Posted in School News

NBS at NUFC
Students and staff at NBS Kenton were given an opportunity to experience a stadium tour of St James’s Park last week.

Newcastle Careers Team: Sessions for Schools
Please see the attached poster on the Newcastle Careers Team's sessions for schools.
Healthy Eating Week
Students at Kenton took part in a variety of healthy eating preparations, tasting and activities.

Mary Astell Academy’s Rapid Improvements Recognised by Ofsted
Mary Astell Academy was inspected by Ofsted 8-9 June 2022 and overall was rated as Requires Improvement.

New Newcastle Bridges School Website Launched
We have been working alongside school website developers Cleverbox to develop a new website for the school.

Job Opportunity: Trust Data Manager - Prosper Learning Trust
Prosper Learning Trust is seeking to appoint a Trust Data Manager with relevant experience (in a school or similar environment) to join our busy, friendly team from September 2022.

Job Opportunity: Learning Support Assistants - Harry Watts Academy
Required from September 2022, we are looking to appoint Learning Support Assistants with experience and/or interest in supporting the teaching and learning.

Job Opportunity: English Teacher - Mary Astell Academy
We are hiring an English Teacher for Mary Astell Academy.

Don't Face It Alone Anti Bullying Campaign
Thousands of young people experience bullying behaviours every day.

Newcastle Bridges School Retain Outstanding Ofsted Performance
Newcastle Bridges School, part of Prosper Learning Trust, received a continued ‘Outstanding’ inspection from school inspectors Ofsted in their May 2022 report.

Investors in People Standard Accreditation
Investors in People have assessed Prosper Learning Trust and we are excited to announce that we have achieved ‘We Invest in People - Standard Accreditation’.

Job Opportunity: Family Support Officer - Newcastle Bridges School
Required from September 2022, due to the retirement of our current post holder, we are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker to join our team of friendly, caring and supportive staff.
Queen's Jubilee Party
Students at Kenton decided to host a Jubilee Celebration for staff and students.

Well Done to NBS Students this Half Term
Newcastle Bridges School would like to congratulate our wonderful students for successfully engaging in on and offsite enrichment activities this half term.

Job Opportunity: Higher Level Support Assistants - Harry Watts Academy
Required from September 2022, we are looking to appoint Higher Level Support Assistants with experience and/or interest in supporting the teaching and learning.

Job Opportunity: Teachers - Thomas Bewick School
Required from September 2022, we are looking to appoint teachers with experience and/or interest in teaching pupils with autism and associated difficulties.

Job Opportunity: Assistant Headteacher - Thomas Bewick School
Required from September 2022, we are looking to appoint a highly positive, motivated and talented Assistant Headteacher with middle or senior leadership experience and a passion for teaching pupils with autism and associated difficulties.

Job Opportunity: Learning Support Assistants - Harry Watts Academy
Required from September 2022, Harry Watts Academy are looking to appoint Learning Support Assistants with experience and/or interest in supporting the teaching and learning.

Job Opportunity: HR Adviser - Prosper Learning Trust
Prosper Learning Trust is seeking to appoint a HR Adviser with relevant experience (in a school or similar environment) to join our busy, friendly team from September 2022.

Job Opportunity: Learning Support Assistants - Harry Watts Academy
Required from September 2022, Harry Watts Academy are looking to appoint Learning Support Assistants with experience and/or interest in supporting the teaching and learning.
TRIP Rewards
Students at Kenton were able to redeem their TRIP points in exchange for some fantastic prizes!
Tasting our Home Grown Produce!
As part of Fruity Friday, students and staff tasted the home grown radishes!

Job Opportunity: HR Adviser - Prosper Learning Trust
Prosper Learning Trust is seeking to appoint a HR Adviser with relevant experience (in a school or similar environment) to join our busy, friendly team from September 2022.
Kirkley Hall Tarantula
On our weekly trip to Kirkley Hall, some students and staff faced their fears and held a tarantula!

Job Opportunity: Lead Administrator - Thomas Bewick School
Prosper Learning Trust is seeking to appoint a Lead Administrator with relevant experience (in a school or similar environment) to join our busy, friendly team at Thomas Bewick School, from September 2022.

Kirkley Hall Discovery Room
We visited Kirkley Hall on Wednesday afternoon as part of our weekly enrichment trip.

Family Review Survey from the Children's Commissioner
The Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza is undertaking a review of family life and invites pupils to take park on her survey.

Job Opportunity: Art and Technology Teacher - Newcastle Bridges School
We are seeking to appoint an outstanding and creative Art and Technology teacher to join our successful team.

Job Opportunity: English Coordinator - Prosper Learning Trust
We are seeking to appoint an outstanding English Subject Coordinator to lead the subject across our two AP academies.

Drugs, Alcohol, and Sexual Health Drop-In Sessions with Streetwise
Streetwise, a free confidential advice and information charity for young people, are hosting drop-in sessions for advice, help, and support with drugs, alcohol, and sexual health.

Railway Trespassing Warning & Safety Videos
Network Rail in partnership with the Learn Live News Channel are working to help raise awareness to students across the UK educating them about the dangers of the train tracks through interactive digital delivery.

Newcastle's Holiday Activities this Easter Break
The Holiday Activity Fund ran by the Newcastle’s Best Spring Ever campaign are hosting various holiday activities across the city during the two week Easter break.

Job Opportunity: Senior Administrator (Maternity Cover) - Newcastle Bridges School
Prosper Learning Trust are looking to appoint a suitably qualified and highly motivated professional to the post of Senior Administrator to the busy office at Newcastle Bridges School (based at the Kenton site).

Job Opportunity: Administration Assistant - Thomas Bewick School
Thomas Bewick School is seeking to appoint an administrative assistant with relevant experience (in a school or similar environment) to join our busy, friendly admin team, to start on 6th June 2022.

Job Opportunity: Administration Assistant - Harry Watts Academy
Harry Watts Academy is seeking to appoint an administrative assistant with relevant experience (in a school or similar environment) to join our friendly admin team starting June 2022.

The NHS Melissa Bus Visits Bridges
On Tuesday, the NHS Melissa Bus visited Kenton to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to pupils.

Kirkley Hall
A group of students from Kenton visited Kirkley Hall Zoo as part of our weekly enrichment programme.

Job Opportunity: Teachers - Harry Watts Academy
Required from September 2022, we are looking to appoint full time teachers with experience and/or interest in teaching autistic pupils.

Job Opportunity: Pathway/Phase Leader - Harry Watts Academy
Required from September 2022, we are looking to appoint three Pathway Lead Teachers with experience and/or interest in teaching autistic pupils, to enhance and strengthen the leadership structure of the school.

Local College Open Events in March
Many local colleges are hosting open days and events for pupils and their post-16 options.

Job Opportunity: Administration Assistant
Newcastle Bridges School is seeking to appoint a temporary administrative assistant with relevant experience (in a school or similar environment) to join our friendly admin team, to start as soon as possible.
Effectiveness of Antibiotics on Bacteria Growth Investigation
Pupils at NBS Kenton have been investigating the effectiveness of different antibiotics on bacteria.

Job Opportunity: Administration Assistant - Harry Watts Academy
Harry Watts Academy is seeking to appoint an administrative assistant with relevant experience (in a school or similar environment) to join our friendly admin team starting 19th April 2021.

Kirkley Hall Rodents
Pupils visited Kirkley Hall as part of our weekly enrichment trip and saw a range of different animals.

Giving Treats to the Kirkley Hall Animals
As part of our weekly enrichment trip to Kirkley Hall students got to see and learn about a wide variety of different animals.

Job Opportunity: Numeracy Tutor - Newcastle Bridges School
We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, inspirational tutor to support numeracy for pupils in our Kenton provision at Newcastle Bridges School.

Job Opportunity: Literacy Tutor - Newcastle Bridges School
We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, inspirational tutor to support numeracy for pupils in our Kenton provision at Newcastle Bridges School.

Kirkley Hall Weekly Visit
On our weekly enrichment visit, pupils had a look at the 'Walk of Life' and the discovery room.

Local College Open Events in February
Many local colleges are hosting open days and events for pupils and their post-16 options.

Spotafriend App Warning
Northumbria Police have made us aware of a new App that has come to the surface, which looks at the potential grooming/exploitation of young people.

Job Opportunity: Teachers - Thomas Bewick School
We are looking to appoint teachers with experience and/or interest in teaching pupils with autism and associated difficulties.
Enrichment - Kirkley Hall
Pupils were able to feed a range of exotic animals at Kirkley Hall as part of our weekly enrichment visit.

Guidance for Parents and Carers on Online Sexual Harassment and Keeping Children Safe Online
The Government’s Children’s Commissioner has launched a guide for parents and carers on online sexual harassment and how they can support children to stay safe online.

Local College Open Events in January
Many local colleges are hosting open days and events for pupils and their post-16 options.

Merry Christmas from Newcastle Bridges School
A Merry Christmas message from Newcastle Bridges School

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Prosper Learning Trust
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Prosper Learning Trust

Christmas Holiday
A reminder for all Parents and Carers of the Christmas Holiday starting next week.
Prosper Learning Trust End of Term Update from Joanne Clifford Swan, Chair of Trustees
Please see the following end of term update from Joanne Clifford Swan, Chair of Trustees

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters at Grainger Market
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are available at Grainger Market, Newcastle City Centre, for those aged 12+

Job Opportunity: SEN Learning Support Assistant (HLTA)
Newcastle Bridges School is seeking to appoint a highly motivated, inspirational member of support staff to assist the SENDCo in supporting young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) across the school.

Day Off 29th November
A reminder for all Parents and Carers of the day off on Monday 29th November in lieu of the Queen's jubilee.

Job Opportunity: Teacher
Required from January 2022, Newcastle Bridges School are looking to appoint an experienced Science and Maths teacher with relevant secondary school experience.

Job Opportunity: Administration Assistant (Level 3)
Newcastle Bridges School are seeking to appoint a temporary administrative assistant with relevant experience in a school or similar environment to join our busy, friendly admin team, starting on 4th January 2022.

Job Opportunity: Assistant Headteacher at Harry Watts Academy
Harry Watts Academy are seeking to appoint an Assistant Headteacher for April 2022, or for as soon as possible.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter
As well as our Facebook page, we are on Instagram and Twitter too!

Our LGBTQIA+ Notice Board
One of our pupils has been busy creating a fantastic LGBTQIA+ notice board for the school, and here it is in more detail.

Job Opportunity
Newcastle Bridges School are hiring a highly motivated, inspirational tutor to support numeracy for some pupils in our Kenton provision.

Job Opportunity
Newcastle Bridges School are hiring a highly motivated, inspirational tutor to support literacy for some pupils in our Kenton provision.

Keeping Children Safe Online
Gem Education have created a video and resources for Parents and Carers on keeping children safe when online

The Little Orange Book
The Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group have created The Little Orange Book full of expert advice to help your children when they're poorly

Day Off 29th November
Newcastle Bridges School, alongside other schools within the Prosper Learning Trust, will be closed on Monday 29th November as the Queen's Jubilee in May falls in a school holiday.

Job Opportunity: Learning Support Assistant - Ferndene Site
Newcastle Bridges School are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, inspirational member of support staff to support young people in their education at our Ferndene site.

It's National Teaching Assistants' Day!
Today we are celebrating our teaching assistants and all the amazing work they do

Job Opportunity
Thomas Bewick School are looking for Lunchtime Supervisory Assistants to join the friendly team of staff providing support/care to children and young people during the midday break.

Job Opportunity
Prosper Learning Trust are hiring skilled Learning Support Assistants with experience of supporting pupils with SEND for Thomas Bewick School.

Job Opportunity
Lead Administrator - Mary Astell Academy Prosper Learning Trust are looking to appoint a suitably qualified and highly motivated professional to the post of Lead Administrator to the busy office at Mary Astell Academy.

Job Opportunity
Prosper Learning Trust are hiring a new Finance Officer to join the Trust's Central Finance Team

Job Opportunity
We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, apprentice to join an experienced team. This is an exciting opportunity for an apprentice to become an excellent practitioner within our multi academy trust and work in a challenging yet rewarding multidisciplinary environment. Closing Date: 12th July 2021 Start Date: ASAP 37 hours per week, Full Year - Fixed term (18 months)

Prevent
Attached is a digital leaflet designed specifically for parents, guardians, family and friends. ACT EARLY is a website designed for the public, to inform and encourage them to make Prevent referrals if they have worries about their children, family or friends.

Job Opportunity
Thomas Bewick School are looking for Lunchtime Supervisory Assistants to join the friendly team of staff providing support / care to children and young people during the midday break.

Gilbert Ward Academy Consultation Event 30 June 2021
Tomorrow we have our last two consultation events.

Gilbert Ward Academy Site Visit
Mark Jones, Chief Executive Officer, and a number of other colleagues visited the Gilbert Ward Academy site this week.

A letter from Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education
A letter to secondary school and college parents in England on continuing regular Covid-19 testing from Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education

Facebook reminder to parents to join edTalk
We would like to invite you to subscribe to our emagazine edTalk. edTalk will enable you to set your own preferences when you join, you can choose which classes you would like to see articles from and you will be able to bookmark articles, allowing you to create scrapbooks and much more. To subscribe to edTalk follow the link below and enter the email address that we have on file for you as a parent and choose a password. https://nbs.

Gilbert Ward Academy Consultation
Consultation on Gilbert Ward Academy, a new Special Free School for children aged 11-16, begins today and runs until 16th July 2021.

Job Opportunity
We’re looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Marketing and Communications/Central Services Support Assistant who will play a key role in creating and delivering engaging and inspiring content across a range of media and digital channels, whilst also supporting a busy Central Services Team. See our website for more details and an application form to apply https://www. All applications to be submitted to [email protected]

Job Opportunity
Prosper Learning Trust, a Multi-Academy Trust, seeks to appoint a highly motivated Finance Officer to join the Trust’s Central Finance Team. See our website for more details and an application form to apply https://www. All applications to be submitted to [email protected]

County Lines
“County lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas within the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of “deal line”.
Kirkley Hall
Students where in the rodent room and were able to handle Siberian and Russian dwarf hamsters as well as the Chinchillas.

Mental Health UK
The theme for this year is ‘nature‘ – something fitting, after a year where we’ve seen more of our four walls in our homes than the four seasons.

Mental Health Minute
This week has been Mental Health Awareness Week, today there will be a 'Mental Health Minute' see link for more information: https://www.

Job Opportunity
Marketing and Communications/Central Services Support Assistant (Maternity Cover) Job start: 1st September 2021 We’re looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Marketing and Communications/Central Services Support Assistant who will play a key role in creating and delivering engaging and inspiring content across a range of media and digital channels, whilst also supporting a busy Central Services Team. For more details and an application form, see https://www.

Young People's Under 18 Clinic @ New Croft
See below for information on Young People's Under 18 Clinic @ New Croft.

Virtual Subject Sessions
To help our students with their transition from school into Newcastle College over the coming weeks and months, Newcastle College have put together a number of Virtual Subject Session events which will give them the opportunity to find out more about the course they have already applied for or find out more if they are still researching their options.

The Big Ask
The Children’s Commissioner for England, Rachel de Souza, is launching the largest ever survey of children and young people in England.

Harry Watts Academy New Building Opens to Pupils
Harry Watts Academy staff welcomed their pupils at their new school building today.

Letter to children and young people from the Secretary of State for Education
Gavin Williamson has written an open letter to young people thanking them for the way they have responded to the huge challenges they have faced throughout the pandemic. Read it here: https://bit.

Lateral Flow Home Testing
By the end of next week we will have completed the 3rd lateral flow test for Covid-19 in school for those who provided consent.

Understanding a Child’s Digital World – Event, Tuesday 16th 2021, 1800
Please see details below of a free online event hosted by Counter Terrorism Policing, please sign up. Understanding a Child’s Digital World – Event, Tuesday 16th 2021, 1800 FREE Online safety event open to parents, professionals -anyone who wants to learn more about the digital world Counter Terrorism Policing East Midlands are hosting a free online event to encourage parents and professionals to talk to children about online safety. This session serves as an introduction to understanding the digital world and what risks are present for children. The event will be interactive, open to everyone with questions encouraged – please join and circulate to anyone else who may be interested. The event is supported by guest speakers from the East Midlands Cyber Engagement Team and Warning Zone. ACT Early more info here: 👉https://youtu.

Virtual Subject Sessions
To help our students with their transition from school into Newcastle College over the coming weeks and months, Newcastle College have put together a number of Virtual Subject Session events which will give them the opportunity to find out more about the course they have already applied for or find out more if they are still researching their options.

Virtual Parents' Information Evenings
Parents and carers also have a lot of questions about the college and that is why Newcastle College have introduced Virtual Parents’ Information Evenings as a platform for parents to ask questions and find out more themselves.

Return to School on 8 March
The Government announced on 22 February that all students would return to school from 8 March.

Top Tips for Good Mental Health and Wellbeing
Youth Mental Health Ambassador, Dr Alex George has shared his ‘top five tips’ for young people’s good mental health and wellbeing.

Chinese New Year 2021.
Chinese New Year 2021 is the year of The Metal Oxen, this starts February 12th. Previous Metal Oxen years have included 2009 & 1997.
Chinese New Year
To celebrate the Chinese New Year the young people at Ferndene designed and created origami fortune cookies to spread positivity to other young people and staff.

Children's Mental Health Week
This week is Children's Mental Health Week and here at NBS we would like to signpost parents to some online support and guidance.

Love Newcastle!
Kenton students discover what a famous, interesting and beautiful city they live in.

Take Part in our COVID-19 Research Study
The Great north Children’s Hospital are looking for 140 individuals to take part in the study looking at COVID-19 antibodies in children and young people.

Covid 19 Update - School Closure
NBS Kenton will be open to children of key workers and vulnerable students ONLY this week.
Newcastle Bridges School will Re-open on Tuesday 5th January
In line with the Department for Education guidance for Alternative Provision we will be open as normal from Tuesday 5th January 2021.

New School Building for Harry Watts Academy
We received the keys for Harry Watts Academy's new school building today.

Merry Christmas from Newcastle Bridges School!
Merry Christmas, with best wishes from all the staff at Newcastle Bridges School.

Festive Football Cracker at NBS Kenton
The now-traditional football match on the last day of term proved to be an epic clash.

We are Recruiting!
Here at Prosper Learning Trust, we are recruiting for an experienced Estates Management Officer to join our Central Services Team, please see the following link for our application pack: https://www.

Parent/Carer Support Group
Parents/ Carers who are supporting a child/ young person with emotional or mental health issues, see image below.

Letter From Mark Jones Regarding NHS Test and Trace
Prosper Learning Trust would like to share this important information from NHS Test and Trace, on how we can work together to make sure we can continue to give children and young people the best education in the safest way possible.

Northumbria Police - Scheme in Newcastle City Centre
Northumbria Police have asked us to share some information with you.

Newcastle's Best Summer Ever
Newcastle's Best Summer Ever programme are offering lots of activities this summer.

Prosper Learning Trust to Open New School in Northumberland
Prosper Learning Trust have been the successful bidder for a new special school to be built in Northumberland

Invite to QA Session
You are invited to a question and answer session with Deanne Taylor, Head of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Newcastle City Council.

What’s on offer this coming summer?
Newcastle's Best Summer Ever team will be offering a summer holiday scheme this year.

Welcome To Chris Richardson Our New Executive Head Teacher
We are delighted to announce that Chris Richardson has taken up his new role of Executive Head Teacher of Newcastle Bridges School and Mary Astell Academy this week.

Relationship Education
Schools usually teach Relationship Education as part of their science and PSHE curriculum during the Spring/Summer terms.

The National Careers Service
The National Creers Service can help in supporting students explore options following exam results or if their exams have been cancelled.

J K Rowling's New Book - The Ickabog
J K Rowling, the Harry Potter novelist, has released a free children's story with a new chapter available each day.

Coronavirus - Schools Update from Newcastle City Council
Letter from Judith Hay, Director of Children, Education and Skills, Newcastle City Council.

New Executive Head Teacher Appointed
Letter from Mark Jones regarding the appointment of a new Executive Head Teacher for Mary Astell Academy and Newcastle Bridges School.

Think U Know
Think U Know have created information to support parents during COVID-19 and the closure of schools.
Newcastle Bridges School closed over half term
In line with government guidelines, Newcastle Bridges School will not be open to pupils during the May half term holiday from Monday 25th May to Friday 29th May.

7 Top Tips to Support Reading at Home
The Education Endownment Foundation shares lots of useful information for parents.

Creating a Routine for Home Learning
The Education Endownment Foundation shares lots of useful information for parents.
Health Visiting and School Nurse Service Update
Your Health Visiting and School Nursing service is available to support you.

First Head Teacher for New Harry Watts Academy Appointed
We are delighted to announce the appointment of the first Head Teacher, Derek Cogle, for our new specialist autism school in Sunderland, Harry Watts Academy.
Mr Sheehan Achieves eduCCateGlobal™ Climate Change Teacher Status
Mr Sheehan has been working hard to become Prosper Learning Trust’s United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) accredited eduCCateGlobal™ Climate Change Teacher.

Parental information on keeping your children safe online over the holidays
Our homes have become even more connected.

Great North Run
Ben has been a pupil at NBS for over ten months following an accident which meant he was unable to walk.