First Aid, CVs and Community: Dartmouth Pupils Get Future-Ready on Careers Day  Pupils at Dartmouth Academy have taken part in an action-packed careers day this term, designed to build vital life skills and prepare them for the world beyond the classroom.  From learning first aid and revision techniques to crafting CVs and writing job applications, pupils were guided through a series of interactive sessions aimed at boosting confidence and career readiness.  A highlight of the day was a visit from alumna Bethan Germon, founder of the charity Angels and Advocates, who worked alongside pupils to pack care parcels for those in need. The hands-on experience encouraged pupils to give back to their community while learning more about how passion and purpose can drive a successful career.  The day formed part of the school’s ongoing commitment to personal development, employability, and community connection, ensuring every pupil is empowered to thrive in the future.  Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  "We want our pupils to leave school not just with strong academic results, but with the skills, values, and confidence they need to succeed in life. Careers Day brought all of that together, it was inspiring to see students so engaged and motivated."  Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said:  "This is exactly the kind of opportunity that sets our schools apart, practical, meaningful experiences that show young people what's possible. We’re incredibly proud of how the students embraced every session, and of alumni like Bethan who continue to make a difference."

Blackawton Primary Colour Run Bursts with Joy and Community Spirit  Blackawton Primary School was a riot of colour, smiles, and celebration this term, as pupils, families, and the wider community came together for a spectacular colour run that raised over £2,000 for the school.  From the opening whistle to the final cloud of colour powder, the event was packed with energy and enthusiasm. The school field echoed with laughter as runners of all ages took to the course, cheered on by marshals, volunteers, and spectators.  Participants described the day as:“Best day ever – that was so much fun!”“We need to do this every year!”“So many people are smiling today – amazing community spirit.”“I loved being covered in colour!”  Funds raised through entry fees, sponsorships, and a delicious BBQ will go directly into enriching outdoor learning and opportunities for pupils.  Special thanks were given to school governor Sarah Bradford, who led the planning of the event, with support from Dynamic Adventures, who provided course markings, marshals, and the towering start/finish arch that set the scene. Bradfords Building Supplies generously sponsored the event and donated prizes, while fellow governor Adam Dalgleish captured the day on film, now available to view on the school website here.  Although every participant was a winner, a few standout prizes were awarded including: Fastest Runner – former pupil, Rio Oldest Competitor – Malcolm Wheatley, Chair of Governors for ESW  Plans are already underway for the next colour run, proving that this community event is more than just a race, it's a celebration of everything that makes Blackawton Primary so special.  Liam Fielding, headteacher at Blackawton Primary School, said:  "The colour run was everything we hoped for and more, full of joy, togetherness and community pride. We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make it a success and thrilled that the money raised will go straight back into creating more amazing experiences for our children."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  "Events like this showcase everything we stand for at Education South West , fun, community spirit, and opportunities that inspire and uplift. Huge credit to Blackawton’s staff, governors, and families for creating such a vibrant and memorable day."

Dartmouth Pupils Dazzle at National Health Conference in London  A group of pupils from Dartmouth Academy have taken their learning far beyond the classroom, presenting their views on government health policy to leading academics at a national conference in London this term.  The school's Young Persons Advisory Group, who have been working in partnership with researchers from Exeter University’s Medical School for several years, travelled to the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) to share their insights on the government’s calorie labelling policy.  The visit began with a behind-the-scenes tour of LSHTM before the pupils’ delivered a confident and thought-provoking presentation to a room full of academics, both in person and online. Their contributions were met with enthusiastic praise from university researchers, who commended the group for their insightful and mature reflections.  Following the conference, the group were treated to a cultural tour of London’s most iconic landmarks, including a visit to the Natural History Museum, giving them a memorable and enriching end to an inspiring experience.  Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  “Having our pupils present at a national conference in London was a very proud moment. They spoke with such confidence and maturity, it was clear to everyone in the room, and online, that young people have powerful voices and valuable ideas. Opportunities like this go far beyond the classroom. They show pupils that their voice matters and that they can take up space in national conversations.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said:  “This is a fantastic example of the kind of opportunities we want all young people across our trust to experience. Our students aren’t just learning, they’re engaging with real-world issues, influencing national debate, and seeing how their voices can make a difference. We’re incredibly proud of them.”

Trailblazers: KCC Students Smash Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions Across All Levels  Students at  Kingsbridge Community College (KCC) have shown resilience, teamwork, and determination as they take on their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award expeditions, from the rugged trails of Dartmoor to the rolling hills of the Peak District.  In June and July, 35 KCC students completed their Silver Award expeditions, first navigating practice routes through the South Hams, before successfully finishing their final expedition on a sunny Dartmoor. In parallel, 86 Year 9 students undertook their Bronze Award treks around the Prawle and Torcross area, experiencing the challenge of multi-day hiking and wild camping.  The college is now preparing to send 14 determined Gold Award students to the Peak District during the first week of the summer holidays, where they will complete their final assessed expedition, the last and most demanding stage of the DofE journey.  Alongside the expeditions, students have also committed to completing volunteering, physical, and skills-based activities to achieve their full award. The programme has seen huge engagement this year, with 95 Year 8 students already signed up to begin their DofE journey next year in Year 9.  The Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to be a central part of KCC’s commitment to developing well-rounded learners, offering students opportunities to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of achievement through hands-on, real-world experiences.  Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:  "The Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to be one of the most enriching and empowering experiences we offer at KCC. Our students have shown remarkable commitment and resilience across all levels of the award, and we’re incredibly proud of every single one of them. Whether it’s volunteering in the community or navigating Dartmoor with a rucksack, they’re developing lifelong skills that go far beyond the classroom."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  "This is a shining example of character education in action. DofE is about leadership, confidence, service, and adventure  and the students at Kingsbridge have embraced it all. I’m thrilled to see so many young people stepping up to the challenge and making memories that will last a lifetime."

Year 7 Students Bring Endangered Insects to Life Through Art This term creative Year 7 students at KEVICC enjoyed a day full of imagination and inspiration as part of their ongoing partnership with South Devon National Landscape and their brilliant Life on the Edge project. For the past three years, KEVICC Key Stage 3 art students have explored the importance of local biodiversity through hands-on creative work. In their art lessons this term, every Year 7 student has created a unique 3D paper mâché sculpture of an endangered local invertebrate, bringing awareness and understanding of these precious species to life through their artwork. This latest art day built on the success of the impactful 2023 exhibition in the Ariel Gallery, and KEVICC excited to announce another showcase coming this November. This term’s work will take centre stage in that exhibition, and what a collection it will be! Students worked with several talented local artists, including: Marc Gregory, who led the creation of striking 3D 'junk bug' sculptures made from metal and recycled materials Alice Bailey, who inspired students to produce delicate machine-embroidered insect artworks James Lake, who helped students craft large-scale cardboard sculptures We’re so proud of our students for combining creativity with environmental awareness, and incredibly grateful to our friends at South Devon National Landscape for their continued support. Keep an eye out for more details about the exhibition coming this November—we can’t wait to share the students’ incredible work with the wider community!

Creativity in Action: Coombeshead Students Collaborate with Renowned Artist James Lake  Students at Coombeshead Academy have had an unforgettable opportunity to work alongside renowned sculptor James Lake as part of a creative workshop designed to support and inspire learners preparing for their GCSE art qualifications.  The multi-day workshop, delivered in collaboration with Daisi Arts and generously funded by The Helen Foundation, gave students hands-on experience with professional art techniques, creative problem-solving, and valuable insights into life as a working artist.  James Lake, known for his powerful large-scale cardboard sculptures and inclusive approach to art-making, guided students through a series of projects while encouraging them to think outside the box,  both literally and creatively.  The experience not only enhanced students' technical and conceptual understanding of art but also offered them a meaningful opportunity to connect with a working artist, bringing fresh perspective to their studies. The school extends its sincere thanks to James Lake, The Helen Foundation, and Daisi Arts for their generosity, creativity, and commitment to empowering young people through the arts.  Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said:  "We are incredibly grateful to James Lake, The Helen Foundation, and Daisi Arts for making this experience possible. Opportunities like this are so valuable in helping students build skills, confidence, and creative ambition,especially for those preparing for their GCSEs. The energy and inspiration in the room were tangible."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: "Giving students access to professional creatives is an important part of helping them see what’s possible through the arts. This workshop is a brilliant example of how partnerships can bring curriculum learning to life, and we’re proud to see our schools nurturing the next generation of artists."

From Soil to Celebration: Blackawton Primary School Opens ‘Dough and Grow’ Garden with Community Support  There were smiles all round at Blackawton Primary School as the school community came together for the grand opening of the ‘Dough and Grow’ Garden, a new outdoor space combining environmental education, enterprise, and community spirit.  The event was a vibrant showcase of what can be achieved when pupils, staff, families, and local partners work together. Class 5 took centre stage, running a range of fun and enterprising stalls, including games, handmade jewellery, sweet treats, and ice cream, all helping to mark the occasion with energy and enthusiasm.  A highlight of the day was the official ribbon-cutting by local business Garden Time, whose generous support helped make the project a reality. Their ongoing involvement, alongside the commitment of staff and volunteers, has transformed a simple idea into a thriving, productive space.  The ‘Dough and Grow’ Garden now boasts a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, from peas and tomatoes to strawberries, lettuces, onions, garlic and even artichokes! The initiative also reflects the school’s commitment to sustainability, with soil recycled and repurposed to support the planting process. The school’s work has already earned RHS garden awards and is quickly becoming a model for hands-on learning and community collaboration.  Miss Harris, the teacher who has driven the project from the beginning, has worked tirelessly to involve pupils in every step, from planting and planning to celebrating the first harvest.  Liam Fielding, headteacher at Blackawton Primary School, said:  "The opening of the ‘Dough and Grow’ Garden has been a truly proud moment for our school. It’s more than just a garden,  it’s a living, growing example of what our school community can achieve when we come together. My thanks go to Miss Harris, our amazing Class 5, Garden Time, and every single person who helped bring this vision to life."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  "This is an outstanding example of real-world learning in action,  combining sustainability, enterprise, and community engagement. I’m so pleased to see schools like Blackawton creating spaces where young people can learn, grow, and thrive together. A huge well done to all involved."

South Devon UTC Student Named Finalist in Prestigious BAFTA Game Design Awards  South Devon UTC is thrilled to announce that Joseph Sheehy, a talented student and aspiring game designer, has been named a finalist in the prestigious BAFTA Young Game Designers Awards.  His game concept, Subject 19, was shortlisted in the 15–18 age category and Joseph, who lives in Exmouth, attended a special BAFTA event in London last month.  Joseph’s concep is a 2D survival horror game set in a 1960s government facility hidden beneath a hospital. The game focuses on exploration, psychological tension, and narrative discovery, featuring branching paths, immersive storytelling, and striking visual effects that reflect the protagonist’s unravelling reality.  The Young Game Designers Awards celebrate the most promising young minds in game design across the UK. Joseph’s nomination places him among the top emerging talents in the field, an incredible honour and a testament to the strength of digital and creative education at South Devon UTC.  To see the full list of finalists and learn more about Subject 19, visit: BAFTA YGD 2025 Finalists  Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said:  “Joseph’s creativity, storytelling and technical vision are truly exceptional. To be recognised by BAFTA at this level is an extraordinary achievement, and we are so proud of the hard work, imagination and dedication he has shown. His future in game design looks incredibly bright.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:   “This nomination demonstrates the powerful role schools can play in nurturing creative talent. Joseph’s concept shows a remarkable level of maturity and originality, and we are delighted to see a student from our trust reach such inspiring heights.”

Charity Run to London for Magic Breakfast and Oppidan Foundation Starts at Dartmouth Academy    On Tuesday the 8th July, pupils and staff at Dartmouth Academy waved off the first runner from Oppidan Education as they began ‘The School Run’ - an ambitious 200-mile fundraising run from Dartmouth to London in support mentoring for young people and the fight against childhood morning hunger.   The event marks the launch of a major campaign aiming to £100,000, with proceeds being split between The Oppidan Foundation and Magic Breakfast. While they’re currently at around £5,000, the team remains committed and optimistic, , continuing to build momentum and support throughout the duration of the run.  The challenge kicked off Dartmouth Academy - the furthest partner school in Oppidan’s network from their London office, – and will conclude 3.5 days later at their headquarters in Hammersmith.  The entire Oppidan team will take part in the relay-style run, with co-founders Henry Faber and Walter Kerr among six runners at the school for the launch, with Kerr running the first leg.    Oppidan Education supports children through one-to-one mentoring that focuses on building confidence and resilience. Its charitable arm, The Oppidan Foundation, provides grants to support mentoring in state-funded UK schools.  This year marks a milestone in the growing partnership between Oppidan Education and Education South West, with hundreds of students across the trust benefitting from personalised mentoring. Sessions have taken place at Dartmouth Academy, and involved pupils from Teign School, KEVICC, Kingsbridge Community College, and Coombeshead Academy.  Magic Breakfast provides healthy breakfasts and expert support to over 300,000 children and young people across the UK every school day. Their mission is to ensure no child is too hungry to learn, with research showing that children who eat breakfast at school make 2–3 months’ additional progress in a year.  Lindsey MacDonald, CEO of Magic Breakfast, said:   “Too many children start the day too hungry to learn, and that simply has to change. We’re thrilled to be part of The School Run, = an inspiring effort that highlights how mentoring and nourishment go hand in hand in helping children reach their full potential.”   Henry Faber, Co-Founder of Oppidan Education, said:   “This run symbolises what we believe in, going the distance for young people. Through the foundation and partnerships like the one we have with Dartmouth Academy, we want to unlock the potential in every student, no matter where they live or what they face.”   Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:   “We are proud to support this run, which represents more than just miles, it’s about making opportunity and nourishment real for all children. We believe every young person should have access to mentoring and a healthy start to the day.”   Paul Girardot, Headteacher at Dartmouth Academy, said:    “It’s been a joy to see our pupils thrive through their mentoring with Oppidan this year and we were delighted to host the launch of ‘The School Run.’ Watching our pupils wave off the first runner was a moment of real pride, not just for Dartmouth Academy, but for what education can achieve when communities come together.” 

Education South West Schools Celebrate Outstanding SATs Success  Pupils and staff across Education South West (ESW) schools are all smiles today after receiving their Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) results.   Pupils in Year 6 complete Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) at the end of their primary education. These national tests assess key areas of the curriculum, including English grammar, punctuation and spelling, reading, and mathematics. Designed to gauge individual progress and highlight where further support may be beneficial, SATs also provide valuable insights into school performance and contribute to national education benchmarks.  At Christow Primary the combined score for the number of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and maths is an amazing 100%, up from 70% last year.  Dartmouth Academy also showed brilliant improvement with 70% of pupils meeting the expected standards this year, up from 51.9% last year.   This year nationally 62% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, so ESW schools are streaking ahead.   Rydon Primary School was another strong performer with 68.3% of pupils meeting the expected standard this year, along with Stoke Fleming Primary School at 72.7%  At Education South West, they believe that education should empower every child to thrive. Their schools work together to deliver high standards, rich experiences, and a strong sense of community. With a shared commitment to collaboration, excellence and opportunity for all, they aim to nurture not just successful learners, but confident, compassionate citizens of the future.  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  "These results are a testament to the relentless hard work of our pupils, the dedication of our staff, and the unwavering support of our families. I’m incredibly proud of what our schools have achieved, not just in academic outcomes, but in the confidence and resilience our young people are building every day."