South hylton header image 12

Laidlaw Schools Trust

South Hylton Primary Academy is a member of the Laidlaw Schools Trust - a growing family of schools in the North East that aims to transform the lives of children and communities through inspirational education.

About Laidlaw Schools Trust

Laidlaw Schools Trust is a family of Academies in the North East, united by a shared moral purpose: to use education to transform lives, regardless of background or circumstance.

Founded in 2008, the Trust was established to provide inspirational education that opens doors, raises aspirations and creates opportunity. Today, our nursery, primary and secondary Academies serve communities across Newcastle, Wearside and Durham, working together to ensure that every child receives an exceptional education.

Read more about our academies

Across all Laidlaw Academies, we believe that every child can shine. We reject assumptions based on background or prior attainment and instead focus on nurturing potential, building confidence and unlocking ambition.

From a child’s first experience of education to the moment they leave us, we develop the whole person. We fill pupils’ heads with knowledge, their hearts with values and compassion and their hands with the skills they need to succeed. Our young people leave us not only with strong qualifications, but with resilience, integrity and a belief in themselves.

Education at Laidlaw Schools Trust goes beyond academic success. We place great importance on physical and mental wellbeing, ethical awareness, digital literacy and preparation for the future. Our aim is to equip children and young people with the character, skills and adaptability they need to thrive in an ever-changing world and to make a positive difference to their communities.

Sponsored by the Laidlaw Foundation

The Laidlaw Schools Trust is generously supported by the Laidlaw Foundation.

Thanks to the Laidlaw Foundation, we can provide extra funding to every pupil in every one of our schools. It means that our pupils can enjoy:

  • Healthy, tasty subsidised food from professional chefs
  • Music lessons and access to a wide variety of instruments
  • Smaller classes sizes
  • Sports teams and clubs
  • Art, dance and theatre
  • A 1:1 iPad for every LST pupil, ensuring equitable access to digital learning
  • Digital learning and access to the latest education apps
  • Cultural visits, excursions and so much more
  • School uniforms for disadvantaged children
  • Expanded, state-of-the-art libraries
  • Summer schools
  • Extra meals for vulnerable children during holidays
  • A new arrivals programme for international students
  • New buildings
  • Special Education Needs support
  • Additional welfare support staff
  • Additional exam preparation including 1:1 tutoring
  • Teaching and leadership training for LST staff to ensure the highest standards of classroom teaching

Educational Philosophy

The Laidlaw Schools Trust educational philosophy underpins everything we do, inside and outside of the classroom.

Aspirational

We want all our pupils to believe that they can do great things. They can reach for the skies and solve the world’s most intractable problems. We are ambitious. We can do hard things.

Inclusive

We believe that no child is ordinary. We celebrate differences, and provide individual support inside and outside of the classroom to help every pupil soar over the same high bar. We believe in the extraordinary.

Impactful

We help pupils overcome barriers to achieve their full potential. We have high expectations of all of our young people, regardless of their background. We transform lives.

Future-Ready

We ensure our pupils grow as independent and resilient citizens who are equipped with the skills they need for life and work. We build skills for life.