Across our Trust, schools have been proudly immersing themselves in the iconic history of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, a story that began right here in the North East and changed the world.

To mark the 200th anniversary of this pioneering achievement, pupils from Reception to Year 6 across BHCET have been exploring the legacy of the railway and its impact on their local area. Visits to Hopetown Darlington have brought history to life, offering hands-on experiences that have sparked curiosity and pride in where we come from, and perhaps even where our ancestors once worked.

Pupils were captivated by the STEAM to the Future Exhibition, where they discovered imaginative inventions and enjoyed a highlight of the day: a ride that connected past and future. Younger pupils were equally inspired, getting up close to real trains and exploring the museum with wide-eyed wonder.

These experiences have not only enriched our curriculum but deepened our pupils’ connection to the North East, a region of innovation, resilience and global impact. As Hopetown’s mission reminds us: Darlington changed the world as a pioneer of the modern railway, and our children are the innovators of the future.