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Welcome to our school, where we are dedicated to providing an excellent education for every child in every classroom, everyday. We create an inspiring environment filled with opportunities to learn, grow and discover their potential.
Thank you for visiting our website to find out more about Lift Unity City. It is a genuine pleasure to serve the local community and the students of the school. As Principal, I am immensely proud of our students, staff, and the community that we serve. We are a thriving and diverse school in Middlesbrough, with a sharp focus on student success and personal growth.
Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, we are proud of our strong community, excellent teaching, and a shared belief that everyone has a determination to succeed, a love of learning, pride in their school, and a strength of character.
High standards of teaching and learning are at the heart of everything that we do, with the classroom as the North Star guiding all of our decisions, initiatives, and support.
Alongside outstanding teaching, we place equal value on personal development. Our students grow through ten key character traits that we believe are essential for life: Gratitude, Resilience, Empathy, Enthusiasm, Self-Control, Self-Belief, Courage, Integrity, Curiosity, and Kindness. These values are embedded in everything that we do, from lessons and enrichment activities to leadership opportunities and daily interactions.
We are a school that balances ambition with care. Our “High Standards, High Support” approach ensures that students are challenged to achieve their best while knowing they are supported every step of the way. Behaviour and attitudes are underpinned by consistency, positive relationships, and a strong safeguarding culture.
Through initiatives such as morning checks, clear expectations, and restorative practice, we have transformed our culture. Our praise systems—including Hot Chocolate Fridays with the Principal, Principal Awards, and Praise Fest—shine a light on the achievements of every child, celebrating success both big and small.
Beyond the classroom, students experience a rich programme of enrichment opportunities, trips, drop-down days, and leadership roles. Our dedicated PSHE curriculum ensures they are prepared for life in modern Britain and the wider world. We are also proud of our UCA Mental Health and Therapy Service (MATS), staffed by trained professionals delivering DBT and CBT at the same level as CAMHS.
Alongside our pastoral care and behaviour support plans, this ensures mental health and wellbeing are spoken about openly and without judgment.
For students who need extra support, we have created Horizons, our internal alternative provision, ensuring that all learners can thrive within our school. Our reflection space provides a calm and structured environment where restorative approaches reduce suspensions and help students get back on track. The impact of these changes has been significant:
• Suspensions reduced by over 30%
• Attendance within Horizons has improved by over 10%
• Detentions reduced by 35%
With around 1,000 learners across two buildings, Lift Unity City continues to grow in popularity year on year. Our most recent Year 7 intake was oversubscribed, and we expect high interest again this year, reflecting the trust that families place in us and the success of our students.
With an incredible team of staff, a clear vision, and a passionate community, we are proud to be shaping confident, compassionate, and capable young people who are ready to thrive in tomorrow’s world. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or during enrichment opportunities, our goal is always the same. We are committed to providing a nurturing, inclusive, and inspiring environment where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential. Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to create engaging learning experiences that challenge and support each student, fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. We believe in developing not just academic excellence but also strong values, resilience, and a sense of responsibility towards others.
This website is designed to give you an insight into life at Lift Unity City—from our curriculum and extracurricular activities to our ethos and achievements. Whether you are a prospective parent, a current family, or a member of our wider community, we hope you find everything you need here.
Thank you for visiting, and we look forward to welcoming you to Lift Unity City.
Mrs J Gray
Principal
Our trust is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country – from Middlesbrough in the north to Devon in the west, Essex in the east and the Isle of Wight in the south. The majority of our schools are rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Find out more about Lift Schools
Lift Unity City
Ormesby Road
Middlesbrough
Cleveland, TS3 8RE
