Securing Transformational Change

Expanding 30 Hour Nursery Provision

We are increasing the availability of 30 hour nursery places to ensure more children can access high quality early years education from the very start of their learning journey. This expansion strengthens early language, communication and social development, improves school readiness, and supports families by offering greater flexibility for parents who are working, studying or returning to employment. By widening access to early education, we are laying stronger foundations for long-term attainment and wellbeing.

PedTech: Leading Digital Innovation Across the Trust

Our PedTech strategy is transforming teaching and learning across the Trust by embedding purposeful, future-focused digital practice 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, supporting schools across the region to develop world-class digital practice.

Expanding Enhanced Mainstream Provision (Skylight Centre)

The Skylight Centre is being developed as a specialist hub within mainstream education for pupils who are at risk of exclusion or require additional support to thrive. The centre provides targeted interventions, therapeutic support and tailored curriculum pathways while maintaining strong links with each pupil’s home school. This approach ensures that learners with emerging or complex needs receive the right support at the right time, helping them 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 and strengthening our Alternative Provision offer to ensure that pupils with significant social, emotional and mental health needs can access a safe, structured and aspirational learning environment. The enhanced provision offers personalised curriculum pathways, therapeutic support, and a strong focus on re-engagement, resilience and long-term outcomes. This ensures that every young person—regardless of their challenges—has access to high-quality education and the opportunity to succeed.

Establishing the North East Academy of Excellence (Sixth Form)

The North East Academy of Excellence will be a new sixth form dedicated to academic ambition, high expectations and progression to top universities and high-value post-18 pathways. The academy will offer rigorous A-level programmes, expert subject teaching, and a strong culture of scholarship, enrichment and aspiration. As a regional centre of excellence, it will broaden opportunities for young people across the North East and play a central role in raising attainment and expanding life chances across the Trust.

Developing the Laidlaw Teaching & Leadership Centre

The Laidlaw Teaching and Leadership Centre at Sedgefield Community College represents a major investment in the future of teaching excellence across the Trust. This purpose-built £3.2 million facility provides a dedicated learning hub for PGCE trainees, offering high‑quality training spaces within the immersive environment of an Outstanding school. The Centre also expands classroom capacity for Sedgefield pupils, ensuring that the whole school community benefits from the development.

The Centre serves as a professional learning base for colleagues across the Trust, enabling staff to access high-quality training, share best practice and collaborate with the next generation of teachers. By creating a bespoke environment for trainee teachers to learn, practise and refine their craft, we are building a strong pipeline of talented early‑career teachers who are well-prepared to join our schools.

Alongside this, the Centre strengthens our commitment to continuous professional development for existing staff, ensuring that teachers and leaders have access to the training, support and inspiration they need to deliver exceptional teaching and learning. This investment reinforces our ambition to make the North East a beacon of educational excellence and to ensure that every member of staff feels valued, motivated and equipped to thrive.

“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