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Stories from Accelerator: North East England

Applications for the Accelerator are now open. Find out more and apply here, and read on for some great stories from the programme...

Our work in North East England

Over the last few years, there’s been some brilliant progress happening in schools and colleges in the North East, where we work with more than 22 Primaries, 15 Secondaries, 8 Special Schools, 6 Colleges and 1 Middle School.

High quality programmes that provide opportunities to boost students’ essential skills are recognised by Skills Builder Awards. Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards are given to those modelling best practice in essential skills education by embedding our six principles: 

In 2021, 302 schools and colleges achieved an Award across the UK. 90 of these chose to submit a Case Study. You can explore the full Case Study Showcase here, but here are just a few highlights…

New Silksworth Academy is a primary school for 2-11 year olds in Sunderland. They have used Skills Builder to teach essential skills and are starting to widen their pupils' opportunities to practice their skills through other parts of the school day such as lessons, extra-curricular activities and careers provision.

‘The connection between the Skills Builder programme and our vision for our pupils is evident. The offer of workplace visits, projects and challenge days are very appealing as without the links and resources available through we may be unable to provide such a broad curriculum.’

Whitworth Park Academy is an inclusive secondary school for 11 - 16 year olds in Spennymoor, Durham. They have embedded Skills Builder in all aspects of their school life, from curriculum work to extra curricular provision and aspiration days. 

‘We have embedded the essential skills into all aspects of school life; in tutor time, curriculum, extra-curricular activities, Inspire Days and celebration assemblies. The essential skills are displayed across the school, in all classrooms and the corridors around the school.’

About Accelerator 

Skills Builder Accelerator is our flagship programme for schools and colleges. We work together with you to develop and implement a complete strategy for teaching essential skills in your institution, including training, support, tools, and resources, resulting in real impact for your students. 

Interested? Find out more here, where you can download our prospectus. You can also check your eligibility to apply for a funded programme place here.

Programme places are limited and will be allocated in three rounds. 

  • Round 1 deadline: 1st April 2022
  • Round 2 deadline 27th May 2022
  • Round 3 deadline: 8th July 2022

Please submit your application early for the greatest chance of success.