Prosper Learning Trust

Prosper Learning Trust is a specialist multi-academy trust formed in January 2018. We currently comprise five academies: three specialist academies and two alternative provision academies. Working across Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland and Northumberland, we educate around 800 pupils, employ more than 400 staff and deliver provision across 12 different settings. Our academies support children and young people of all ages and abilities, including those who are unable to attend mainstream school because they need a more specialist, therapeutic or flexible approach to education.

Our Purpose

Our Trust was formed to help vulnerable young people succeed against the odds. Wherever possible, we help children and young people to thrive in mainstream education. Where that is not possible, we provide safe, supportive and highly specialist environments where pupils can learn, grow in confidence and move successfully on to their next stage. Our specialist staff work closely with families, schools and other agencies to create the very best educational experiences and opportunities for the young people in our care.

Our Vision and Values

Our vision is for children and young people with a diverse range of additional needs to learn in supportive environments where differences are celebrated, every pupil is valued and each individual is encouraged to achieve their unique potential. Across Prosper Learning Trust, we nurture talent, keep children safe and develop them as informed and active citizens. We are proud to be a champion and advocate for vulnerable young people across the North East of England.

The Trust Values are:

• Aspiration – on behalf of our young people and the community that supports them.
• Integrity – doing what is best for young people in all circumstances.
• Kindness – fostering empathy, mutual support and respect for our whole community.
• Resilience – never giving up on young people or losing sight of our mission.

Our Academies

Our academies offer a broad range of specialist and alternative provision for pupils with autism, social, emotional and mental health needs, and medical, mental or physical health needs. Together, our schools provide personalised pathways, high-quality pastoral care and specialist teaching so that children and young people can access education in a way that meets their individual needs. From hospital education and medical provision to autism specialist settings and alternative provision, each academy plays an important role in helping pupils succeed.

• Newcastle Bridges School – a multi-site provision for pupils who cannot attend mainstream school because of medical, mental or physical health needs. Its services include hospital and community-based education, ensuring pupils continue to access learning during periods of illness or treatment.
• Thomas Bewick School – a specialist school in Newcastle upon Tyne for pupils aged 4 to 19 who have a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and complex learning difficulties. Operating across four sites, the school delivers a broad and balanced curriculum with personalised pathways, autism-specific strategies and high-quality pastoral support.
• Mary Astell Academy – an alternative provision academy in West Denton, Newcastle upon Tyne, for pupils who have been permanently excluded from mainstream schools. The academy offers young people a fresh start, with a strong focus on reintegration wherever possible and meaningful progression for every pupil.
• Harry Watts Academy – a specialist school in Sunderland for children and young people who have a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and complex learning difficulties. Operating across two sites in Redhouse and Harraton, the academy provides a broad and balanced curriculum, personalised learning pathways and specialist support designed to overcome autism-specific barriers to learning.
• Gilbert Ward Academy – a purpose-built specialist academy in Blyth, Northumberland, for pupils aged 11 to 16 with social, emotional and mental health needs, and for some pupils with autism and moderate learning needs. It offers a supportive, specialist environment designed to meet growing regional need.

Everything we do is shaped by a clear strategic direction and a strong commitment to inclusive, high-quality education. Our Board of Trustees sets the strategic direction of the Trust and ensures robust governance, supported by trust committees and Local Advisory Committees for each academy. By working collaboratively across our schools, we share expertise, strengthen provision and remain focused on achieving the very best outcomes for children and young people.

You can find out more about the Trust at: 

www.prosperlearningtrust.co.uk