November 2025 Budget Statement – Key Takeaways and Impact

On November 26th, Rachel Reeves unveiled the Government’s annual Budget, setting out Labour’s roadmap for the economy and public finances in the year ahead.

Meeting the Next Generation of Learners at the Harrison Centre Newcastle

Harrison Foundation trustee Daniel Harrison recently visited the Year 2 learners at the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility in Newcastle, based within Newcastle United Foundation’s flagship community hub, NUCASTLE.

Artificial Intelligence and its Implications for the UK Labour Market

We recently published a report on our website examining the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education, and what this means for current school-age children who comprise the emerging workforce.

One Region, Two Clubs, Thousands of Lives Changed

On 14th December, all eyes in the North East will be on the Stadium of Light as Sunderland host Newcastle United in one of football’s most iconic rivalries, the Wear-Tyne derby. While these two cities will compete on the pitch, off it they are united in something far more powerful.

Celebrating Progress at George Stephenson High School

This week, Harrison Foundation trustee Daniel Harrison MBE visited George Stephenson High School in Killingworth, one of six schools currently taking part in our growing partnership with the Newcastle United Foundation. With over 1,500 pupils, the school plays a central role in its community and shares our commitment to giving every student the opportunity to reach their potential.

Harrison Foundation and NE Youth Empower the Next Generation of Leaders

The 2025 Young Leaders Programme, delivered by North East charity NE Youth and funded by the Harrison Foundation, was a great success, helping young people across the North East discover their potential and grow in confidence. Through practical activities, teamwork challenges and opportunities to lead, the programme equips participants with the skills and self-belief to make a difference in their schools and communities.

Harrison Foundation Supports Sunshine Fund’s £14,500 Fundraiser

The Harrison Foundation was proud to support The Sunshine Fund’s Question of Sport fundraising evening this month, which raised an incredible £14,500 to help children living with disabilities and terminal illness across the North East.

Harrison Foundation celebrates community achievement at Newcastle United Foundation Awards

The Harrison Foundation was proud to join and be a sponsor of the Newcastle United Foundation’s annual Celebration evening at St. James’ Park, recognising inspirational stories from across the North East. As a long-term partner and supporter since 2017, the Harrison Foundation has worked hand in hand with the Newcastle United Foundation to deliver opportunities, education and guidance that transform lives.

Anthony Gordon Inspires Students Through Harrison Foundation Partner Schools Programme

Newcastle United and England player Anthony Gordon recently paid a special visit to one of the Harrison Foundation’s Partner Schools, sharing his personal story and inspiring young people to believe in their potential.

Opening of the Harrison Wellbeing Hub at Acomb First School

This week marked a proud milestone for the Harrison Foundation and the wider community in Acomb, Northumberland, as we celebrated the official opening of the Harrison Wellbeing Hub at Acomb First School. The hub is a purpose-built facility created to support the emotional, sensory and learning needs of children with additional needs.

Harrison Foundation Donation Transforms Lives Across the North East

This week, Harrison Foundation trustee Daniel Harrison MBE visited The Sunshine Fund in Newcastle to see first-hand how the Foundation’s £27,000 donation earlier this year has transformed lives across the North East.

For over eight years, the Harrison Foundation has supported The Sunshine Fund’s work to provide adapted and specialist equipment for children and young people living with disabilities in the North East, enriching their quality of life in ways that aren’t covered by the NHS or local authorities.

Shining a Light on Success: The Harrison Foundation Celebrates Remarkable Stories at the Foundation of Light Awards

The Harrison Foundation was proud to be the Headline Sponsor of this year’s Foundation of Light Gala Awards — a truly inspiring evening celebrating resilience, opportunity and achievement.

Igniting Confidence and Curiosity at The Dales School

The Harrison Foundation was pleased to visit The Dales School in Blyth this month, where trustee Daniel Harrison MBE saw first-hand the impact of the Foundation’s ongoing support for this exceptional school that supports children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The Dales is home to 235 pupils and its staff work tirelessly to create learning experiences that build confidence, independence and joy.

Harrison Foundation Backs Ponteland RFC’s Community Coaching & Development Programme

At the Harrison Foundation, we believe that strong communities are built from the ground up. Whether through education, skills, or sport, our mission has always been to invest in initiatives that create opportunities, unlock potential and bring people together. That’s why we’re proud to announce a £20,000 investment in Ponteland Rugby Club’s new Community Coaching & Development Programme – a pioneering project designed to grow grassroots rugby and inspire the next generation across Northumberland.

Partnership for Progress: Harrison Centre and Foundation of Light Extend Collaboration

At the Harrison Foundation, we believe in unlocking potential and creating real opportunities for people of all backgrounds. That’s why we are delighted to announce that our Harrison Centre for Social Mobility will be continuing its successful partnership with the Foundation of Light for another year.

CLOSING THE EDUCATION GAP: A CALL TO ACTION FOR THE NORTH EAST

An opinion piece by Daniel Harrison MBE, Harrison Foundation

When the latest GCSE results were released, I felt a deep sense of disappointment. Here in the North East, the proportion of top grades has fallen more sharply than almost anywhere else in the country. While England as a whole saw 26.9% of grades awarded at 7/A or above, the North East recorded just 22.4%, which is the lowest of any region. What is even more worrying is the pace of decline: top grades in our region fell by 0.9 percentage points this year, compared with a 0.4 point fall nationally.

Harrison Foundation partner named North East Small Charity of the Year

At last week’s North East Charity Awards, we were delighted to see our partner, Cornerstone Benwell, named North East Small Charity of the Year. This recognition is thoroughly deserved and reflects the dedication of Amy and the Cornerstone team, their volunteers and the community they serve.

Building on Success in Our Schools Partnership

As a new school year begins, the Harrison Foundation is proud to welcome students back to classrooms across Newcastle, where our partnership with the Newcastle United Foundation (NUF) continues to support those who need it most. September is always a moment for a fresh start, but for pupils in our six partner schools, it is also a chance to re-engage with a programme that is helping to transform lives.

Sir David and Daniel Harrison Visit Potters Sports Field Restoration

Harrison Foundation trustees Sir David Harrison and Daniel Harrison MBE recently returned to the Potters Sports Field site in Antigua and Barbuda, this time accompanied by Her Excellency Karen‑Mae Hill, Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the UK, and members of the design and building teams.

New Tools, New Energy: A Visit to Cornerstone Benwell’s Dementia Group

Harrison Foundation trustee Daniel Harrison MBE visited Cornerstone Benwell recently to see firsthand how our donation has helped enhance their much-loved Sturdy Foundations Group. The visit was a reminder of why the Harrison Foundation exists –  to support projects that deliver real, lasting impact within communities.

Patients at St Oswald’s Hospice to benefit from Harrison Foundation support

Harrison Foundation trustee Daniel Harrison MBE recently visited St Oswald’s Hospice in Newcastle to see firsthand how the Foundation’s support is making a difference.

Building Brighter Futures: The Harrison Wellbeing Hub Takes Shape At Acomb First School

At the Harrison Foundation, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a supportive learning environment. That’s why we’re proud to be supporting Acomb First School in Hexham, Northumberland, as they break ground on an inspiring new project, named the Harrison Wellbeing Hub.

Gaming Creativity Wins 2025 Harrison Prize

The sixth annual Harrison Prize was held at the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility, based at Sunderland’s Beacon of Light, last week with teams of learners competing for the winner’s title.

Daniel Harrison Awarded MBE for Services to Philanthropy

All of us at the Harrison Foundation are delighted to announce that our trustee, Daniel Harrison, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for his contribution to philanthropy throughout the Commonwealth.

Premier League Players Inspire Jesmond Park Academy Pupils as Harrison Foundation and Newcastle United Foundation team up

At the Harrison Foundation, we believe that positive role models and meaningful mentorship can have a lasting impact on young people’s lives. That belief was brought vividly to life when two of Newcastle United’s brightest homegrown footballers – Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley – stepped into the classroom at Jesmond Park Academy, not just as professional footballers, but as students.

Harrison Foundation Supports Potters Sports Field Restoration

The Harrison Foundation is proud to support the restoration of the Potters Sports Field in Antigua and Barbuda, a transformative project aimed at enhancing community sports, education, and wellbeing.

Harrison Foundation Donates Over £27,000 to the Sunshine Fund to Support Children with Disabilities

The Harrison Foundation is proud to announce a donation of more than £27,000 to the Sunshine Fund.

Visit to North Gosforth Academy with Newcastle United Foundation

The Harrison Foundation is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with the Newcastle United Foundation.

Harrison Prize 2025 Launched

Young learners on Wearside have been given the opportunity to demonstrate their entrepreneurial skills in this year’s ‘dragon’s-den’ style Harrison Prize.

Harrison Foundation Supports The Dales School with Outdoor Cooking Area

The Dales School in Blyth is celebrating an exciting new addition to its outdoor learning environment, with the support of the Harrison Foundation. With £7,000 funding from the Foundation, the school has been able to set up an all-weather fire pit shelter, creating a unique and engaging space for students to develop essential life skills.

Harrison Foundation supports NE Youth’s Young Leaders Programme

The Harrison Foundation is proud to support local youth development charity, NE Youth, with a £1,000 award to help fund their Young Leaders employability programme.

How the Harrison Foundation gave a hand up in 2024

The Harrison Foundation has had an impactful 2024, marked by initiatives supporting education, healthcare and community development. Through partnerships and donations, the Foundation has reinforced its commitment to improving lives.