A SCHOOL is to embark on a new chapter becoming the tenth school in a learning trust.

Rye Hills Academy in Redcar has entered a new chapter with the announcement of sponsorship by the North East Learning Trust (NELT).

With nine schools under its wing and a proven track record of rapid school improvement, the successful multi-academy Trust was formally named as the school’s new sponsor during the half term break.

Founded by twice outstanding Academy at Shotton Hall in Peterlee, NELT plans to transform the fortunes of Rye Hills Academy in line with their other successful sponsorships.

One notable example is Teesdale School and Sixth Form in Barnard Castle which moved from a grade three ‘requiring improvement’ school to grade one ‘outstanding’ in under three years.

The school was also recently named Sunday Times North East State Secondary School of the Year.

Lesley Powell, Chief Executive Officer at NELT said: “We have big aspirations for Rye Hills Academy as we look forward with great optimism to support staff and students on a journey towards becoming outstanding.

“The school has much to be proud of, however there is work to do to improve performance, close gaps in achievement and ensure better outcomes for all groups of students, regardless of their starting points.

“With the challenges of the pandemic adding to a period of uncertainty for Rye Hills, I hope that news of our sponsorship will give parents, staff, students and the wider community confidence that better days are on the way and that they will support us as we move the school to a place of stability and success.”