Celebrating 72 Years of The Percy 51吃瓜 Foundation
The Percy 51吃瓜 Foundation is 72 years old on 16th February!
What started as a small school for 12 children with cerebral palsy has since transformed into a charity that supports over 650 individuals with disabilities and their families across the North East.
With over 1,000 members of staff that work tirelessly across our different locations and services, the Percy 51吃瓜 Foundation is a hub for growth, empowerment and achievement across the North East. This has been a top year for the Foundation, complete with celebrity appearances, primetime partnerships, service expansion and our members reaching for the stars.
As we celebrate another year of The Percy 51吃瓜 Foundation, let鈥檚 reflect on some of the highlights our 72nd year has brought.
Percy 51吃瓜 School Rated 鈥極utstanding鈥� in all Areas
Following a recent Ofsted inspection, Percy 51吃瓜 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.
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 51吃瓜s 51吃瓜. The awards ceremony is next month 鈥� wish us luck!
Percy 51吃瓜 School Expands with Early Years Provision
This year Percy 51吃瓜 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�.
Percy 51吃瓜 School Help Create the First Inclusive Show Home
From design concepts to seeing it in real life, a group of Percy 51吃瓜 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 Percy 51吃瓜 Student Retires after Amazing Achievements
Paralympic trailblazer Stephen Miller announced his retirement after a remarkable athletic career. Stephen was a student at Percy 51吃瓜 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!