Primary school joins multi-academy trust

A Sunderland primary school has officially joined a growing multi-academy trust after a two-year partnership.

Dame Dorothy Primary School has become the tenth member of Northern Lights Learning Trust (NLLT), which supports over 4,200 pupils across Wearside and Teesside. 

The formal transition took place on February 1, following careful consideration by school leaders.

Northern Lights oversees a mix of primary and secondary schools, including Church of England and community schools. 

Dame Dorothy had already been working closely with the trust, including engagement with its 'Trust Parliament' of pupils.

Iain Williamson, headteacher of Dame Dorothy, said: “We spoke with many trusts over a two-year period and all had great strengths and possibilities.

“However, the trust that stood out head and shoulders to us was Northern Lights Learning Trust. 

“Northern Lights comes across as a caring family organisation that values all who are part of it.

“Dame Dorothy wanted to find an organisation that aligned with our values that puts the children front and centre in all we try to do and would respect our individuality and uniqueness. 

“We strongly believe Northern Lights is that trust. 

“We have a desire to improve and grow and in an ever more challenging landscape.

“We believe that we can best achieve these ambitions by becoming part of the Northern Lights Learning Trust.”

With schools spanning Sunderland, Hartlepool, Washington, Stockton-on-Tees and Darlington, NLLT continues to expand its network to enhance learning opportunities across the region.

Jo Heaton OBE, chief executive of NLLT, added: “Our trust mission is to ensure everyone flourishes, with children and young people at the heart of everything that we do.

“We support all pupils and staff to grow, develop and ‘be the best they can be’. 

“We are delighted that school leaders at Dame Dorothy saw a reflection of themselves in our mission and vision and we are looking forward to continuing to work alongside them.”

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