A NORTH-EAST academy is working with a number of local education providers to help improve the standards of teaching and learning in the area.

The academy has been awarded teaching school status by the Department of Education and has been instrumental in the formation of the North East Schools’ Teaching Alliance (NESTA), which includes Nunthorpe Academy, Nunthorpe Primary Academy, Chandler’s Ridge Primary Academy, Normanby Academy, Ormesby Primary School and Skelton Primary School, plus Northumbria University and Durham University.

The Teaching Schools initiative, driven by the Department of Education, is open only to primary and secondary schools that have been awarded a grade one outstanding by Ofsted in their most recent inspection.

The scheme puts education providers at the heart of a school led system of improvement and development. By creating alliances, schools support one another, share their best practice and help to drive up standards of education.

NESTA will help strengthen and support schools and teachers in the region, with a focus on providing school to school support, preparing for September 2015 when the alliance will open its doors to a number of Primary and Secondary trainee teachers. Although this is a new venture, the schools within the alliance have been involved in teacher training for many years and have produced many talented and successful teachers.

Nicki Smith, assistant vice principal at Nunthorpe Academy and Teaching School Lead, said: “NESTA will work with schools and education providers across the region to help ensure that all students are provided with a good education and the best possible life chances and opportunities in the future.

“As part of NESTA, and in partnership with Northumbria University, we are looking to recruit, train and employ a group of talented people who will become the next generation of teachers in our schools. Trainees will be able to achieve a post graduate certificate in education (PGCE) and qualified teaching status (QTS), learning their trade by getting hands-on experience in local schools, supported by experienced professionals. ‘Growing our own teachers’ has been a very successful strategy and we are excited about building on this success with the alliance.”

Lee Brown, principal of Nunthorpe Academy, said: “The formation of NESTA is a major achievement for Nunthorpe Academy and its partners. The alliance will enable top performing schools and education providers in the area to work collaboratively to continually raise standards of education and achieve the best possible outcomes for students. One of our key aims is to help individuals flourish in the teaching profession and train the next generation of inspirational teachers.”

If you are thinking about a career in teaching and wish to find out more, please contact Nicki Smith, assistant vice principal at Nunthorpe Academy and Teaching School Lead, on nsmith@nunthorpe.oc.uk