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The Laidlaw Foundation
Laidlaw Schools Trust is generously supported by the Laidlaw Foundation, which invests in the education of underprivileged and underrepresented groups to break the cycle of poverty, reduce inequality and develop a new generation of leaders.
To learn more, follow the Laidlaw Foundation on LinkedIn.
How the Laidlaw Foundation Supports Our Strategic Priorities:
The Foundation supports our ambition to give children the best possible start in life by expanding access to high-quality early years education. Funding additional 30-hour nursery provision has increased early attainment, strengthened school readiness, and supported families by enabling more parents to work or pursue training opportunities. Positive results to date demonstrate the value of this investment in children’s early development.
The Foundation funds our pioneering PedTech strategy, driving digital innovation across the Trust. Investment includes providing 1:1 iPads for every LST pupil, enabling us to bridge the digital divide, promote asynchronous learning, leverage AI to enhance learning experiences, reduce teacher workload, and drive creativity, accessibility and innovation in every classroom. This work positions LST as a leader in digital pedagogy and supports our role as an Apple Regional Training Centre for the North East.
Foundation support enables the development of the Skylight Centre at Sedgefield, a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility expanding enhanced mainstream provision for learners who might otherwise miss out on specialist support. The Centre ensures pupils with additional needs can access tailored assistance while remaining fully connected to their school community, promoting inclusion and improving long-term outcomes.
The Foundation supports the expansion of high-quality Alternative Provision across the Trust, strengthening support for pupils with complex social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. This provision ensures that every pupil receives tailored support in a safe, ambitious, and nurturing environment, enabling them to thrive both academically and personally.
The Foundation is supporting the establishment of the North East Academy of Excellence, a new sixth form dedicated to academic stretch, aspiration, and progression to top universities and high-value career pathways. This initiative forms a key part of our strategy to raise attainment and broaden opportunities for young people across the region.
The Laidlaw Foundation funds extraordinary experiences for all LST pupils, ensuring they gain opportunities many might not otherwise encounter. In our Academies, where most pupils come from underprivileged areas, these experiences are vital for building cultural capital, developing character, and preparing every young person for success in the wider world beyond school.