Staff from schools across Hartlepool, Teesside and County Durham are being recognised for their commitment and long service.

The 57 staff members have accumulated 1,060 years’ service between them and work for Ad Astra Academy Trust which has ten primary schools under its umbrella.

They include Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Presentations are taking place at each school to mark long service ranging from 10 years to 40 years. Employees receive a letter from Ad Astra CEO Andy Brown OBE, a certificate and a long service badge.

Kathleen Bird, who has worked for 40 years as a lunchtime supervisor at Hartlepool’s Barnard Grove Primary School was delighted to receive her award.

She said: “I’ve been doing this job for a very long time, and it is nice to be appreciated.

“My job is to support the children in the dining hall which involves a variety of things from helping them to open food packets to cleaning up spillages.

“Over the years I’ve observed thousands of children going through primary school from age three to 11 which is lovely.

“I even get people coming up to me in street saying – Hi there, you used to be my dinner nanny.

“Barnard Grove is a great school; the children and staff are fantastic, and everyone looks after each other. I’ll keep doing the job for as long as I can.”

Lee Walker, Headteacher at Barnard Grove Primary School, said: “Long service awards are important as they acknowledge commitment and dedication to our children.

“In Kathleen Bird’s case, it is remarkable that she has served Barnard Grove in the same job for 40 years and we really appreciate the contribution she makes.”

Martyn Ingram, Ad Astra’s Human Resources Manager, added: “As A Trust, we feel it is really important to recognise staff for their dedication and hard work, and this is a way of thanking staff and showing our appreciation for their loyalty.”

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and employees over 500 staff.

Picture Caption – Lee Walker (back left) and Tilly Greer (back right) of Ad Astra Academy Trust are pictured with long service recipients and pupils at Barnard Grove Primary School

30 June 2026.