Securing Transformational Change

Extraordinary Education and Innovation Across LST

Laidlaw Schools Trust is committed to providing extraordinary education for every child, ensuring they thrive academically, socially, and personally. Across our Academies, we combine high expectations, expert teaching, and transformative experiences to help pupils reach their full potential and prepare for life beyond the classroom.

Expanding 30-Hour Nursery Provision

We are increasing access to high-quality early years education through 30-hour nursery places. This provision strengthens early language, communication, and social development, ensures pupils are “reception ready,” and supports families by offering flexibility for parents who are working, studying, or returning to employment. By widening access to early education, we lay stronger foundations for long-term attainment and wellbeing.

PedTech: Leading Digital Innovation Across the Trust

Our PedTech strategy is transforming teaching and learning in every classroom. Through 1:1 iPads for all pupils and ongoing professional development for staff, we are:

• Closing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology

• Enabling flexible, asynchronous learning beyond the school day

• Using AI tools to personalise learning and deepen understanding

• Reducing teacher workload through streamlined planning and assessment

• Enhancing creativity, accessibility, and innovation in all subjects

This work positions LST at the forefront of digital pedagogy and strengthens our role as an Apple Regional Training Centre for the North East.

Expanding Enhanced Mainstream Provision (Skylight Centre)

The Skylight Centre at Sedgefield is a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility offering specialist support within mainstream education. It provides targeted interventions, therapeutic support, and tailored curriculum pathways while maintaining strong links with each pupil’s home Academy. This ensures learners with additional needs remain included in their school community and make sustained academic and personal progress.

Strengthening Alternative Provision for Pupils with Complex SEMH Needs

We are expanding high-quality Alternative Provision to support pupils with significant social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. This safe, structured, and aspirational environment provides personalised curriculum pathways, therapeutic support, and a focus on resilience and re-engagement, giving every young person the opportunity to succeed.

Establishing the North East Academy of Excellence (Sixth Form)

The North East Academy of Excellence is a new sixth form dedicated to academic stretch, high expectations, and progression to top universities and high-value post-18 pathways. It offers rigorous A-level programmes, expert subject teaching, and a strong culture of scholarship, enrichment, and aspiration, broadening opportunities for young people across the North East.

Developing the Laidlaw Teaching & Leadership Centre

The Laidlaw Teaching & Leadership Centre at Sedgefield Community College is a purpose-built £3.2 million facility providing high-quality training spaces for PGCE trainees and professional development for staff. This immersive environment expands classroom capacity for pupils while developing the next generation of teachers and school leaders.

“Investing in this state-of-the-art building where PGCE students can learn in the immersive setting of an outstanding school underscores our commitment to making the North East a beacon of educational excellence.”

- Susanna V. Kempe, Chair of Laidlaw Schools Trust and CEO of the Laidlaw Foundation