Co-operative Learning Trust
Newport Primary School: A Proud Member of the Middlesbrough Co-operative Learning Trust
What is a Co-operative Trust?
Newport Primary School is proud to be part of the Middlesbrough Co-operative Learning Trust, alongside Berwick Hills Primary School and Middlesbrough Local Authority. This partnership began in 2014 when we became a Co-operative Trust Foundation School.
Unlike academies, Co-operative Trust schools remain part of the Local Authority system. We are supported by a charitable trust that appoints some of our governors, but our school remains fully in control of its identity, leadership, and budget.
Why Join a Co-operative Trust?
We believe that working together makes us stronger. By joining the Trust, we:
- Share best practices and ideas across schools.
- Collaborate on staff development and innovation.
- Improve outcomes for all children in our communities.
- Ensure our values and partnerships endure beyond individual staff changes.
Our Shared Values
The Co-operative Trust is built on values that reflect our school’s ethos and British values:
- Equity – Every child deserves the chance to succeed.
- Solidarity – We support one another and take pride in our community.
- Democracy – Everyone has a voice.
- Equality – All children and members are valued equally.
- Self-help – We lift each other up.
- Self-responsibility – We are accountable for our actions.
- Ethical values – We act with honesty, integrity, and strong morals.
What Makes This Special?
“We love working together and making new friends from another school.”
“It helps us get ideas for our own school and improve together.”
“Collaborating for staff development has been very beneficial.”
Our pupils and staff benefit from shared learning, joint projects, and a sense of belonging to something bigger.
How the Trust Works
- The Trust holds the school’s land and buildings.
- It appoints foundation governors to support school leadership.
- A Members’ Forum gives parents, carers, staff, and the community a voice in the Trust’s direction.
- We partner with local and national organisations to enrich learning and opportunities.
Our Partners
- Into University
- Tees Valley Sparks
- The School Data Company
- MIMA
- Tees Valley Sports Partnership
- Cleveland Fire Service
- The Royal Shakespeare Company
- Westgarth English Hub
- Northeast Learning Trust (NELT) Hub
- Wise Academies
Interested in Joining?
If you’re a school or organisation that shares our values and vision, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s explore how we can grow stronger together.
Contact our Company Secretary: lisa.taylor@berwickhills.org.uk