Two Teesside education trusts have created a successful partnership, which is supporting significant improvements at Bishopton Pupil Referral Unit, which supports students with complex needs not in mainstream education.
Atomix Educational Trust and River Tees Multi Academy Trust have revealed details of their collaborative work in a joint statement from their CEOs, which outlines details for Bishopton Pupil Referral Unit to be part of River Tees’ specialist multi academy trust from February 1 2027.
Dr Nichole Munro of Atomix and Christina Jones of River Tees MAT acknowledge the move would enable both trusts to “develop and sustain excellence within clearly defined areas of expertise”.
The statement comes as a longer-term strategic view review is underway at Atomix Educational Trust, which will support its educational settings to continue to provide the high-quality education they are known for, while remaining relevant to the evolving skills needs of the local population.
It also reflects the Atomix approach to partnership working across everything from post-16 and Primary education, through to adult education and delivering employability skills.
The two Trusts have been working closely together since September, with a “clear shared priority” to secure the strongest possible future for Bishopton and the “best possible outcomes for its pupils”.
Atomix has worked hard to make significant improvements around safeguarding and the curriculum at Bishopton in recent months, with a recent inspection by Ofsted in October highlighting clear improvement in both areas.
In a joint statement, the CEOs Of Atomix and River Tees Mat say that over recent years, the educational landscape has continued to evolve, with increasing recognition that Trusts are “most effective when they develop and sustain excellence within clearly defined areas of expertise”.
“As the Trust sector matures, there is a growing emphasis on ensuring that schools and settings are aligned with organisations whose specialist knowledge, experience and networks are best matched to the needs of the children and young people they serve,” the statement says.
“Against this backdrop, Atomix Educational Trust and River Tees Mat, have been working closely with the Department for Education to consider the long-term future of Bishopton Pupil Referral Unit.
“Throughout these discussions, our shared priority has remained clear: securing the strongest possible future for the school and the best possible outcomes for its pupils.
“Bishopton provides highly specialist education and support for children and young people with complex needs. Atomix has been proud to support the school and its community and remains committed to ensuring its continued success.”
However, both Trusts recognise the significant advantages that can arise when specialist provision sits within a Trust whose primary focus and expertise are in specialist and alternative provision.
“We therefore believe that Bishopton’s long-term future would be strengthened as part of River Tees Mat,” the statement continues.
“As a specialist trust, River Tees Mat brings extensive experience, established networks and deep expertise in supporting children and young people with complex needs.
“This would provide Bishopton with access to enhanced opportunities for collaboration, professional development and the sharing of specialist practice.
“This proposal reflects both the changing nature of the trust sector and a shared belief that educational provision is best placed where it can benefit from the strongest alignment of expertise, leadership and support.”
The statement is clear that this “is not a reflection on the outstanding commitment of Bishopton’s staff, nor on Atomix’s commitment to the school, which remains unwavering throughout this process” with both Trusts continuing to work together.
“We recognise that any proposed change will bring questions for staff, pupils, families and the wider community,” the CEOs continue.
“Our commitment is to work together openly and transparently, ensuring that those affected are kept informed and supported throughout.
“Day-to-day provision at Bishopton will continue as normal, with the welfare, education and safeguarding of children and young people remaining our highest priority.
“Together, we believe this proposal represents a positive and strategic step that will help secure the strongest possible future for Bishopton and the community it serves.”
The CEOs’ shared ambition is simple they add – “to ensure that Bishopton is positioned within the environment best equipped to support its continued success and to meet the increasingly complex needs of the children and young people who rely upon it”.
Information about the involvement of River Tees MAT with Bishopton Pupil Referral Unit has been in the public domain for some time, and staff have been fully sighted in the partnership work and transfer due before spring.
Last month, it was announced Atomix Educational Trust had teamed up with Steel River Education Trust to provide Level 2 courses to parents of children at Whale Hill Primary School in Eston.
After several students completed two courses within a matter of months, earning certificates in both Understanding Autism and Understanding Challenging behaviours, demand for Adult Education, from Atomix, led by the Trust’s adult education manager Michelle Kelso, is soaring.
Further partnership working is planned across the Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton communities, which Atomix serves.