EDUCATION
AN ATOMIX SHIFT
Leadership – the Atomix Educational Trust central executive team ( from left ): director of quality and curriculum Dr Sharon Dobson- Waters , director of business development Dr Noel Dennis , chief executive officer Dr Nichole Munro , director of operations Michael Duffey and chief financial officer Laura Parker .
TVCT rebrands as Atomix Educational Trust and embraces a new era in education
WORDS : JULIE BURNISTON
The Tees Valley Collaborative Trust has officially rebranded as Atomix Educational Trust , marking a bold shift towards innovation , dynamic learning and stronger community partnerships .
With 2,200 students across Prior Pursglove and Stockton Sixth Form colleges , Bishopton Pupil Referral Unit , and Errington Primary School , Atomix is committed to shaping the future of education in the Tees Valley .
“ Atomix symbolises energy , transformation and innovation . Our goal is to prepare young people for real-world learning , equipping them with the skills , resilience and confidence they need to succeed ,” explains CEO Nichole Munro .
“ The name emerged from a collaborative effort involving students , trustees and staff , embodying the idea of education as the building blocks of success .”
Director of business development Noel Dennis immediately saw the potential of the new identity .
“ Atomix works for any stage of life , from our nursery and primary school to our sixth form colleges and adult learning programmes ,” says Noel .
“ It ’ s a powerful brand that represents lifelong education and growth .”
While the name and vision look forward , the Trust remains deeply connected to its rich heritage .
“ Education has been at the heart of Prior Pursglove College for 450 years ,” Nichole notes .
“ We even have the original Queen Elizabeth I seal and charter , handwritten in Latin , charging the Prior Pursglove with educating the poor boys of Guisborough .
The Atomix brand reflects this blend of tradition and modernity .”
Atomix stands apart with its unique three-strand approach , ensuring every student receives a future-ready education .
The first strand is employability and entrepreneurship . From primary school students pitching ideas in Dragons ’ Denstyle competitions to sixth formers gaining real-world business experience , Atomix integrates practical skills with academic learning .
“ We want our students to be ready for any path they choose ,” says Nichole .
“ By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset , we ’ re ensuring they develop adaptability and problem-solving skills that will serve them for life .”
The second strand is international outlook , and Atomix is broadening horizons by bringing the world to Teesside .
“ Our students learn that the world is full of opportunities ,” says Nichole , who has lived and worked internationally .
Recent funding of £ 276,000 has enabled students to travel to Sri Lanka , Germany , Prague and Portugal , giving them invaluable global exposure .
Mental health and wellbeing is the third strand , and recognising its importance , Atomix has implemented a Trust-wide strategy prioritising mental health for students and staff alike .
“ We ’ ve invested in qualified mental health practitioners and wellbeing initiatives because success isn ’ t just academic ,
Businesses interested in collaborating with Atomix can contact enquiries @ atomix . ac . uk it ’ s about holistic development ,” Nichole emphasises .
“ We are creating a culture of care that enables our students and staff to thrive .” Atomix is also expanding its course offerings to align with emerging industries , ensuring students are equipped for future careers .
From September , Stockton Sixth Form College will introduce an Esports programme , tapping into the rapidly growing digital sector .
“ We ’ re building pathways for students to enter the digital economy ,” says Noel .
“ An aviation course is also planned , responding to increasing industry demand .
“ We are aligning with the local skills improvement plan to ensure our students gain relevant , high-quality skills .”
More than just an educational institution , Atomix is a catalyst for change , and Nichole is calling on Tees businesses and industry leaders to collaborate in bridging the gap between education and employment .
“ Employer engagement must start earlier ,” she urges .
“ By bringing businesses into our schools and colleges , we can integrate real-world challenges into our curriculum , ensuring students develop the skills and experience needed for the future .
“ What challenges are you facing ? How can we work together to solve them ?
“ Let ’ s rethink the way we prepare young people for success – starting now .”
The voice of business in the Tees region | 75