Tiny Activists, Mighty Message: MP Responds to Pupils’ Climate Campaign  After attending the premiere of Sir David Attenborough’s powerful new film ‘Ocean’, Year 3 pupils from  Blackawton Primary School were so inspired they picked up their pens to take action.  The children wrote heartfelt letters to local MP Caroline Voaden, sharing their thoughts on the importance of protecting oceans and fish stocks. Their passion and persuasive writing clearly made an impact, prompting a personal response and a specially recorded video message from the MP, who praised their "genuine commitment to calling for change" and called them "a brilliant bunch".  The experience has not only deepened the children’s understanding of climate and conservation issues, but also introduced them to democratic engagement and the power of their own voices.  The MP’s video response has now been shared with the class and the children were thrilled to know that their voices were heard at Westminster. With such committed young activists leading the way, the future of our oceans is in good hands.  Liam Fielding, Headteacher at Blackawton Primary School, said:  “Our Year 3s have shown maturity and passion beyond their years. Watching them connect what they learned in the film to real-world action, then hearing back from an MP, has been nothing short of inspiring. This is what meaningful learning looks like.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “This is a shining example of the kind of education we champion at Education South West, learning that is relevant, empowering and rooted in real-world issues. We are incredibly proud of the pupils and staff at Blackawton for creating such a thoughtful and inspiring project and grateful to Caroline Voaden for taking the time to record them a special video.”

KCC Students Unearth Local History in Powerful Wartime Exhibition  Two outstanding Year 12 students from Kingsbridge Community College (KCC) have made a lasting impression through their participation in a remarkable community history project in partnership with Cookworthy Museum.  As part of the college's Sixth Form enrichment programme, students Tilly and Harley have spent the past several weeks collaborating with the museum curator and a dedicated team of volunteers. Together, they have sifted through thousands of wartime photographs, uncovering powerful local stories and piecing together a compelling visual narrative of the area’s past.  Their work has culminated in a stunning new exhibition now open to the public at Cookworthy Museum for the next few weeks.  Cookworthy Museum was opened in 1972 in the old Kingsbridge Grammar School buildings. Mrs Evelyn Northcott persuaded English China Clays Ltd to rescue the derelict building and founded a museum to collect and record the social history of the area. The museum was named after William Cookworthy (1705 – 1780), who was born in Kingsbridge and who developed the first true hard-paste porcelain (“china”).  Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:  “This is exactly the kind of opportunity we want our students to experience, where classroom learning meets real-world impact. I’m incredibly proud of Tilly and Harley for their enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “Projects like this not only enrich students’ learning but also strengthen community connections. It's inspiring to see young people preserving local history for future generations.”

Kingsbridge Primary’s Early Years Team Wins National Teaching Award for Outstanding Innovation  Kingsbridge Primary School is celebrating a momentous achievement as the school has been honoured with a Bronze Award in the category of ‘Early Years Team of the Year’ at the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards.  The Pearson National Teaching Awards were founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact schools and teachers can have on the lives of the young people they work with.   Recognised for its outstanding commitment and impact, Kingsbridge Primary School has not only transformed children's academic journeys but also their confidence, communication skills, and personal growth.  Through thoughtful innovation, KPS staff have introduced a pioneering model that combines Reception and Year 1 pupils, allowing for a slower-paced, deeply personalised learning experience. This approach has significantly boosted oracy and vocabulary development, enabling children to become articulate, confident communicators at an early stage.  The team’s dedication is reflected in its bespoke small-group teaching, collaborative planning with educational coaches and specialists, and a proactive approach to professional development.  Outdoor learning is another standout aspect of the provision. From treasure hunts and mud kitchens to vegetable gardens and balance bikes, children are encouraged to explore, create, and take thoughtful risks, developing essential life skills through play.  Beyond the classroom, the Early Years team is a driving force behind the Kingsbridge Community Hub. Their inclusive work, including collaborations with organisations like The Fidget Project to support children with sensory processing differences, exemplifies their commitment to every child’s success.  Ofsted has also praised the school's early years provision, noting children’s rapid development of independence, strong routines, and the consistent prioritisation of reading and phonics from the moment they join Reception. The team’s success is a testament to their joyful professionalism, collaborative ethos, and unwavering belief in every child’s potential. Kingsbridge Primary School continues to shine as a beacon of excellence in early years education.  Gareth Howells, Headteacher at Kingsbridge Primary School, said:  “This award is a true reflection of the passion, dedication and creativity of our Early Years team. Their work transforms lives every single day, helping our youngest learners grow in confidence, curiosity and communication. We’re incredibly proud to see their efforts recognised on a national stage.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “We are thrilled that Kingsbridge Primary School’s Early Years team has received this well-deserved national recognition. Their innovative approach and unwavering commitment to every child’s development exemplify the very best of what education can achieve. They are a credit to our trust and an inspiration to the wider sector.”

Students Get a Taste of Medicine at Mini Medics Workshop  Over 60 budding medics from Teign School, Paignton Academy, and Dawlish Community College visited South Devon UTC this term  for a unique Mini Medics Workshop, aimed at inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.  The Year 9 students took part in a variety of hands-on activities designed to simulate real-world healthcare scenarios, from taking vital signs to practising first-aid techniques. Each participant proudly received a certificate of participation, marking their first exciting step into the world of medical training.  The event showcased South Devon UTC’s cutting-edge Health Pathway, which prepares students in Years 10 and 12 for careers in the NHS, social care, and other allied health professions. Designed in collaboration with healthcare employers and delivered in industry-standard facilities, the course blends academic excellence with practical, workplace-ready skills.  South Devon UTC is now accepting Year 10 and Year 12 applications for September 2025 and 2026. If you're interested in a career in healthcare, don’t miss the chance to explore what makes the UTC unique.  An open day and health taster session are coming up on the 15th of July and places can be reserved here.  Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said:  "It was a pleasure to welcome students from across Devon to experience our Health Pathway in action. The engagement, curiosity, and confidence they showed was fantastic. Whether they go on to become nurses, paramedics, or physiotherapists, this taster gave them a valuable head start."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  "Opportunities like this are so powerful for opening young people's eyes to career paths they might not have considered. South Devon UTC is leading the way in delivering future-facing education, connecting learning to life and ambition to opportunity."

Into the Deep: Coombeshead Academy Students Go Live with Nautilus Exploration Team  Year 9 students from Coombeshead Academy in Newton Abbot, part of Education South West, recently went on an unforgettable virtual voyage, connecting live with the world-renowned Nautilus Exploration Program as part of the school’s ‘11 by 11’ enrichment programme.  The  11 by 11 enrichment programme,  gives students the opportunity to experience 11 cultural, character-building, and creative activities by the age of 11.  Broadcasting directly from the Pacific Ocean where they are currently exploring the Mariana Trench and mud volcanoes in Metaw, the Nautilus team gave students a front-row seat to some of the most cutting-edge research happening on,and under, the planet.  During the session, students had the chance to pose questions to two members of the ship’s communications crew,  including a former teacher from Oregon and an American zoologist, who shared insights into their expeditions, scientific discoveries, and day-to-day life aboard the ship.  Highlights of the talk included footage of a whale carcass being consumed by deep-sea creatures, sharks swimming at extreme depths, and the staggering statistic that over 1,000 new deep-sea species have been discovered in the last five years alone.  The message that “a scientist can be anyone, from anywhere” resonated strongly with students, reinforcing Coombeshead’s belief that learning should expand ambition and unlock opportunity.  To find out more about the Nautilus live expedition, visit: www.nautiluslive.org/expeditions/2025  Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said:  “This was science education at its very best, inspiring, interactive, and completely unforgettable. Our students asked thoughtful questions and came away buzzing with curiosity about the world beneath the waves. The Nautilus team did more than show us science in action, they reminded us that the future of exploration belongs to everyone.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “We are incredibly proud of the opportunities our schools create through ESW’s 11 by 11 programme, which ensures that all young people have access to a wide range of enriching cultural experiences. Giving students direct access to world-leading scientists is an experience that can truly change lives. Coombeshead Academy continues to lead the way in showing how education can spark passion and purpose.”

Setting Sail for Success: Dartmouth Pupils Take on Life-Changing Voyage  Fifteen Year 9  pupils from Dartmouth Academy have returned from an unforgettable sailing voyage aboard ‘Prolific’, a 60-foot yacht, after a week of teamwork, adventure, and learning at sea.  Departing from Southampton, the students spent five days living and working together onboard. What began as a group of individual friendships quickly transformed into a united and confident team, impressing the crew with their maturity, enthusiasm, and teamwork.  The voyage was made possible thanks to the continued and generous support of the Royal Dart Youth Sailing Trust, which fully funds these valuable opportunities for Dartmouth Academy pupils.  The Prolific crew echoed this praise, describing the pupils as “an excellent group who were a joy to have on board”. Staff noted how quickly the pupils grew into a cohesive, supportive team – demonstrating resilience, empathy, and curiosity throughout the voyage.  This voyage is part of Dartmouth Academy’s wider commitment to real-world learning, character development, and partnership with the local community to offer every young person opportunities that go beyond the classroom.  Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  "It was an incredible experience to see our pupils thrive outside the classroom, building friendships, learning new skills, and gaining self-confidence. They represented the school beautifully and we are so proud of them."  Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West said:  "This is what education is truly about, opening doors and expanding horizons. Opportunities like this empower young people with lifelong skills and memories. We are incredibly proud of the students and thankful to the Royal Dart Youth Sailing Trust for making this possible."

Blackawton School Blooms with RHS Awards and ‘Dough and Grow Garden’ Launch  Pupils at Blackawton Primary School  are celebrating a green-fingered triumph after being awarded Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) School Gardening Awards.  This national recognition celebrates the children’s dedication to cultivating their school garden, learning horticultural skills, and using gardening to benefit both their education and the wider community. To mark this achievement, the school is gearing up to officially relaunch its new garden space, proudly named the ‘Dough and Grow Garden.’  The garden has become a vibrant hub for outdoor learning and sustainable living, thanks to the hard work of pupils, staff, and an enthusiastic network of community volunteers. Crops grown in the ‘Dough and Grow Garden’, including seasonal vegetables, herbs and worm tea, are sold after school or taken to the village shop, where they are sold to the public. This not only promotes sustainability but gives children firsthand experience of enterprise and community contribution.  The initiative has received generous support from local residents and businesses. With the support from teacher Vicky Harris, Blackawton’s pupils earned their RHS badges by learning how to sow, grow, compost, and care for their produce responsibly. With each level, they demonstrated increasing independence and ambition. The school now has its sights set on Level 4 and beyond, with big plans to expand the garden, enhance biodiversity, and involve even more members of the community.  Blackawton School would like to thank everyone who has helped make the ‘Dough and Grow Garden’ a success and invite the local community to visit, support, and enjoy the fruits of their labour and maybe taste one of their delicious pizzas from their garden clay oven at a community event being held later this term.  Liam Fielding, headteacher at Blackawton Primary School, said:  “We’re so proud of the children’s commitment, curiosity, and care for the environment. The Dough and Grow Garden is more than just a space to grow food, it’s a space to grow confidence, cooperation, and connection with the community.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “Education South West is focused on creating a culture which supports and challenges all whilst also working with those in and outside their community of schools to improve all. It’s brilliant to hear that Blackawton pupils have received these prestigious awards from the RHS and amazing that they are able to share their produce with the local community.”

Wynstream’s Dodgeball Stars Advance to National Finals for Third Year Running  Wynstream Primary School is celebrating a remarkable sporting achievement as its Under 11 Dodgeball team progressed to the National Finals for the third consecutive year, this time achieving their highest-ever finish at the regional stage with a runner-up position.  The team stormed through the group stage with an unbeaten 100% record, winning all five matches to top their group. They then overcame Montgomery in the semi-finals, a team they had never beaten before, in a thrilling match that secured them a place in the final.  Although their winning streak came to an end with a narrow loss in the final, the team’s performance was nothing short of exceptional and secured them a well-deserved place at the National Finals in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday 4th July.  The proud squad, Tymon, Finley, Szymon, Raf, Alfie, Ava, Izzy, Destiny and Maja, have written their names into Wynstream history.  Elise Redman, Headteacher at Wynstream Primary School, said:  “We are beyond proud of our U11 Dodgeball team. Their determination, teamwork, and resilience are an inspiration to everyone at Wynstream. This is not just a sporting milestone, but a moment of real school pride. We can’t wait to support them at the National Finals.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “To reach the National Finals three years in a row is an incredible achievement and to improve your finish each time shows the power of perseverance and team spirit. These pupils are excellent ambassadors for their school and our trust. We’ll be cheering them on every step of the way in Stoke.”

South West Schools Unite to Tackle Inequality in EducationLeaders from across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall have come together for the Equity in Education Mini-Conference, representing a powerful call to action for improving life chances and social mobility for young people in the South West.  Held at the University of Exeter’s Innovation Hub, the event was hosted by the South West Social Mobility Commission (SWSMC) and Policy@Exeter. It marked a major milestone in the development of the pioneering Equity Scorecard - a new self-evaluation tool helping schools and trusts better understand and respond to the needs of pupils facing the greatest barriers to learning.  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West and a panellist at the event, said:  “There is no greater priority for schools in our region than making sure every child, no matter where they live or what their background, has a fair shot at success. “The Equity Scorecard is a game-changer - it’s a practical, intelligent tool that helps schools ask the right questions, act on the right data, and unlock opportunities for children who are too often left behind. “At Education South West, we are proud to be part of this grassroots movement to raise aspirations, challenge assumptions, and build a more mobile, more just education system in the South West.”  The event brought together school and trust leaders who are piloting the scorecard, with case studies and panel discussions highlighting practical strategies to promote equity in schools – from behaviour reform and inclusive personal development to mapping pupil vulnerability and embedding high expectations for all.  Speakers included Professor Lee Elliot Major, the UK’s first Professor of Social Mobility, who emphasised the importance of working with schools - not imposing change on them - and called the Equity Scorecard a “practical, popular” tool for bridging the gap between national ambitions and real-world classroom challenges.  An evaluation of the pilot will be published later this year, with further developments including a primary scorecard in early 2026.

Mentoring That Matters: Oppidan Education Delivers One-to-One Support to Devon Students This term marked an exciting milestone in the growing partnership between Education South West and Oppidan Education, as over 100 Year 9 pupils across the trust benefitted from personalised one-to-one mentoring sessions.  The sessions were held at Dartmouth Academy and included students from Teign School, Kevicc, Kingsbridge Community College and Coombeshead Academy. Over the course of three days the Oppidan mentors worked individually with students to explore topics such as readiness for life beyond school, goal setting, and character development. This visit builds on Oppidan’s earlier work with Education South West schools, where students engaged in interactive sessions focused on oracy, self-awareness, and resilience. The transition to one-to-one mentoring represents a deepening of the partnership and a commitment to personalised support. The mentoring programme is designed to equip young people with the confidence, clarity, and practical tools needed to navigate both their academic journey and personal development. Mentors tailored their sessions to meet individual needs, helping students build resilience, ambition, and a stronger sense of direction. Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive. One student from Dartmouth Academy shared: "The mentoring helped me with understanding how I can prepare myself for future challenges and helped me set goals for myself!” Oppidan Education supports children through one to one mentoring. They believe that a good education starts with a focus on confidence and resilience and that every child should benefit from mentoring. Oppidan Education has provided mentors for children in many different countries and worked closely with Eton College.  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: "This partnership exemplifies our commitment to holistic education. By working with Oppidan Education, we are investing in the personal growth and long-term wellbeing of our students, empowering them to thrive now and in the future.  “The impact of these one-to-one sessions has been immediate and meaningful. We’ve seen students leave feeling more confident, more self-aware, and better equipped to face the challenges ahead. This is the kind of work that helps shape not just learners, but well-rounded individuals.”  Henry Faber, Co-Founder of Oppidan Education said:  “At Oppidan, we believe mentoring is most impactful when it’s personal. These one-to-one sessions gave our mentors the opportunity to really listen to each student, helping them reflect on their journey and take ownership of what comes next. It’s been a privilege to work with Education South West again and to see the enthusiasm and potential in every young person we met.”