Harton Teaching School Alliance Launch

Steve Munby CBE and Chief Executive of the National College for School Leadership joined Harton Technology College staff and governors, strategic partners and special guests to celebrate the official launch of the Harton Teaching School Alliance.

Harton Technology College was designated as a Teaching School by the National College in July 2011; one of only five secondary schools in the north east and one of only fifty six secondary schools in the country, to receive this new designation.

As a Teaching School, Harton Technology College is responsible for leading and developing this exciting new Alliance which currently comprises; Cleadon Village Church of England Primary School, East Boldon Infants, Epinay Business and Enterprise School, Jarrow School, Marine Park Primary School, Mortimer Community College, Newcastle University, Park View School, South Tyneside Council and Whitburn Church of England Academy, to deliver high quality training and professional development for teachers and leaders at all stages in their career. As this new Alliance develops Harton Technology College will be at the forefront of developing programmes to provide a strong supply of new teachers, develop leaders and the next generation of heads, to drive school improvement and bring real benefits to pupils.

Steve Munby said "It was a great privilege to have the opportunity to visit your fantastic school last week and to hear about the outstanding work that is going on not only at Harton but in Jarrow and elsewhere.  I was very impressed by your excellent and inspirational leadership, by the warmth of relationships I observed throughout my visit, by the very strong team you have around you and by your vision for the future.  'Roots and wings' is a great strapline. Thank you for inviting me"

Ken Gibson Executive Head Teacher said "We were absolutely delighted to welcome our strategic partners to the official launch of the Harton Teaching School Alliance. The event was made even more special by the presence of Steve Munby, Chief Executive of the National College. Following Mr Munby's inspirational speech about leadership, the staff from Harton and our strategic partner schools worked together on finalising our action plan.

To be awarded Teaching School status is a fantastic accolade for Harton Technology College and indeed our partners, and recognises our outstanding track record over recent years. We will be entrusted with the professional development of staff, improving even further our own teaching and learning, being more involved in the training of the next generation of teachers, extending our offer of support to other schools, research and development into the impact of new initiatives, and, finally, with talent spotting and training the future generation of school leaders. 

It is an enormous responsibility and challenge but I am confident that we have the capacity to ensure that the school continues to be at the cutting edge of the educational agenda. I feel sure that this will only serve to further improve the outcomes for all students and offer fabulous professional development opportunities for the staff."