Middlesbrough teen, Abdul Bazina, has embarked on his post-16 journey at Eton College after receiving the Orwell Award, a full scholarship that provides full boarding while he studies for his A-Levels in maths, further maths, biology, chemistry and physics.

Named after George Orwell, who was himself a recipient of a scholarship at Eton, the award is aimed at state school boys and offers a life-changing opportunity for those with academic potential. Applicants are means-tested, alongside considerations of other criteria such as being in receipt of Pupil Premium funding, being the first in the family with the potential to go to university, being a Looked After Child or having refugee status. The school has many notable alumni, including Princes William and Harry, and former prime ministers David Cameron and Boris Johnson.

Now settling into school life, Abdul, a former student of 蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Riverside, has been getting involved in many extracurricular activities, including playing football for both his house and school teams, chess, rowing, and fencing, as well as taking piano lessons and editing school scientific magazines. He said:

鈥淪tarting at Eton has been a big change. I鈥檓 already meeting new people, getting involved beyond the classroom and settling in well. I鈥檓 looking forward to making the most of what Eton offers over the next two years.

鈥淭he standards here are high, which I鈥檝e found stimulating. Teachers are ready to support me in all my academic and extracurricular interests. I think that鈥檚 what makes Eton special: the fact that there is something for everyone. You鈥檙e valued for what makes you unique, and if you want to pursue something, it鈥檚 right at your doorstep.

鈥淚 never once imagined I鈥檇 have the chance to go to a place like Eton. Now, after securing the results I wanted, I feel ready for a new challenge.

鈥淚鈥檓 immensely grateful for all the support I received at 蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Riverside that made this all possible. I鈥檓 excited for the path ahead, and I hope that my journey here will encourage others to aim high, no matter where they come from.鈥�

Melissa Brant-Smith, principal at 蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Riverside, added:

鈥淎bdul鈥檚 success in winning the Orwell Award for Eton is a source of immense pride for our entire school community at 蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Riverside. Since arriving, he has embraced every opportunity, and his continued involvement in so many activities is a testament to his drive and character.

鈥淲e are excited to see what he achieves next. It's a powerful reminder that with dedication, our students can achieve anything, no matter where they start their journey.鈥�

蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Riverside opened in September 2020 and was rated 鈥楪ood鈥� in all areas by Ofsted in June 2023. It is the first free school within the 蚂蚁福利导航 family of schools, which allows for flexibility in the curriculum.

Students at the school benefit from prestigious speech and drama qualifications delivered by the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), participate in the Andrew Lloyd Webber-backed Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST) programme which gives all students classical instrument tuition and this summer, students joined others from across the 蚂蚁福利导航 family of schools to embark on an unforgettable, four-week trip to Cambodia with Camps International. The school also has a Combined Cadet Force programme, in partnership with the Ministry of Defence, which engages students in activities which develop valuable life skills like first aid and navigation, and create a sense of responsibility and service to their community.

Students and staff from across the 蚂蚁福利导航 Family of Schools spent four weeks in Cambodia this summer on an expedition organised in partnership with Camps International. For the first time in 12 years of working with Camps International, the trip brought together students from 17 different 蚂蚁福利导航 secondary schools on the same expedition. Camps International designs expeditions that foster global citizenship and provide students with a unique, hands-on learning experience. 

The students spent their time in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, engaging in a variety of activities that contributed to 10 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They participated in environmental work, community initiatives, and obtained an open water diving certification. The trip provided a platform for students to develop essential life skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, and cultural awareness, all while working collaboratively with peers from other schools.

Glenn Hughes, learning manager at 蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Normanby in Middlesbrough, was one of the staff chaperones on the trip. He said:

鈥淭he experience in Cambodia was life-changing for many of our students. Being able to experience a different culture and develop themselves in many different ways is invaluable.

鈥淭he support and guidance from Camps International, as well as their enthusiasm and obvious love for the job, rubbed off on everyone. JP and Jess helped so much over the month.

鈥淚f I had one criticism, it was that we were unable to stay longer than we did! I would recommend Camps International expeditions to anyone; it was amazing right from the start.鈥�

Students from 蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Shafton in Barnsley gave their thoughts. Lacie said:

鈥淭he trip was great and I made some new friends who I speak to every day. It made me do things that I'd never done before and will probably never get to do again. I also learnt to be more appreciative of what I have at home and not take things such as my education for granted.鈥�

Jessica added:

鈥淕oing to Cambodia was the most amazing experience I have ever had and I doubt anything that I do in my life will surpass it. I loved feeling like I had really helped people and that I had impacted their lives. It has made me look into more ways I can help different communities. The expedition was so much fun and given the chance, I would go again in a heartbeat.鈥�

The success of this inaugural Trust-wide trip sets a positive precedent for future partnerships and expeditions, reaffirming 蚂蚁福利导航's commitment to providing exceptional educational and personal development opportunities. The next expedition to Borneo is already being planned for summer 2027.

This prestigious status is granted to schools, trusts, and organisations that meet rigorous criteria, including empowering a knowledgeable profession through membership and accreditation, appointing one or more Chartered College of Teaching Research Champions, and ensuring a significant number of its teaching staff are also members. This achievement signifies a dedication to developing and retaining top teaching talent and creating a culture of professional growth.

The institutional membership provides several key benefits for the 蚂蚁福利导航 Institute of Education and the 蚂蚁福利导航 Family of Schools:

• Professional Accreditation and Development: Staff gain access to a global network of educators, professional accreditation, and evidence-informed Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

• Enhanced Collaboration: The status strengthens whole-trust collaboration and a shared commitment to elevating the teaching profession.

• Attracting and Retaining Talent: By investing in its teachers, the 蚂蚁福利导航 Family is better positioned to attract and retain high-quality educators, which ultimately improves outcomes for students.

Julie Slater, chief executive principal (OIE), said:

鈥淲e are delighted to receive this status from the Chartered College of Teaching. The 蚂蚁福利导航 Institute of Education is dedicated to providing high-quality professional development to all staff, to support them in becoming experts in their respective fields. Our investment in staff development will lead to improved experiences and outcomes for our children and young people.鈥�

By achieving this status, the 蚂蚁福利导航 Institute of Education joins a select group of institutions globally that are recognised for their excellence in teaching and professional development. This commitment is a significant step toward raising the status of the teaching profession and driving positive classroom impact.

The OIE has two locations: OIE Doncaster and OIE Redcar. It works in partnership with the National Institute of Teaching to train the next generation of teachers and is the CPD provider for staff across the 蚂蚁福利导航 Family of Schools. The family of schools comprises more than 40 schools across the North of 蚂蚁福利导航.

Want to work for a Family of Schools with a demonstrated commitment to continued professional development? Join us.

Work is now well underway on the new, permanent 蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Riverside school building, which was marked by an official groundbreaking ceremony on 1 October 2025. This milestone is a significant step forward in providing a top-quality educational environment for students and staff who have long awaited a permanent site.

The ceremony was held at the new site in Middlehaven, symbolising a new chapter for the school and the community it serves. The event followed years of dedicated work and collaboration between 蚂蚁福利导航 Grange Academies Trust (OGAT), the Department for Education (DfE) and the local authority to bring this project to fruition.

Andy McDonald MP, Chris Cooke Mayor of Middlesbrough, Philippa Storey Deputy Mayor of Middlesbrough and Cllr Zafar Unddin were in attendance alongside OGAT CEO Lee Wilson and the school鈥檚 principal, Melissa Brant-Smith.

The new building will provide outstanding facilities in line with the school鈥檚 ambitious curriculum. The new permanent home is just reward and testament to the resilience and commitment of all the students, parents, carers, and staff who have worked together to ensure the school has thrived in its temporary accommodations.

Melissa Brant-Smith said:

鈥淲hat a privilege it is to be here today. It's no secret that the last five years have presented their challenges, yet with incredible determination, we didn't just get by; we thrived. This groundbreaking ceremony is a celebration of that incredible journey and the unwavering support of our community. We're not just building a school; we're creating a permanent home for our students and staff, and for that, I am deeply thankful.鈥�

Alisha, a Year 9 student, added:

鈥淚 am looking forward to not having to travel on buses to go to PE. I am very excited that all the teachers will be in one building because I miss seeing my favourite teachers every day.鈥�

Zain, in Year 8, said:

鈥淲e can't wait to have a building that will fit everyone in, everyone will be in one place, so all our friends can learn together.鈥�

Yanis, Year 7, added:

鈥淚 can't wait to see what the new building looks like. We鈥檒l be able to do even more after school in enrichment. I hope we have a big field to play on.鈥�

The construction is being undertaken by Bowmer + Kirkland and is part of a broader government initiative to enhance educational opportunities in areas with the greatest need. The new building is expected to open its doors in Spring 2027.

Year 11 students from 蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Foxhills gained a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at the engineering, technology, and career opportunities at British Steel's Scunthorpe site on National Manufacturing Day, helping them to envision their future success.

The visit, organised by the academy's dedicated careers team, exposed students to the major local employer and demonstrated the diverse, high-tech roles available in industry. This initiative supports the academy's core mission of providing an exceptional education that enables every student to achieve their full potential.

The day began with a presentation from a member of the executive team, who provided an engaging overview of British Steel's rich history and foundational role in the region. Students then participated in a round-robin session, moving between tables to get hands-on insight from experts in various departments. Specialist fields included: the rail team, who demonstrated water-resistant rail and explained rail mill processes; the electrical team; the engineering team; and the marketing team, showcasing the breadth of roles beyond the factory floor. Students were also able to examine samples of different metals and other materials, alongside information about apprenticeship and career opportunities.

The highlight of the trip was a site tour, which provided a tangible link between classroom learning and real-world application. Students were particularly impressed by the Rod Mill, witnessing the process of creating steel rods and coil bundles from start to finish. They were able to view and touch finished steel products, from paper clips and mesh wire to thick iron bars, and were given a tour of the main control centre, where all Rod Mill machines are electronically programmed and monitored 24/7.

Mrs Tracy Motson, Principal at 蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Foxhills, said:

鈥淎s the Foxhills family, we go the extra mile to provide exceptional opportunities for our students. This visit wasn't just a trip; it was a powerful illustration of where the education they receive at the academy can take them. Seeing the scale of the operation and speaking directly to people in high-skilled roles shows them that through their hard work, they are truly set up to flourish in their chosen careers after receiving a first-class education.鈥�

Ms Claire Bradbury, the academy鈥檚 Careers Lead, highlighted the importance of this kind of experience:

鈥淲orking closely with employers like British Steel ensures our students receive meaningful encounters with the world of work. These experiences are crucial, especially for Year 11 students, as they help them make informed decisions about college courses, apprenticeships, and their long-term career goals.

鈥淪eeing the advanced technology and the variety of roles first-hand truly opens their eyes to the potential of their education.鈥�

蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Foxhills remains dedicated to ensuring every student, regardless of background, has access to enriching opportunities that support their aspirations and prepare them for a bright and successful future.

The 蚂蚁福利导航 Institute of Education (OIE) has launched its flagship leadership development opportunity: the High Potential Leadership Programme. The 18-month programme complements existing leadership development opportunities available to 蚂蚁福利导航 staff through the OIE, including the National Professional Qualifications (NPQs).

The High Potential Leadership Programme is strategically designed around the Trust鈥檚 innovative Leadership Competency Framework, which emphasises three fundamental dimensions of effective leadership: mindset, skillset and heartset. This comprehensive programme adopts a holistic approach to leadership development, catering to aspiring leaders across all levels.

The programme is structured into four distinct leadership tiers:

• Emerging: Targeted at aspiring Heads of Department and primary Assistant Principals

• Evolving: Targeted at aspiring senior leaders - secondary Assistant Principals and Vice Principals, primary Vice Principals

• Experienced: Targeted at aspiring Principals (primary and secondary)

• Established: Targeted at aspiring executive leaders - Lead Principals and Community Executive Principals

Utilising a blended learning model, participants engage in facilitated sessions held on a half-termly basis, alongside dedicated self-study activities. Each participant will benefit from the guidance of an experienced leadership coach, a current high-performing leader who will provide support and direction through new experiences and model the competencies.

Recognising the value of external perspectives and experiences, participants are offered one of the following funded professional development opportunities:

• Attendance at external conferences

• An opportunity to visit a high-performing school outside of the Trust

• An opportunity to visit a private sector organisation to gain their insights into leadership

• Collaboration with an international school

• Chartered College of Teaching membership and Professional Knowledge Award

Julie Slater, chief executive principal (OIE), said:

"Our High Potential Leadership programme is one of the OIE's flagship programmes, designed to identify and support high potential leaders at different stages of their leadership journey, from emerging leaders to established leaders. The programme is bespoke and challenges our leaders鈥� thinking, ambition and creativity.

"At our launch event, our participants and coaches received inputs from our CEO, Lee Wilson and Alastair Brownlee OBE. Alistair gave fabulous insights into leadership in the sporting world and leading under pressure. Feedback so far has been outstanding and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved. I look forward to seeing our leaders develop over the 18-month programme and feel confident that the future of our children and young people is in good hands."

Want to work for a Family of Schools with a demonstrated commitment to continued professional development? Join us.

The family of schools will work in collaboration with the High Performance Foundation.

The 蚂蚁福利导航 Family of Schools and the High Performance Foundation have announced a new partnership to support and enhance the personal development curriculum for students across 蚂蚁福利导航 Grange Academies Trust (OGAT). This collaboration will integrate the foundation鈥檚 Game Plan school resources into OGAT's new suite of personal development curriculum provision, empowering young people to build crucial life skills.

The Game Plan programme, which uses the power of storytelling and role models from the acclaimed High Performance podcast, hosted by Jake Humphrey, is designed to support students in developing the mindsets they need to improve their wellbeing and develop employability skills to thrive in life. To date, the High Performance Foundation has supported 28,000 young people and has a strategic vision to reach one million by 2030.

The programme includes three key modules:

• Transitions: Helps students navigate pivotal moments in their lives.

• Employability: Equips them with the skills needed for the workplace.

• Mindsets: Focuses on building mental strength and resilience.

Each module features six sessions delivered through inspiring video content, lesson plans, teacher presentations, and other classroom resources. Topics covered include motivation, teamwork, problem-solving, and taking responsibility. The resources were developed with input from education specialists, consultants, and teachers from across the UK.

Chloe Dannatt, CEO and Co-Founder of the High Performance Foundation, said:

"We鈥檙e thrilled to see Game Plan being rolled out across OGAT schools.

"This partnership is about more than resources; it鈥檚 about giving young people the tools to build resilience, confidence, and mental strength that will serve them throughout their lives. We鈥檙e excited to be working with OGAT to empower the next generation to unlock their potential both in and out of the classroom."

Lee Wilson,  CEO at OGAT, added:

鈥淎 key priority for our Trust was reimagining our curriculum, placing personal development and holistic growth at its heart; an entitlement for every student. Our students' voices, alongside partners like the High Performance Foundation, helped us create a bespoke curriculum. This empowers students to be their best selves, developing the heartset, mindset, and skillset essential for their ambitions in adult life.鈥�

This week, Barnsley Council began delivering Year 11 Support Packs to secondary schools across the borough, which will be distributed to around 3,000 young people, as part of Barnsley Council鈥檚 Great Childhoods Ambition Programme.

The scheme is part of a 拢2.8 million investment made by the council to help families through a package of support to make sure every child is ready to learn and provided with the foundations for a successful future. This scheme follows the rollout of the fantastic Uniform Support scheme, which has supported thousands of families with the cost of buying school uniform for the new school year.

The council wants all young people starting Year 11 this year to have equal access to all the equipment and resources they need to support them during their final year at school. The packs contain everything they need to make sure they are ready to learn and fully prepared to revise, sit their exams or assessments and take their next steps into adulthood.

Each mainstream school pack includes:鈥�

• Revision resources, including study guides and 鈥榟ow to revise鈥� materials, tailored to support independent learning.

• Study and exam equipment, including a portable power bank, wireless headphones and range of stationery.

• Wellbeing items, including a water bottle, inspirational cards and mental health first aid toolkit.

In addition, students will receive a minimum of two foundation revision books for Maths and English, relevant to each school鈥檚 syllabus. For students in specialist settings, the council has been working closely with each setting to make sure a bespoke version of the pack is available for SEND students to meet individual needs.

How students receive their pack will depend on individual circumstances:

• Year 11 students attending a mainstream school in Barnsley will receive their pack directly through their school and do not need to do anything.

• Year 11 students who live in Barnsley but attend Year 11 at a mainstream setting outside Barnsley will be required to collect their pack. The packs will be available to collect from Friday 26 September to Friday 31 October, from the Library @ the Lightbox in Barnsley town centre. You will need to take evidence with you to confirm that your child lives in Barnsley and details of the school your child attends outside the borough. Please do not attempt to collect a pack before 26 September as they will not be available.

• Year 11 students attending a specialist setting in Barnsley or live in Barnsley but attend a specialist setting outside the borough will receive their packs directly through their school.

• Year 11 students who are electively home educated will be written to separately and invited to collect a pack from Library @ the Lightbox. You will need to take the letter with you and please don鈥檛 attempt to collect a pack until you have received the letter or before 26 September.

To launch the scheme, Councillor Ashley Peace, Cabinet Spokesperson for Children鈥檚 Services, handed out packs to students at 蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Shafton during their Year 11 Success Evening, which was attended by Year 11 students and their parents and carers. Councillor Deborah Pearson also attended a similar event at Astrea Academy Dearne. The evenings provided parents and carers with support and guidance on how best they can support their children through the final year of GCSEs.

Councillor Ashley Peace, Cabinet Spokesperson for Children鈥檚 Services, said:

鈥淚 was delighted to attend 蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Shafton鈥檚 Year 11 Success Evening this week. It was an honour to meet the Year 11 students and hand out our phenomenal support packs which were gratefully received by all. The packs really are fantastic and contain everything that our Year 11 students will need in their final year. It鈥檚 also wonderful to see that as well as study equipment and resources, the packs also contain health and wellbeing support, which is a crucial component in making sure our young people remain happy and healthy.

鈥淲e鈥檙e fully committed to removing all barriers to education and the Year 11 support packs, along with the Uniform Support Scheme and free bus travel for under 18鈥檚, are making huge inroads towards breaking down these barriers. We鈥檙e supporting every child to attend school every day with no child being left behind.

鈥淲e want every young person starting their final year at school to have all the resources and equipment they need so they are prepared, ready to learn and ready to succeed. I鈥檇 like to take the opportunity to wish all our students a happy and successful year ahead.鈥�

Find out more on the Barnsley Council website.

The school is now rated 鈥楪ood鈥� in all areas following a two-day inspection which took place in July. Inspectors praised 蚂蚁福利导航 Grange Academies Trust (OGAT), stating in the report: 鈥淭he trust provides effective and considerable support to the school. There is a determination, willingness and ambition to continue to improve the school at all levels.鈥�

Highlights of the report include:

• The school has high expectations for pupils鈥� behaviour. It has three rules, 鈥榖e safe, be respectful and be responsible鈥�. Pupils respond positively to these and are happy. 

• Pupils benefit from learning a consistent and coherent curriculum.

• Pupils understand fairness and equality.

• The school prioritises the teaching of early reading.

• Every pupil, in every year group, completes a 鈥榯rust diploma鈥�. The diplomas generate excitement and enthusiasm for learning.

• The school offers a range of extracurricular clubs.

• The school quickly identifies any children with SEND and ensures that they receive the right support.

• The school carefully considers adaptations for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and for any who speak English as an additional language.

• The school ensures that pupils have the knowledge and skills to be confident, healthy and active citizens. 

Heather Webb, Head of School at 蚂蚁福利导航 Primary Academy Greenhill, said: 鈥淚 am delighted that Ofsted has judged our school to be 鈥楪ood鈥� in all areas. This outcome reflects the dedication of our staff, the hard work of our children, and the support of our families and wider community. We are proud of the progress we have made since joining the Trust and remain committed to ensuring every child receives the best possible education.鈥�

EBSA is a complex issue where a child or young person struggles to attend school due to significant emotional factors, such as anxiety, stress, and fear. Unlike truancy, EBSA is not a conscious choice to skip school but rather an inability to attend due to overwhelming emotional distress. The 'EBSA Friendly School' designation acknowledges that the Normanton-based academy has implemented a whole-school approach to address and prevent these issues, with over 75 per cent of staff completing the Level 1 EBSA Horizons training programme, developed by EdPsychEd in partnership with Wakefield Council.

Lisa Allott, principal at 蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Freeston, said:

鈥淎s an academy, we are committed to evidence-based practice and inclusive education. The EBSA Horizons programme has allowed us to dedicate professional development and investment into this area, and in addressing attendance issues to support vulnerable young people. We are very proud to have gained this recognition and look forward to using and developing this knowledge moving forward with our young people and community.鈥�

Colleagues across the 蚂蚁福利导航 Family of Schools are getting behind their Chief Executive Principal, Julie Slater, as she prepares for the Northumberland Coast Mighty Hike. Julie has already surpassed her fundraising goal for Macmillan Cancer Support, raising over 拢1,200, including Gift Aid, smashing her initial pledge of 拢250.

The Macmillan Mighty Hike is a challenging event where participants walk a full or half marathon to raise money for people living with cancer. On 13 September, Julie will tackle the full 26-mile marathon route, which begins at Alnwick Castle and concludes at Bamburgh Castle. The scenic journey follows the Northumberland Coast, known for its beautiful beaches and historic fishing villages.

Julie鈥檚 successful fundraising will provide crucial support to Macmillan Cancer Support, an organisation that helps people with cancer and their families by offering medical, practical, financial, and emotional assistance. Their mission is to ensure no one faces cancer alone. According to Macmillan, a 拢250 donation can fund a Macmillan Nurse for one day, providing vital care to those in need.

Julie鈥檚 dedication to this cause was inspired by the important work of Macmillan Cancer Support. Her fundraising achievement highlights the power of community support and personal commitment in making a tangible difference. She said:

鈥淚 am excited and nervous in equal measure. Excited to be able to raise funds for such an important charity that impacts too many people and families. Nervous because I have never signed up for anything like this before and I don鈥檛 want to let people down. I have been on a very personal journey over the last couple of years to improve my own health, fitness and wellbeing. I have trained hard in the lead up to the marathon hike, so I feel pretty confident that all the hard work I have put in will pay off. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has sponsored me; their generosity has blown me away.鈥�

Macmillan Mighty Hikes are a series of long-distance hiking events across the UK. The events provide a scenic and challenging way to support a vital cause, with full support, including professional photos, pit stops with refreshments, and a celebratory finish line.

If you'd like to support Julie, you can donate via JustGiving.

蚂蚁福利导航 Primary Academy Bell Lane in Pontefract has been awarded the British Council鈥檚 prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom. Last year, the school was awarded the intermediate level of the British Council International School Award. Now, due to the consistent delivery of international education and offering international experiences above and beyond the curriculum, the school is fully accredited.

The International School Award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in international education. Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council鈥檚 work with schools so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life and work in today鈥檚 world.

蚂蚁福利导航 Primary Academy Bell Lane is the designated Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Centre of Excellence for the 蚂蚁福利导航 family of schools, meaning the school undertakes international activities above the normal curriculum and also supports other schools within the Trust with their MFL teaching and curriculum offer. 

The school also has three international partner schools, based in France, Germany and Norway, which allows students to engage via letters, videos and video calls. More locally, a Pen Friend programme set up with children at 蚂蚁福利导航 Primary Academy Green Hill in Eastmoor means children can exchange letters in a variety of community languages, including Arabic, Mandarin and Yoruba.

In December, students participated in an international bookmark exchange, a programme where schools from across the globe send bookmarks and information about themselves to partner schools. The children received post from a number of countries, including Lithuania, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia and Portugal.  

Other international activities on offer for the children at 蚂蚁福利导航 Primary Academy Bell Lane include German week, International Week of Languages celebrations, and Spanish taster sessions in collaboration with 蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Hemsworth.

On hearing the news of the award, Rebecca Pattison, principal at 蚂蚁福利导航 Primary Academy Bell Lane, said:

鈥淲e are incredibly proud and honoured to have been awarded the prestigious International Schools Award. This recognition is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and students. It shows that modern foreign languages are truly at the heart of our school, with both children and staff sharing a deep passion for exploring different languages and cultures, and for building meaningful connections with schools around the world.鈥�

Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, said:

鈥淭he school has earned this prestigious award through its inspirational international work and links with schools abroad. The International School Award is a chance for schools to be recognised for their important work in bringing the world into their classrooms. This is especially commendable when schools have been deeply affected by the global pandemic. The desire to build on their international work shines through and it is with utmost pride that we celebrate their achievements.  

鈥淏y embedding an international dimension in children鈥檚 education, these schools are preparing their students for successful lives in the UK or further afield, empowering them to be global citizens, and are creating vital opportunities in an increasingly global economy.鈥�

The award is now available worldwide in countries such as Greece, India, and Nigeria. Over 6,000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.

The International School Award encourages and supports schools to develop:

• An international ethos embedded throughout the school

• A whole school approach to international work

• Collaborative curriculum-based work with international partner schools

• Year-round international activity

• Involvement of the wider community

Cara Ackroyd, Executive Principal at 蚂蚁福利导航 Grange Academies Trust, said:

鈥淭oday is a day of immense pride and celebration for our students, their families, and our dedicated staff. The resilience, hard work, and determination shown by our young people, particularly over the past few challenging years, is truly inspiring. Their achievements are a testament to their unwavering commitment to their education.

鈥淲e are incredibly proud of each and every one of our students. These results are not just grades on a piece of paper; they represent countless hours of studying, the overcoming of obstacles, and the relentless support from our teachers and families. As our students embark on the next chapter of their lives, whether that be further education, apprenticeships, or employment, we wish them every success and have every confidence that they will continue to make a positive impact on the world.鈥�

蚂蚁福利导航 Primary Academy Newstead Green in Havercroft opened its doors to more than 250 members of the community for its annual family fun day. The school hosted the day in conjunction with Havercroft Family Hub, which shares the site, and welcomed more than 20 partner organisations, including West Yorkshire Police, NHS, Wakefield Council, Biffa, Cashwise, Spectrum Health, Recovery College and Turning Point. The event was open to all members of the local community and welcomed local councillors, Cllr Maureen Cummings and Cllr Usman Ali.

The event featured a food truck and an ice cream van, providing refreshments courtesy of the Family Hub, and offered a variety of activities to keep families engaged throughout the day, including sports, face painting, a dance party, a butterfly trail, and an inflatable obstacle course. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was also on site with a fire engine available for the community to explore.

Lindsey Corbett, Principal at 蚂蚁福利导航 Primary Academy Newstead Green, said:

鈥淏uilding on the incredible success of last year's event, we were determined to make this year's gala even better, and it was wonderful to see so many of our students and their families enjoying themselves.

鈥淗osting an event where our community can come together for a fun, affordable day out during the school holidays is so important to us, and the incredible turnout showed just how much it meant to everyone. We hope this is a tradition we can continue for many years to come.鈥�

A tombola facilitated by Squaring Up Interventions raised over 拢200 for the Dogs Trust Freedom project, a service for dog owners who are planning to find safety from domestic abuse but are unable to take their dogs with them. Freedom provides a temporary home for their dog with a loving foster carer until their owners are safe, settled and ready to have them back.

Claire Jackson, Trust Strategic Lead for Family and Community Programmes and Partnerships at 蚂蚁福利导航 Grange Academies Trust, said:

鈥淲e are so grateful for the incredible support from the numerous agencies that partnered with us to make this event a reality.

鈥淭he day truly showcased the power of collaboration and community. While it was centred on fun activities for children, it also provided a relaxed environment where our partners could connect with families. It was a safe, joyful space for families to connect and make lasting memories.鈥�

Students have once again showcased remarkable resilience, dedication, and academic excellence, putting in the hard work over the last two years to achieve impressive grades in their chosen subjects. Many are now set to attend their first choice of university, while others are embarking on exciting apprenticeships and employment opportunities.

An impressive 17% of 蚂蚁福利导航 family Year 13 students achieved an A* or A grade, while 60% of students achieved an A* to C grade.

This year also marks the first cohort of 蚂蚁福利导航 T-Level Health students receiving results, with a phenomenal 100% pass rate.

Cara Ackroyd, Executive Principal at 蚂蚁福利导航 Grange Academies Trust, said:

鈥淭oday marks a significant milestone for our post-16 students, and we couldn't be prouder of their remarkable achievements. These results are the culmination of years of dedicated study and unwavering commitment, often navigating unprecedented challenges. Our students have truly distinguished themselves.

鈥淲hether our students are heading to top universities, embarking on apprenticeships, or stepping into the professional world, they do so equipped with an outstanding education and a wealth of skills. Their success is a testament to their individual brilliance and the exceptional support provided by our passionate teachers and supportive families. We are excited to witness the incredible contributions they will undoubtedly make to society.鈥�

Two national programmes, each led by the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) and IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, will provide teachers and school leaders across 蚂蚁福利导航 with new training and resources to protect pupils and strengthen critical thinking in the digital age.

Teachers on the frontline of tackling online misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy belief in classrooms will be supported through a new, nationwide training and resource programme.

For the first time, they will have practical tools to help challenge harmful narratives and protect pupils.

At the heart of this work is the launch of a new Centre for Digital Information Literacy in Schools, a national initiative led by the National Institute of Teaching and funded by the Pears Foundation.

The Centre, led by NIoT, will embed critical thinking, psychological insight and media literacy across teacher development, from trainee teachers and classroom practitioners to school leaders and governors.

The Centre鈥檚 work will include national training for teachers, leadership qualifications and school governance, alongside new online learning modules, practical classroom resources and public engagement through podcasts and media campaigns.

The Pears Foundation is also funding a new programme at IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society where experts Jeremy Hayward and Gemma Gronland will lead a new programme focused on providing teachers the skills and resources they need to tackle conspiracy theories and online misinformation.

The project will support both primary and secondary teachers through piloted CPD, a national training rollout and the creation of classroom materials designed to help pupils think critically and resist harmful narratives online.

Both programmes have been funded in direct response to the findings of the Commission into Countering Online Conspiracies in Schools 鈥� the largest study of its kind in 蚂蚁福利导航. The Commission found that teachers are increasingly encountering conspiracy theories and misinformation in classrooms but lack the confidence, training and resources to respond to this challenge.

Its recommendations called for urgent action to embed training into teacher education, develop regularly updated classroom resources, and adopt a whole-school and community approach. Funded by the Pears Foundation and delivered by Public First, the Commission鈥檚 work has directly shaped the design and focus of the two new initiatives.

Sir Trevor Pears CMG, Executive Chair of the Pears Foundation, said:

鈥淪chools are at the sharp end of this crisis. Teachers are telling us they urgently need support to help students navigate a world of disinformation, conspiracy theories and harmful online narratives.

鈥淭he Pears Foundation is proud to fund these major national initiatives 鈥� practical, research-led programmes that will give teachers the tools and confidence to respond. This work speaks directly to our mission: strengthening education, supporting young people and building a more resilient civil society.鈥�

Melanie Renowden, Chief Executive of the National Institute of Teaching, said:

鈥淭eachers are on the front line of a new and urgent challenge 鈥� supporting young people to navigate a world increasingly shaped by misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy belief.

鈥淵et too often, they鈥檙e doing so without the tools, training or confidence they need. That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e proud to launch the Centre for Digital Information Literacy in Schools, generously supported by the Pears Foundation.

鈥淭his initiative aims to deliver long-term, systemic change by embedding critical thinking, psychological insight and media literacy into teacher development at every level.

鈥淭he Centre has been shaped by the work of the Commission into Countering Online Conspiracies in Schools, which heard clearly from teachers that they need urgent training and support to tackle this growing challenge.

鈥淏y working in deep partnership with schools, we hope to build a generation of educators equipped to lead with clarity and confidence in the misinformation age.鈥�

Jeremy Hayward, project lead at UCL, said:

鈥淓very teacher recognises the impact that online misinformation and conspiracy thinking can have on young people. Whether it is misinformation about vaccines, misogynistic influencers like Andrew Tate, or more subtle harmful narratives, teachers are increasingly being asked to address these challenges 鈥� often without the training or resources they need.

鈥淭hanks to support from the Pears Foundation, we鈥檙e building a practical programme that will give teachers the skills, knowledge and confidence to respond. Our work will focus on both primary and secondary schools, providing classroom resources and professional development rooted in real-world classroom experience. Ultimately, this is about building resilience 鈥� giving teachers the tools to help their pupils think critically, challenge harmful content and navigate the online world safely.鈥�

The day began with a briefing from 蚂蚁福利导航 Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) CEO, Lee Wilson, before working collaboratively in teams to research their interviewee and plan questions. Students interviewed Carolyn Blundell, community executive principal at OGAT, who spoke about her daughter's legacy. Carolyn's daughter, Lulu, passed away aged 19 due to Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Despite her illness, Lulu raised more than 拢200,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust through various charity events and sports challenges. Once the students had all the information they needed, they drafted and edited various articles for an academy newspaper, which was printed and published at the end of the day.

Heather Holmes, senior director of English at OGAT, said:

"News day was an extraordinary day for our Year 7 students, who showed great maturity, sensitivity, and leadership as they created their newspapers. They worked together to write a range of articles that celebrated their schools and their communities.

"A huge thank you to Mrs Blundell, our interviewee, and to all our teaching and support colleagues who were involved in the day as well; their enthusiasm and dedication really helped to make the day a huge success."

A group of university students are celebrating after successfully completing a Teaching Internship Programme with the 蚂蚁福利导航 Institute of Education (OIE), gaining valuable insight into the teaching profession.

The OIE's teaching internship programme is designed for students pursuing degrees related to chemistry, computing, languages, mathematics, or physics who are interested in a teaching career.

Now in its eighth year, the three-week paid programme welcomed its largest cohort yet, with 42 participants. For the second year running, the programme was also open to master's students, alongside undergraduates from many top universities.

Interns gained classroom experience, benefited from mentorship by seasoned teachers and completed a bespoke training programme. They also received guidance and advice on applying for teacher training with 蚂蚁福利导航 Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) through the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT).

To fully immerse themselves in academy life, the interns engaged in a variety of activities. These included shadowing experienced teachers, observing lessons, collaborating on lesson planning and delivery, receiving personalised guidance, and networking with subject specialists.

Julie Slater, Chief Executive Principal (OIE), said:

鈥淥ur Teaching Internship Programme has been a resounding success for years, and this year we proudly doubled our cohort size. The internship offers interns invaluable insights into school life, helping them make informed decisions about their future careers.

鈥淔or 蚂蚁福利导航, it's always about showcasing the teaching profession, celebrating our incredible students and staff, and securing a future pipeline of dedicated teachers by demonstrating just how rewarding teaching can be. We're especially proud to see former interns who completed the programme, then trained with us, and are now valued teachers in our schools.鈥�

The end-of-programme celebration event allowed the interns to celebrate their successes and discuss their experiences, and reflect on the programme together.

The internship is a paid programme with each participant getting a minimum of 拢900 for their participation and work.

The programme welcomed students from universities across the UK:

Durham University
Lancaster University
Newcastle University
Sheffield Hallam University
Teesside University
The Open University
University of Central Lancashire
University of Edinburgh
University of Hull
University of Leeds
University of Lincoln
University of Nottingham
University of Oxford
University of Sheffield
University of York

蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Riverside in Middlesbrough has been awarded the foundation level of the British Council鈥檚 prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.

The International School Award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in international education. Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council鈥檚 work with schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life and work in today鈥檚 world.

蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Riverside provides a rich international experience for its students. Recent highlights include an educational trip to Belgium and France, a successful pen pal programme with a school in Barcelona, and attendance at Pearson Edexcel's 鈥楳ore than words: A celebration of languages鈥� event in London. The academy regularly hosts language competitions, cultural celebration days, and modern foreign languages (MLF) taster sessions. Reflecting its diverse community, the school offers GCSE qualifications in 11 different languages, encompassing both curriculum and community languages.

On hearing the news that 蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Riverside had achieved the foundation level of the award, Rosa Ariz Rivas, head of MFL at the academy, said: 鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly proud that we have been recognised with the foundation level of the International School Award. It鈥檚 a testament to the hard work and passion of our staff and students. This award reflects our commitment to global citizenship, inclusivity, and cultural awareness in our students. This is not just an MFL initiative, it鈥檚 embedded in our whole school ethos.

鈥淲ith 43 different languages spoken across the school, diversity and inclusivity have always been some of our top priorities, and this award celebrates and acknowledges this. It is really rewarding to see how much our students enjoy these opportunities and how it broadens their horizons.鈥�

Shannon West, Head of UK Schools for the British Council, said: 鈥溌煲细＠己� Academy Riverside鈥檚 international work has earned the school well-deserved recognition with the British Council International School Award - Foundation Certificate.

鈥淲e are delighted and proud that 蚂蚁福利导航 Academy Riverside is committed to developing a whole school approach to embedding and celebrating international work. The dedication from everyone is enriching education, supporting globally aware young people and the development of key skills.

鈥淲e thank all involved in this important work; embedding an international ethos across a school can lead to International School Award accreditation, which is the highest level of the award. Schools looking to join this supportive and engaging global network should contact us at the British Council.鈥�

The Award is now available worldwide in countries such as Greece, India and Nigeria. Over 6000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.

The International School Award encourages and supports schools to develop:

• An international ethos embedded throughout the school

• A whole school approach to international work

• Collaborative curriculum-based work with a number of partner schools

• Year-round international activity

• Involvement of the wider community

Students from 蚂蚁福利导航 Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) are preparing for an extraordinary journey to Cambodia, where they will participate in community development projects with Camps International. This once-in-a-lifetime trip will see students from years 10, 11 and post-16 engage in vital environmental work, achieve their open water diving certification, and contribute to local community initiatives.

For 12 years, 蚂蚁福利导航 schools have partnered with Camps International to provide extraordinary student expeditions. However, this year introduces a ground-breaking change: students from 17 蚂蚁福利导航 secondary schools will, for the first time, participate in a singular, collective trip, allowing them to collaborate and build relationships with peers from different schools within the 蚂蚁福利导航 family.

More than 200 students and 22 staff members from across the 蚂蚁福利导航 family of schools will spend four weeks in Cambodia this summer. They will start their journey in Siem Reap, where they will spend 25 days, before heading to the capital city of Phnom Penh. Under the expert guidance of Camps International, a leader in responsible and ethical expeditions, participants will undertake a PADI open water scuba diving course.

The trip is designed to cultivate a range of essential skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, cultural awareness, and environmental stewardship. Students will participate in various activities, all of which will contribute towards 10 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including clean water and sanitation, reduced inequalities, climate action, and life below water.

Julie Slater, Chief Executive Principal at OGAT said:

"I am so pleased that this trip has come to fruition. The planning started as we returned from the COVID pandemic and I wanted to give students something to look forward to. It is important to give our students incredible experiences outside of the classroom.

鈥淭his expedition will see our students from 17 蚂蚁福利导航 schools come together, working on community projects in Cambodia and creating everlasting memories. They will be challenged to step out of their comfort zones, work as a team and have lots of fun along the way. Working in partnerships with Camps International has enabled us to organise a trip of such significant scale. I am looking forward to hearing all about what our students and staff get up to when they return and wish them all a fantastic time.鈥�

蚂蚁福利导航 Grange Academies Trust is committed to providing exceptional opportunities that broaden horizons and prepare students for future success. It is dedicated to fostering global citizens who are equipped to tackle real-world challenges.

Camps International is an award-winning expedition provider that delivers sustainable and ethical volunteer and adventure travel experiences across the globe. Its projects focus on conservation, community development, and education, ensuring that participants make a real, positive impact on the areas they visit.

OGAT would also like to express its appreciation to Morse Coaches, York and Johnson Bros (Tours) Ltd, Worksop, who will be providing free coach travel for staff and students.