaster, of Parkside Academy.

Governance Recognition: Anna Bowden, of Whitworth Park Academy; Christine Stonehouse, of Staindrop Academy; and Kathryn White, of Howden-le-Wear Primary.