As the new term begins, Tees Valley Collaborative Trust is excited to continue its mission of providing great education and strong community support. The Trust includes Prior Pursglove College, Stockton Sixth Form College, Bishopton Pupil Referral Unit, Errington Primary School, and Guisborough Montessori. Each of these schools and colleges is unique, but they all share one goal: to help every student succeed, no matter their background.
Left: Nichole Munro, Middle: Olivia Wytcherley, Right: Mike Mackin
The Trust has welcomed Nichole Munro as the new Chief Executive Officer. Alongside Nichole, Olivia Wytcherley and Mike Mackin have recently joined as Heads of Centre at Prior Pursglove College and Stockton Sixth Form College. Olivia and Mike bring a wealth of experience and are dedicated to helping students succeed, aligning perfectly with the Trust’s mission.
Nichole Munro expressed her excitement about the new team members, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Olivia and Mike to our leadership team. Their passion for education and commitment to student success align perfectly with the values of our Trust. I am confident they will make a significant positive impact on their respective colleges.”
Nichole’s vision for the Tees Valley Collaborative Trust is centred on empowering every student to achieve their full potential, regardless of background or circumstance. Guided by the Trust’s strategic and operational principles, Nichole is committed to improving life chances for young people across the region. She has already begun implementing initiatives designed to remove barriers to achievement, support staff development, and ensure that every learner has a clear pathway to success.
Central to Nichole Munro’s leadership are three key pillars that define her strategic approach to driving the Trust forward.
First, we are committed to the wellbeing and mental health of our students and staff. We believe that a supportive and nurturing environment is the foundation for success, both in and out of the classroom, and we are dedicated to prioritising mental health initiatives across all our schools.
Our second objective is to broaden the horizons of our students and staff through a strong international focus. By building partnerships with schools worldwide, including those in Germany, we provide valuable cross-cultural experiences that not only enrich learning but also prepare our students for an interconnected world. These opportunities help students gain new perspectives and skills that are essential in today’s global society.
Lastly, the Trust places a strong emphasis on employability and entrepreneurship. We want our students to be ready for whatever path they choose after school, whether it’s further education or stepping straight into a career. By integrating practical skills and entrepreneurial thinking into our curriculum, we ensure that students are not just learning academically but are also gaining the tools and confidence to thrive in the modern job market.
These three pillars—wellbeing, international focus, and employability—are at the heart of our mission, driving us to create vibrant and supportive learning environments where every student can succeed.
Students at Bishopton using the new hairdressing studio.
Reflecting its core objectives, the Trust is launching several exciting changes. At Bishopton, new vocational courses such as design and technology, construction, and hair and beauty are being introduced, giving students more hands-on learning options. Errington Primary School’s success in securing funding through the ‘Creating Active Schools’ programme shows its commitment to student engagement and physical activity.
Prior Pursglove College’s partnership with Tees Valley Careers Enterprise is another key initiative, allowing teachers to gain industry experience through the Teacher Encounters programme. This helps keep teaching up-to-date and relevant. The college has also partnered with CAST (Care and Share Town), linking students with local businesses and giving them chances to get involved in community events like the GIANT arts festival.
Stockton Sixth Form College has formed a new partnership with Middlesbrough Football Club, reflecting the Trust’s focus on student wellbeing and employability. This collaboration offers students unique opportunities, from sports activities that support physical and mental health to insights into how a major football club operates.
Supporting Social Mobility and Widening Participation
These initiatives are part of the Trust’s wider effort to support social mobility and provide equal opportunities for all students. By giving students access to practical, real-world experiences both in the UK and abroad, the Trust helps them build the skills they need to adapt and succeed in a rapidly changing world. This approach not only benefits students but also contributes to the growth of the local community and region.
As we look ahead to this new term, Tees Valley Collaborative Trust remains focused on empowering students, supporting staff, and strengthening community connections. With new leadership, innovative projects, and international opportunities, we’re excited about a successful year filled with growth, learning, and shared achievements across all our schools and colleges.
