EPNE partners with Prosper to help North East pupils reach their potential

Two North East institutions are pooling their expertise to enhance the learning experience for students across the region.

Education Partnership North East and Prosper Learning Trust formalised their partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding, which will see increased collaboration to create new learning experiences for students.

The two organisations have previously worked together to apply to Sunderland City Council and the Department for Education for a specialist autism school to provide education for up to 96 children, aged 5 to 16.

Developed as part of efforts to tackle the shortfall of school places within the Sunderland special school system for young people with autism, the school opened this September as the Harry Watts Academy.

The renewed partnership will create 80 places for young people with special educational needs at a new school in Blyth.

The school, to be built on the former Princess Louise First School site, is expected to open in September 2022.

Mark Jones, CEO for Prosper Learning Trust, said: “We are delighted to sign this formal Memorandum of Understanding with Education Partnership North East, who have supported our organisation since our formation in 2018.

“Everyone within Prosper is looking forward to developing our relationship further to benefit the young people of Sunderland, Northumberland and beyond.”

Vikkie Morton, vice principal student services and registry for Education Partnership North East, added: “We are delighted to be working so closely with Prosper Learning Trust and to sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding with an institution which has an excellent reputation for delivering specialist provision that supports young people with SEN in achieving their potential.

“We are looking forward to working collaboratively with the Prosper Learning Trust team and creating significant benefits for students of all ages with autism, social, emotional, and mental health needs.

“The next stage in this exciting partnership will see us maximise our combined expertise and specialisms to support the delivery of outstanding outcomes for our young people within our local communities.”