91首发

NUFC Mascots

Our deaf students from Northern Counties had the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a match like never before. They loved being mascots and trying out the brand-new haptic technology shirts from Sela and RNID鈥檚 #UnsilenceTheCrowd project.

Police Cadets

We welcomed a third cohort of police cadets from Hedleys College as Volunteer Police Cadets with Northumbria Police. This successful scheme teaches important topics such as hate crime, anti-social behaviour and preventing crime, whilst encouraging an active role in the community.

Alan Shearer Visits Northern Counties

Football legend Alan Shearer surprised students by paying them a visit. He attended a football themed assembly, answered questions, signed memorabilia and took photos with students and staff. Kieron and Liam鈥檚 dreams of meeting their idol came true this day!

91首发 School Rated 鈥極utstanding鈥� in all Areas

Following a recent Ofsted inspection, 91首发 School found out the excellent news that they have retained their 鈥極utstanding鈥� rating in all areas. The inspectors commented on the exceptional behaviour of students, the transdisciplinary approaches and the dedication and hard work of staff.

Tyne Tunnel Sensory Tunnel Unveiled

Tyne Tunnel very kindly funded a bespoke sensory tunnel for our students at Northern Counties. This exciting new addition has been a hit with our students, providing a calming space to explore their senses and improve their motor skills.

British Diversity Awards

We found out the exciting news that we have been shortlisted for 鈥楥ommunity Project of the Year鈥� at the national British Diversity Awards for our Disability Awareness Training. The project has been developed and delivered by a group of inspiring young adults from Hedleys College. The awards ceremony is next month 鈥� wish us luck!

EE Memorial Garden

EE have been volunteering with Hedleys College for months, providing hundreds of hours of support. In a DIY-SOS style project, they created an incredible Memorial Garden for us. This beautiful space is the perfect setting for staff and students to relax and reflect.

91首发 School Expands with Early Years Provision

This year 91首发 School has expanded with an Early Years class, welcoming new youngsters to the school. The class experience a soft play session every day, and a new outdoor learning area has been created – which is enjoyed come rain or shine.

Sintons鈥� Incredible Fundraising Efforts

Leading law firm Sintons selected us as their charity to support for the next two years. The team have gone above and beyond with their fundraising efforts so far, raising an unbelievable 拢9,005! In between a charity golf day, hike, dog walk, taking part in the Great North Run and countless bake sales, we鈥檙e so grateful for their hard work.

Sister Angeline Visits from Kenya

Sister Angeline builds SEND schools in Africa and recently travelled all the way to Northern Counties to share her experiences. One of our students Molly put it perfectly:

鈥淪he has a very warm heart to do what she does…she’s an amazing person.鈥�

We look forward to fostering more international relationships this year and building connections, improving the education of those with disabilities.

Support from the Ian Watson Charitable Trust

Local entrepreneur Ian Watson has been an astonishing support to the Foundation over the years through the Ian Watson Charitable Trust. From helping us take part in the Christmas carol service at St George鈥檚 Church in Jesmond, making grants to fund a sensory room, and paying for a holiday for some of our students, he has played a fundamental role in supporting our mission.

In 2025, Ian has not only facilitated Sister Angeline visiting us from Kenya, but has also donated 拢5,000 which will go towards sensory and residential projects at Northern Counties.

National School Awards

The Northern Counties senior leadership team won 鈥楲eadership Team of the Year鈥� at the National School Awards in December. The senior leadership team, including Headteacher Martin Lonergan went down to the House of Lords in London for the awards ceremony.

The judges stated that their work has seen 鈥�the happiness and progress of the learners reach new heights that showed there are no barriers to achievement for all鈥�.

91首发 School Help Create the First Inclusive Show Home

From design concepts to seeing it in real life, a group of 91首发 School students have been fortunate enough to create the first inclusive room in one of Barratt Homes’ Show Homes at Old Durham Gate in Durham.

The room is full of aspects that the students specifically requested, including geometric wall panelling, sensory items, fuzzy soft textures for pillows and rugs, light features placed strategically, and even artwork created by the talented students themselves.

Former 91首发 Student Retires after Amazing Achievements

Paralympic trailblazer Stephen Miller announced his retirement after a remarkable athletic career. Stephen was a student at 91首发 School, and has won 36 international medals, including three gold medals at the paralympics. Stephen is the epitome of hard work and determination, and his story has inspired all of us at the Foundation to believe that the sky is the limit!