Let Teachers SHINE winner 2025: Nicola Crompton – Reading Champions
Carlisle project will train social workers to use reading during home visits to help young children improve confidence and literacy skills.
Let Teachers SHINE, News
Let Teachers SHINE winner 2025: Richard McNicholas – United Learning x Boys’ Impact
Initiative aims to support boys at the school in developing positive self-identity and successfully forging a pathway to their future career of choice.
Let Teachers SHINE, News
Richard Cowie: Let’s beat the summer reading slump together
"We have a choice. We can let the summer holidays widen the attainment gap, or we can act now to beat the summer reading slump – especially for the pupils who need our help the most."
Insight
I left my life behind to walk around the world – here’s why
On 23 July 2023, Merlin Evans stepped out of his mother’s front door in London with nothing more than a rucksack and a goal: to walk around the world – alone, unsupported, and largely unplanned.
News
Wellbeing in the classroom: rethinking support for children in a digital world – Fiona Spellman
"The challenges in children’s mental health are significant and as parents we all worry for the safety of our children online. Effective school-wide approaches to promoting positive wellbeing already exist. The challenge now is to connect and share the practice that works best."
Insight, News
Sean Harris: Misconceptions and curiosity
"If we want every child to be understood, supported, and set up to thrive, then we must keep listening, keep learning, and keep asking: what else don’t we know yet?"
Insight, Let Teachers SHINE, News
In memory of Christine
In memory of Christine Smith, the much-loved former teacher from Lancashire, her family and friends have generously raised funds in support of SHINE.
In memoriam
£60k project will support teaching of literacy in Sunderland classrooms
"Strong literacy skills give students better opportunities, both in school and beyond. This funding helps us move closer to our goal of giving every child the best possible start in life."
News
Academy’s £136K project to strengthen community and boost student success
"The level of change that this will bring will be phenomenal and will transform opportunities for young people."
News
Bold new literacy project puts Sunderland stories at the heart of learning
"If the students see their own experiences reflected in the material, they become more engaged, making writing feel personally meaningful and relevant to them."
News
£114k funding to support disadvantaged pupils through crucial school transition
“We’re looking at kids that could be exceptional, but life hasn’t given them the opportunities they deserve, and we want to change that.”
News
£141k grant to aid character development and break barriers for disadvantaged students
"This opportunity provides the time and resources to experiment in a way that wouldn’t normally be possible."
News
Academy granted £172k to launch Sunderland reading initiative
"It's an amazing opportunity that will hopefully do so much good because these children truly deserve it."
News
£111k boost for Sunderland schools to support emotional wellbeing
"We’re really determined to make a difference to young people, but also to regenerate the area. To think that we've got the support of SHINE saying you can do it – it's just completely inspiring."
News
Seven school-led projects first to receive funding from SHINE Sunderland
Seven Sunderland school projects are the first to benefit from the SHINE Sunderland fund, securing a share of more than £900,000.
News
The critical importance of play – Evie Keough
" Play is not a luxury. It’s not just a nice add-on; it is a fundamental right and a vital foundation for lifelong learning, wellbeing, health, and happiness."
Insight, News
SHINE welcomes Michaelene Welsh as new Trustee
Michaelene brings to SHINE 25 years of experience across educational institutions, non-profits, and charities.
News
Pioneering Cradle to Career initiative offers blueprint for community transformation
A new evaluation by the University of Manchester has found “much to be celebrated” in the achievements of Cradle to Career North Birkenhead.
News
Talented educators shortlisted for Let Teachers SHINE 2025
Twenty-eight top teachers are in the running to receive funding of up to £25,000 after they made the shortlist for Let Teachers SHINE 2025.
Let Teachers SHINE, News
Targeted funding for persistently disadvantaged students would drive long-term growth
SHINE and its partners have urged the government to reallocate savings from declining pupil numbers to boost funding for long-term disadvantaged students.
Insight, News