Welcome

Introduction from Interim Chief Executive Officer, Gary Wright

As Interim Chief Executive Officer, I am proud to lead a Trust that was created to help children and young people who need extra support to succeed. Many of the pupils in our academies face significant challenges in their lives, and we are committed to providing the care, support, education and opportunities they need to overcome these challenges and achieve their best.

At Prosper Learning Trust, children and young people are at the centre of everything we do. We believe that every child can succeed, whatever their needs or circumstances. Through excellent teaching, specialist support and high expectations, we help every pupil feel valued, supported and confident in their ability to achieve their potential.

We provide education and support in a range of settings, including schools, hospitals and community services, ensuring that children and young people receive the right help at the right time. Whether they are learning in one of our specialist academies, accessing hospital education or attending one of our Alternative Provision settings, our aim is always the same: to help them develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need for the future.

Our specialist academies provide caring and supportive environments where pupils with additional needs can thrive. We celebrate individuality, recognise strengths and encourage every pupil to succeed in their own way. When mainstream school is not the right setting, our Alternative Provision academies offer safe, nurturing environments where pupils can rebuild confidence, reconnect with learning and prepare for their next steps.

Prosper Learning Trust has five academies across Newcastle, Sunderland and Northumberland:

• Newcastle Bridges School: Alternative Provision for pupils with medical or mental health needs, including those educated in hospital settings (ages 3-19).
• Mary Astell Academy: Alternative Provision for pupils who have been permanently excluded or are finding mainstream school difficult (ages 11-16).
• Thomas Bewick Special School: Specialist provision for autistic pupils (ages 3-19).
• Harry Watts Academy: Specialist provision for autistic pupils (ages 5-16).
• Gilbert Ward Academy: Specialist provision for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs (ages 11-16).

What makes Prosper Learning Trust special is our people. Our dedicated and caring staff work closely with families, carers, local communities and partner organisations to help pupils achieve the best possible outcomes. We know that children are most successful when schools and families work together, and we greatly value these partnerships.

We are proud of what we have achieved, but we are always looking ahead and striving to improve. Our pupils inspire us every day, and our staff work tirelessly to help them succeed. Together, we are creating a Trust where every child and young person feels safe, valued and supported, and where brighter futures are made possible for the children, families and communities we serve.