Dartmouth Academy Pupils Dive into Adventure with Local Author Erin Allgrove  Pupils from Dartmouth Academy were lucky to attend a special book reading of Bosun Bob and the Cat with No Name, the brand-new story by local author Erin Allgrove this term.  The children were captivated by the adventures of Bosun Bob and inspired by Erin’s lively storytelling. Following the reading, they had the chance to unleash their own creativity by inventing unique animal characters, each with its own special traits and personalities. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate both reading and imagination, and the children were excited to share their creations with one another.  In her newest book Bob and his feline friend have escaped from a shipwreck and are off on a nautical treasure hunt. They meet many friendly animals along the way who guide them to an oceanic volcano where the treasure is hidden and guarded by a mysterious creature.  Erin wrote her first book Bosun Bob the Salty Old Sea Dog whilst living onboard her yacht Rocket, sailing from Exmouth to Croatia with her family and dog Bob. Her love of sailing and books was inspired by her dad, also called Bob who shared his passion for boats and reading with Erin.  Dartmouth Academy’s aspirational curriculum and ethos of empathy and understanding is the drive for every child to be their best self in their learning and all they do at school and beyond.  Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  "It was a real pleasure to welcome Erin Allgrove to Dartmouth Academy and watch our pupils completely captivated by her storytelling.  “Events like this allow children to engage with literature in a hands-on, exciting way, sparking their creativity and imagination. Seeing them invent their own characters and share them with their peers is a wonderful reminder of how inspiring reading can be when combined with interactive learning."  Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said:  "We are thrilled that Dartmouth Academy continues to provide opportunities for pupils to experience the magic of books and storytelling firsthand. Meeting a local author and learning about the journey behind her work not only brings reading to life but also encourages children to think creatively and dream big.  “It’s these kinds of experiences that help our young people develop empathy, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning."

Kingsbridge Primary School Holding First Coaching Hub Event   Kingsbridge Primary School is holding its first coaching hub day on Wednesday the 8th October. Educators from schools across the country are being encouraged to come along and find out more about how KPS staff practice coaching.   The school was officially recognised as a coaching hub earlier this year, a prestigious national accolade awarded to only a handful of schools using Steplab’s evidence-based tools to drive world-class professional development.  Visitors will enjoy a dynamic day of professional learning exploring how instructional coaching can drive school improvement and create a thriving culture of professional development. The programme will feature interactive discussions on coaching quality, practical professional development strategies, and will provide opportunities to share experiences and reflect on next steps.   Kingsbridge Primary School’s approach centres around instructional coaching, with every teacher receiving fortnightly coaching using diagnostic tools, rehearsal strategies, and high-quality feedback.  You can secure your place here.  Miranda Martyn, Headteacher at Kingsbridge Primary School, said:  “We’re incredibly proud to be recognised as a Steplab Coaching Hub and to share the work our staff are doing to make professional development more meaningful and impactful.   “Instructional coaching is at the heart of everything we do, helping every teacher to grow, improve and ultimately deliver the very best for our pupils. This event is a fantastic opportunity to open our doors, learn together and celebrate the power of coaching in education.”

Highlighting Women in History  We are proud that Miss Mullen, one of our history teachers, contributed to a recent Tes article exploring why women are so often missing from school history. She shared how lessons are being adapted to highlight the lives and achievements of women who have shaped the past.  You can read the full piece here.

Dartmouth Academy Pupils Return From Borneo Adventure  Students from Dartmouth Academy experienced the trip of a lifetime during an excursion to Borneo this summer. Over four extraordinary weeks, 22 pupils swapped the classroom for the luscious landscapes of Borneo, an experience that tested their independence, built friendships and transformed the way they see the world.  As well as throwing themselves into community and conservation projects, pupils trekked into jungle camps and even dived with turtles off Mamutik Island. “We saw four of the Borneo Big Five,” one student, Millie, recalled. “The only one we missed was the pygmy elephant, but we saw everything else; crocodiles, monkeys, hornbills and orangutans - it was incredible.”  But this was no sightseeing holiday. The journey was built on two years of hard work, as every pupil was challenged to raise the £5,000 needed for the expedition themselves. The school organised raffles, bingos and sponsored walks, but it was the students’ own initiative that made the difference. Millie baked cakes to sell in her mum’s salon. Another student, Alec, sold jewellery and delivered logs during winter, while others took on part-time jobs, saving up to reach their goal.  “It took about two years to raise the money,” explained Year 11 pupil, Seren. “But that’s what made it so rewarding. We weren’t just handed this opportunity - we built it ourselves.”  Once in Borneo, the pupils turned their energy to helping rural communities. They played football with local children, taught English and worked alongside villagers on projects to support everyday life.  Dartmouth Academy has set its sights on the next expedition: a month-long trip to Cambodia in July 2027. The fundraising wheels are already in motion, with more fetes, fayres, sponsored walks and bingo nights planned.  Pupils and staff at Dartmouth Academy want to thank the Dartmouth community for their ongoing support. For many students, none of this would have been possible without the generosity of local people. Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  “This wasn’t just a school trip, it was a transformation. Our pupils showed resilience, ambition and pride, not only in Borneo but in the years of fundraising that got them there. We are so proud of the way they embraced every challenge, from trekking through jungles to teaching in local communities. This is education at its very best.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said:  “The Borneo expedition shows what’s possible when young people combine hard work with heart. These students proved that learning goes far beyond the classroom, and experiences like this truly change lives. We are excited to see Dartmouth Academy already planning for Cambodia in 2027, which promises to be another incredible opportunity for the next generation.”

KCC Students Get Hands-On Experience with Professional Filmmakers  Year 12 media students at Kingsbridge Community College (KCC) took part in a workshop with The Really Good Media company this month.  As part of their media diploma, students learn industry standard skills and create short films and advertising campaigns. Thanks to Jack Gorman and Will Cotterall from The Really Good Media Company the group got to experience, and get their hands on, professional video equipment.  They worked together to create a promo for the media department, while learning all about insider film making techniques, including lighting, interview techniques and shooting B roll. They then listened to a talk from the two visitors on their company's background and the different routes into and roles within the media industry.  The Really Good Media Company is a South Devon-based commercial film and photography studio offering a complete end-to-end production service. Jack Gorman, the company’s co-founder and director, brings a unique blend of commercial film, photography, and music experience, alongside CAA-qualified drone expertise. Will Cottrell works behind the camera and in post-production, combining advanced technical skills with strong client-focused communication.  Kingsbridge Community College boasts an outstanding and welcoming Sixth Form, attracting students from across South Devon with its impressive range of A Level, vocational, and specialist subjects. Students benefit from personalised support, target setting, and mentoring, including guidance for Oxbridge, medical, and law applicants, ensuring the vast majority progress to university.  Alongside academic excellence, their enrichment and tutorial programmes nurture confident, articulate young adults, empowering Sixth Formers to shape the school’s future and leave a lasting legacy.  Tina Graham, principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:  "It was fantastic to see our Year 12 media students working directly with industry professionals. Experiences like this give them practical skills, inspire creativity, and help them understand the exciting opportunities available within the media sector."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  "Workshops like this demonstrate the real impact of combining education with professional experience. We are proud that our students can gain hands-on knowledge and insight that will help shape their careers and aspirations."

Dartmouth Academy Marks Youth Mental Health Day  Students and staff at Dartmouth Academy have marked Youth Mental Health Day (19th September) this month.  Mental health concerns for young people have multiplied in recent times. Today, a fifth of 8 to 25-year-olds have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Youth Mental Health Day aims to provide hope and positivity by getting young people engaged in discussions and activities about how to improve their mental health. Stem4, the UK's leading digital mental health charity for young people, is the founder of Youth Mental Health Day, which started in 2020.  Dartmouth Academy know that without good mental health children aren’t able to thrive in education. The school is pleased to have a team of mental health professionals on hand who regularly visit and speak with the entire school community. They also hold assemblies on how to achieve good mental health and provide a comprehensive programme of support to aid staff wellbeing.  Paul Girardot, Principal, at Dartmouth Academy, said:  "Good mental health is the foundation on which learning and personal growth are built. At Dartmouth Academy, we are committed to creating an environment where every young person feels supported, listened to, and able to flourish. Youth Mental Health Day is an important reminder that taking care of our wellbeing is just as vital as academic achievement."  Matthew Shanks, CEO, at Education South West said:  "Across Education South West, we recognise that schools play a crucial role in promoting positive mental health. Dartmouth Academy’s approach demonstrates the importance of providing early support, reducing stigma, and giving both students and staff the tools they need to thrive. We are proud to stand alongside them in supporting Youth Mental Health Day."

 Teign Students Take Strides Toward Wellbeing with New Running Club Teign School is pleased to be partnering with Active Devon as part of the Devon RISE Up programme.  As part of the programme, Teign School has been able to design its own bespoke approach to boosting movement, inspired by Sport England's Patchwork Physical Literacy initiative. Despite an already diverse extracurricular offer at Teign, staff knew a group of students remained disengaged from physical activity.  In response, they have launched a weekly running club to explicitly target student wellbeing and promote self-care through movement. What began as a small initiative has now become a thriving, year-round programme, featuring both onsite and offsite sessions, which are creatively designed to be fun and functional.  Activities include team relays with upbeat music for motivation, tag-style running games to promote 'Play Wrapped in care' and bodyweight strength challenges. Offsite sessions involve minibus transport to local trails, cycle paths, and nature reserves. These sessions offer a more adventurous experience and are often differentiated by pace groups to ensure accessibility for all ability levels.  The running club has evolved into a supportive wellbeing community, providing a safe and inclusive space for students to connect and open up and opportunities to challenge physical and mental boundaries. The club also integrates accessible self-care strategies such as deep breathing practices, gratitude journaling and nutrition education.  The club’s success is bolstered by enthusiastic staff participation. Teachers from the PE department and beyond have regularly supported sessions, modelled active lifestyles and encouraged participation from students who might not traditionally engage with PE. Their presence has also reinforced the message that movement and wellbeing are for everyone and has helped normalise participation across the wider school community.  On the school’s ‘Wellbeing Scale’ they have seen improvements of +47% with their biggest gains in students who take part in the club feeling optimistic about the future, feeling useful and feeling close to others. Their ‘School Wellbeing Scorecard’ also increased from 77% to 83% following the launch of the club.  Lucie Wagner, Head of School at Teign School, said:  "Our Running Club has grown into much more than an after-school activity, it’s a community where students feel safe, supported, and excited to take part in physical activity while developing lifelong wellbeing skills."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  "We are proud to see Teign School embracing innovative approaches to student wellbeing. The Running Club is a fantastic example of how schools can create inclusive, engaging opportunities that help students thrive both physically and mentally."

Kingsbridge Primary School to Host Business Breakfast  Kingsbridge Primary School is hosting a special ‘Business Breakfast’ on Thursday 2nd October 2025 between 9:30am and 11:00am.  The event aims to bring together business leaders and key local figures in education to help strengthen community ties. Attendees will have the chance to engage with members from the school and town communities and learn more about the work of the Kingsbridge Community Hub, a space already making a real difference in the lives of local families. Located in the building that once housed the Sure-Start Children's Centre, the hub offers facilities to charities like Action for Children, The MotherBorn Collective CIC and The Fidget Project, with more community partnerships expected in the coming months.   The breakfast will also be an opportunity to hear more about what is happening in Education South West schools, such as Kingsbridge Community College, which is also part of the trust. Speakers from ESW will be there to tell people more about their new charitable Leading Great Lives Foundation, which has been created to help children thrive both in and out of school.  ESW’s ambition is simple but powerful: to ensure every family and young person in Kingsbridge is economically active and engaged in the life of the town. They believe that by working together as businesses, educators, and community leaders, we can create a future where opportunity and wellbeing are within reach for all.  If you would like to know more about the event, or if you would like to attend please email: Claire.Tucker@EducationSouthWest.org.uk  Miranda Martyn, headteacher at Kingsbridge Primary School, said:  "We are really excited to welcome local business leaders into our school. Kingsbridge Primary is more than just a place of learning, it is a place at the heart of our community. This event is about building relationships that will help our children, families, and local businesses thrive together."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  "Education South West is committed to working hand in hand with our communities. The Business Breakfast is a chance to show how schools, businesses, and local organisations can support one another. Our new Leading Great Lives Foundation is part of that commitment, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed not just academically, but in life."

Launching the ESW Leadership Development Course We are thrilled to welcome aspirant middle leaders to the first day of our ESW Leadership Development Course. This programme combines a series of face-to-face and online seminars designed to inspire and equip future leaders with the skills they need to thrive. Day one was expertly facilitated by Suzannah Wharf, Director of Education at ESW, setting the tone for a dynamic and engaging journey ahead.

Education South West Wins Sutton Trust Award for Fair Admissions  Education South West (ESW) are proud to announce that they have been awarded the Sutton Trust Fair School Admissions Award at the Bronze level.  The Sutton Trust Fair School Admissions Award recognises and supports trusts and schools who are making their admissions processes fairer for disadvantaged children and helping to encourage greater levels of social mobility. The trust received the Bronze level for signing up to the ‘Fair School Admissions Pledge’, as well as for reducing the cost of attending their schools and increasing the accessibility of their admissions documents. The ‘Fair School Admission Pledge’ means that the trust is committed to reviewing any existing policies and making relevant changes to help improve the inclusivity of their schools.  Education South West believes that education makes children’s lives better and that every child has the right to achieve all that they are capable of and more, regardless of their background or raw ability. As well as traditional academic subjects the trust also champions practical subjects and technical education. Sport, art, technology, drama and music play an important role in all ESW schools.  Suzannah Wharf, Director of Education at Education South West, said:  "At Education South West we are determined to remove barriers so that every child, no matter their background, can thrive in our schools. This recognition from the Sutton Trust reflects our ongoing commitment to fairness, inclusivity and opportunity for all young people."