End of Year Round-Up
Celebrating a Year of Progress and Collaboration
As the school year draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back on some of the highlights from across Spark Education Trust.
A New Identity for a New Era
This year marked a fresh chapter for our Trust as we launched the new Spark Education Trust brand. Built on a shared set of values and a mission of learning for life, our new identity reflects the collaborative, ambitious culture that runs through all our schools.
Celebrating Success at Junction Farm
In June, Junction Farm Primary School received glowing praise from Ofsted, with the report recognising the school’s “exemplary” behaviour, strong leadership, and commitment to the development of the whole child. Inspectors highlighted how pupils were “polite, passionate and proud” to attend Junction Farm and praised the school’s high expectations and engaging curriculum.
Headteacher Louise Daly said, “The report encapsulates everything that makes the school special and vindicates the hard work of the whole community, staff, pupils and their families.”
Rising to the Challenge : Egglescliffe’s Roof Repairs
Back in January, Storm Éowyn caused significant damage to the roof at Egglescliffe School, forcing a temporary closure. Thanks to a huge team effort from staff, students, families and schools across the Trust, learning continued with minimal disruption. Devices were shared, support was offered, and pupils were quickly and safely welcomed back to school, a testament to Spark’s collaborative spirit.
Inspiring Change Through North East United
This year, students from Conyers School and Huntcliff School took part in North East United, a 12-week sport-led programme designed to raise aspirations and improve attendance. Delivered in partnership with the charitable foundations of Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland football clubs, the programme made a tangible difference to student engagement.
91% of pupils involved reported a more positive attitude to school, with some seeing their attendance improve by over 40%. The project culminated in a celebration event at the Beacon of Light, where Paralympian Lyndon Longhorne presented awards and inspired pupils with his own story of resilience.
Building Bridges Through the Primary Ambassador Scheme
This year saw the successful launch of the Primary Ambassador Scheme, involving pupils from all 11 Spark primary schools. Through school visits, shared activities and peer-led learning, pupils built connections, grew in confidence, and gained a broader understanding of life across the Trust. The scheme culminated in a summer celebration where pupils reflected on their experiences and the friendships they had formed.
Thank You To Our Leavers
As the year ends, we also say thank you and farewell to some valued members of the Spark community.
Professor Eileen Martin, Vice Chair of Trustees, brought a wealth of experience in health and higher education leadership to the Trust Board. She played a key role in the merger of 1590 and VALT, and has been a passionate advocate for Spark’s vision from the outset. Her thoughtful leadership and commitment to collaboration have made a lasting contribution across our schools.
Helen Owen, Headteacher of Layfield Primary School, is Spark’s longest-serving head, having led the school since 2011. Under her guidance, Layfield has flourished. She is widely respected for her calm, child-centred leadership and commitment to community and collaboration. Her legacy is one of growth, pride and possibility—for both pupils and staff.
We also thank Matthew Haworth, Trust Director of Music, for his service and leadership across the Trust. His passion for music and commitment to enriching the curriculum have played a key role in shaping our creative offer.
We are deeply grateful to each of them for their impact, leadership and service.
A Year of Recognition
Finally, we were proud to host our first-ever Spark Awards this term, an evening to recognise the staff across our schools who make Spark so special. From outstanding teaching and pastoral care to inspirational leadership and community engagement, the event celebrated the values we live every day.
Thank you to all our staff, students, families and partners for making this such a memorable year. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in September as we continue to build on this momentum, together.
