Kingsbridge Sixth Form Media Students Go Behind the Scenes at the BBC  Sixth form media students at Kingsbridge Community College have gained valuable insight into the news industry as part of an exciting interactive workshop with the BBC.  The group spent the day at the BBC news studios in Plymouth as part of their journalism module. As well as getting a tour of the studios, students got first-hand experience of live broadcasting, appearing on BBC Radio Devon as part of an interview about mobile phone use with presenter Caroline Densley.  Georgia Hamm was one of the students interviewed:  “The radio production is so much more intimate and fun than I imagined. It opened up a realm of opportunities that I didn’t even know existed by letting me get involved with this live broadcast. I got to see that the jobs are all suited to the individual, utilising their strengths. “  Students also learned about interview techniques and got to put them into practice, questioning a panel of BBC staff, including some young apprentices. They got to take part in a host of interactive tasks which helped them to understand the importance of fact checking sources and providing impartial reports.  Student Art Lawrence described the experience as eye opening:  “It was very interactive and really exciting to gain behind-the-scenes access. It’s totally changed my perspective on how BBC radio and TV are made and produced and has made me realise how stimulating the job roles are. It gave us exposure to a fun and relaxed, yet engaging and productive work environment.”  The students will now be writing and publishing their own original news stories as part of their course.  Wat Kirby, Head of Media at Kingsbridge Community College said:  “Rhetoric and reality are a far cry apart and it’s wonderful to see students experiencing a busy newsroom and getting to practice the theoretical skills they’ve learned in class. Experiencing a professional environment like the BBC lets them see how the real world operates and start to think about how they might fit into that world.   Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:  “In today’s increasingly competitive world, it’s crucial to futureproof students with the practical skills they need to get ahead. By working with key industry players like the BBC, we can not only inspire students but also give them the tools to forge a successful career.”

No strings, just standards: why school improvement must be shared In a sector often shaped by formal structures and competitive performance measures, the most powerful improvements sometimes begin with something far simpler: a phone call, a conversation, and a willingness to share. That’s how the partnership between Saint Cuthbert Mayne School and Education South West began in 2021. The newly appointed interim headteacher reached out for support. His school – a local faith-designated secondary – was facing deep-rooted challenges: academic outcomes were among the lowest in the country, expectations had drifted, and a sense of belief in what the school could be was slipping away. Due to its unique joint church designation, the school was not eligible to join a trust like ESW, but from the outset, this was never about formal structures or expansion. There was no discussion of conversion – only a shared commitment to improvement. What followed was a four-year collaboration rooted in the belief that no school is an island and no child should be left behind because of where they happen to go to school. Colleagues across our trust offered leadership coaching and mentoring, curriculum planning expertise, and support around inclusion, behaviour and teacher development. We shared what had worked in our contexts and listened just as hard to what the school needed in theirs. This wasn’t a one-way relationship. Our teams learned a great deal too about courage, resilience, and the power of staying true to your ethos even when under pressure to conform. We listened as much as we guided and supported rather than steered. While we brought experience from across our trust, we also deepened our own understanding of how improvement happens in different environments. By 2025, the school had been graded ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted, with inspectors highlighting elements of practice as “exemplary”. Still, the most meaningful changes weren’t in the headlines. They were in the culture: clearer expectations, stronger relationships, higher ambition and a refusal to give up on any child. Suspension rates had dropped, attendance had improved, inclusion had been rebuilt, staff had grown in confidence, and students had begun to believe in their own potential again. Importantly, the school did not chase metrics at the expense of its values. It did not exclude students to secure results, nor narrow the curriculum to manipulate outcomes. Instead, it worked out what excellence looked like for all its students and committed to achieving it, no matter how complex the journey. This work raises a broader point: the school system must not be a marketplace where schools compete in isolation. It must be a community where those with strength and capacity feel a duty to share it. If we want improvement to stick, we need to move beyond thinking of it as something delivered by external consultants or driven only by inspections. We need to treat it as a long-term investment in people and culture, and that often means peer-to-peer collaboration, mutual trust, and relationships built over time. No strings, just standards and a belief that better is always possible together.

Building Bridges Through Books: Kingsteignton School Links with Ukraine   Kingsteignton School is proud to announce its participation in the UK-Ukraine School Partnerships programme, a British Council initiative funded by the UK Government that connects schools in the UK and Ukraine to share the joy of reading and cultural learning.  This month, Kingsteignton headteacher, Lee Goodenough, attended a three-day conference in Poland as part of the programme. He met with fifteen Ukrainian teachers and fourteen UK colleagues for training on reading for pleasure and trauma awareness and sensitivity. He also found time to plan collaborative projects with Yulia, a representative from Kingsteignton's new Ukrainian partner school.  Through this exciting programme, Kingsteignton School will work alongside its Ukrainian partner school to explore reading as a tool to broaden horizons, build confidence, and boost mental wellbeing. It will also help children develop a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures and communities.  Participating in the UK-Ukraine School Partnerships programme is part of Kingsteignton School’s commitment to providing enriching and internationally-minded experiences for its pupils. By taking part, students will develop skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of reading, whilst building meaningful friendships across borders.  Lee Goodenough, headteacher at Kingsteignton School, said:  “Our pupils are incredibly fortunate to take part in this project. It’s not just about reading, it’s about connecting with young people from another country, learning from each other, and growing as global citizens. We can already see the excitement and curiosity this is generating in the classroom.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “This programme is a fantastic example of how schools can inspire young people to think globally while learning locally. By connecting with their peers in Ukraine, Kingsteignton pupils will gain new perspectives and experience firsthand the power of reading to bring communities together. It’s a wonderful opportunity for growth, learning, and lasting friendships.”

Primary Pupils Find Their Voice as Dartmouth Academy Triumphs at Youth Speaks  Primary pupils from Dartmouth Academy celebrated an outstanding evening of success at the Rotary Youth Speaks competition, held at Stoke Fleming Village Hall this month. The Rotary Youth Speaks competition is designed to develop public speaking, teamwork and critical thinking skills.   The event showcased the talent, confidence and commitment of pupils from local schools, with teams delivering researched and thought-provoking speeches on a range of topical issues. Other schools taking part included Stoke Fleming Primary School and Blackawton Primary School.  Dartmouth Academy enjoyed exceptional success on the night. The Junior 1 team, made up of Year 6 pupils Mia-Rose M, Thea C and William H, were crowned overall winners for their compelling and well-argued speech on “A Social Media Ban for Children Under 16”. Their presentation impressed judges with its clear structure, strong research and confident delivery.  The achievements continued with individual awards for the Junior 2 team. Oakley F was named Best Overall Chairperson and Sienna S received the award for Best Overall Speaker for her outstanding performance. The Junior 2 team’s speech, titled “How Useful Is AI?”, demonstrated thoughtful analysis and teamwork, with Evan C delivering an excellent Vote of Thanks.  The school would also like to thank Dartmouth Rotary Club Chairperson Robert Benns for organising and hosting the event, which continues to provide valuable opportunities for young people to develop public speaking skills. Dartmouth Academy was honoured to have Dartmouth’s Mayor, Councillor Andrea Cates, on the judging panel and is grateful to the Rotary Club for their continued support and for generously donating book token prizes to the winners.  Jennifer Tierney, Primary Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  “We are incredibly proud of our pupils and the confidence, curiosity and ambition they demonstrated on stage. Their success reflects not only their hard work, but the emphasis we place on communication, critical thinking and giving pupils the confidence to express their ideas clearly and respectfully.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “Congratulations to all the pupils who took part in the Rotary Youth Speaks competition. Their passion, teamwork, and ability to present complex ideas with clarity is truly inspiring. Events like this highlight the talent and potential in our schools and show just how much our young people can achieve when given the opportunity and support to shine.”

Inspirational Paralympian David Hill Visits Rydon Primary School  Pupils at Rydon Primary were pleased to welcome Paralympic triathlete David Hill for an inspiring visit, which left pupils motivated, energised, and full of enthusiasm. Born without a forearm, David began swimming as a child by the sea and went on to become Team GB’s youngest athlete to reach the 100m backstroke final at the 2004 Athens Paralympics.  The day began with pupils taking part in energetic fitness circuits, brilliantly supported by the school’s Sports Leaders, before coming together for a whole-school assembly. During the assembly, David shared his powerful personal story, speaking about resilience, determination, and the importance of believing in yourself.  The visit also tied into the school’s ongoing fundraising efforts for the Great Athlete’s programme which arranged for David to attend. So far, the Rydon Primary community has raised over £3k which will go towards sports equipment for the school. Every donation makes a real difference, supporting the school and inspiring pupils to take action for their community.  Rydon Primary School would like to extend a huge thank you to David Hill, the Sports Leaders, and the entire school community for making the day so memorable and impactful.  Danny Brown, Headteacher at Rydon Primary School, said:  “It was wonderful to see our pupils so engaged and inspired by David’s story. The day combined fitness, fun, and learning in a way that really motivated our children to believe in themselves and their abilities. We are incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported our fundraising so far.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said:  “Visits like David’s are a fantastic reminder of the power of resilience, determination, and teamwork. Our schools aim to provide experiences that inspire young people to reach their potential, and today’s visit at Rydon Primary did exactly that. Well done to the pupils and staff for making the day such a success.”

The Evidence Advantage: How Education South West is quietly leading a research revolution in schools When people think of educational research, they don’t often picture Devon.But behind the scenes, Education South West is at the forefront of a national movement to make classrooms more effective by grounding teaching in evidence and not just instinct. Through Devon Research School, we’ve led work across the South West, and beyond, to help schools turn research into real-world practice.Backed by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), our aim is clear: to break the link between family income and educational achievement by making sure every child benefits from the best of what we know works in education. Beyond training, our team has shaped the future of teacher development by working with the South West Institute for Teaching (SWIFT) and Marjon University on initial teacher training, led research with Exeter University, and supported major EEF regional partnerships in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. Inside ESW, our Research School work is closely tied to trust priorities – especially reading and literacy.This year, we’ve refreshed professional development, supported curriculum leaders to embed reading across subjects, and are now developing the next phase of our strategy: improving reading fluency, the key to unlocking access to every part of the curriculum. From Cumbria to Cardiff, and in every ESW school, Devon Research School is helping to ensure that what happens in classrooms isn’t left to chance.

National Art Project Returns Inviting Schools to Create and Connect  Coombeshead Academy is excited to announce the second iteration of the Codex Project, a nationwide initiative encouraging students and educators to explore creative expression through art. It is being co- ordinated through Sidmouth School of Art and Sam Eyre from Create at Coombeshead Academy. This year’s project invites participants to create 2D artwork inspired by Bob & Roberta Smith’s celebrated piece, “Puzzle 4 Sidmouth.”  The Codex Project provides an opportunity for both primary and secondary students, as well as teachers, to submit artwork in a variety of 2D formats, including painting, collage, drawing, digital media, and mixed media. All submissions will be showcased in a collective exhibition in Autumn 2026, celebrating the creativity and talent of young people and educators from across the country.  The initiative, coordinated through the Sidmouth School of Art, aims to highlight the power of art as a tool for communication, connection, and community engagement. Participating schools and individuals will also receive a free teacher pack, providing full project details, guidance, and inspiration for submissions.  Interested students and educators should email Sam Eyre at Coombeshead Academy to register their interest and receive their free teacher pack: sam.eyre@coombesheadacademy.org.uk   Sam Eyre, organiser and Head of CREATE at Coombeshead Academy, said:  “The Codex Project is a unique opportunity for schools and communities to come together to celebrate artistic creativity and the voices of young people. By inviting students and teachers from across the country to respond to a shared artwork, the project creates a national dialogue through the arts, showing how creativity can connect people, spark conversation, and build a sense of shared purpose.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “Projects like the Codex Project reflect our commitment to collaboration and opportunity for all learners. By engaging students and teachers in a shared national artistic experience, this initiative not only nurtures creative talent but also strengthens connections between schools, communities and the wider cultural landscape. We are proud to support a project that places creativity at the heart of education.”

Wynstream Primary School Launches New Toddler Group for Local Families  Wynstream Primary School has launched a new toddler group through its Community Hub, creating a welcoming weekly space for parents, carers and young children to come together at the heart of the local community.  Supported by a grant from Tesco, the Toddler Group runs every Wednesday morning and offers families the opportunity to enjoy playtime, companionship, refreshments and informal support in a relaxed and inclusive environment. The sessions have already attracted strong interest from local families.  The launch of the Toddler Group forms part of ESW’s wider Community Hub programme, which is grounded in the belief that schools act as community anchors. Schools within the academy trust provide safe, supportive spaces where families can connect, access support and build brighter futures together.  Through a growing network of Community Hubs across the trust, ESW is working with local partners to build wraparound services for families, supporting wellbeing and resilience from the early years onwards. The ambition is for each hub to reflect the needs of its local community while sharing a common purpose: strengthening life chances for children by supporting the whole family.  At Wynstream, the toddler group plays a key role in this work, supporting children’s early social development while helping parents and carers build connections with one another and with the school. Plans are already in place to invite local practitioners to future sessions, raising awareness of the wider support available to families. The group will also introduce themed weeks linked to festivals, events and celebrations throughout the year.  Elise Redman, Headteacher at Wynstream Primary School, said:  “We’re delighted to have launched the toddler group to support our community. It’s already proving to be a really positive space for families to come together, build friendships and feel a sense of belonging. Creating these early connections with families is incredibly important to us, and we welcome newcomers.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “Our Community Hubs reflect our belief that schools sit at the heart of their communities. The launch of the toddler group at Wynstream is a great example of how small, thoughtful initiatives can make a meaningful difference, supporting families early on and helping children get the very best start in life.”

 Growing teachers for a sustainable tomorrow  What does it take to prepare young people for a world shaped by climate change, rapid innovation and shifting global priorities? Increasingly, the answer lies in how we train and support the teachers who guide them. At the South West Institute for Teaching (SWIFT), that means going beyond traditional teacher development to place climate literacy, subject expertise and leadership at the heart of education in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.  Led by Education South West (ESW) and Colyton Grammar School, SWIFT brings together more than 300 schools and trusts through a powerful, collaborative network. As one of the region’s two Department for Education Teaching School Hubs, it delivers high-quality training for early career teachers, develops the next generation of leaders, and now trains new entrants to the profession through its own Initial Teacher Training programme.  In 2024–25, SWIFT supported 817 early career teachers (ECTs) through its Appropriate Body Service and worked with 1,105 ECTs and mentors via the Early Career Framework. These programmes ensure that teachers at the very beginning of their careers are not only meeting statutory requirements, but are also well-supported to stay in the profession and thrive. From September 2025, the Early Career Framework will be replaced nationally by the reformed Early Career Teacher Programme. SWIFT will deliver this new model in exclusive partnership with the National Institute of Teaching, further enhancing the support available to new teachers across our region.  SWIFT also plays a key role in developing leadership at all levels. In 2024–25, it delivered 10 National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) to 422 participants across the South West in partnership with OneCornwall and other local hubs. While national uptake of NPQs has dropped due to funding changes, the strong take-up locally reflects the value placed by schools on professional development. In our latest satisfaction survey, 100% of school and trust leaders said they were satisfied with their experience of SWIFT provision.  This year also marked the successful launch of SWIFT Teacher Training, developed and delivered by Education South West after achieving government accreditation. With 83 trainees across five campuses, and recruitment quickly hitting target for 2025-26, the programme is helping rural and coastal schools grow their own talent. Feedback shows that the local delivery model is particularly valuable to those who may otherwise struggle to access teacher training. Recruitment into shortage subjects such as physics, computing and modern foreign languages has been especially strong.  A major highlight of the year was the SWIFT Climate Change, Sustainability and Regeneration Conference, held in partnership with the University of Plymouth. The event brought together trainee teachers, classroom staff and national climate experts including the Met Office, Surfers Against Sewage and Devon Wildlife Trust. Through keynote sessions, hands-on workshops and peer learning, the conference empowered teachers to embed sustainability and environmental understanding across the curriculum.  Martin Smith, Executive Director, SWIFT, Education South West, said at the launch of the conference:  “Education is key to preparing young people for a changing world. Through SWIFT, we are building a network of teachers and leaders who are confident, capable and committed to delivering a better future for our children, our schools and our communities.”  From climate-ready classrooms to high-quality leadership, SWIFT is helping to shape education that is fit for the future, right here in the South West.

Young Eco-Champions Lead the Way in School Recycling Initiative  This month a group of pupils from Dartmouth Academy participated in an exciting ‘Waste Action Day’, aimed at improving recycling across the school. Working alongside Alex and Izzy from Resources Futures, the pupils reviewed the results of a recent recycling audit and discussed what actions were needed to make a real difference.  The children then got creative, designing eye-catching bin labels and posters using scrap and best paper to clearly show where recycling should go and which materials belong in each bin. Pupils also collaborated to write an assembly script, learned a fun recycling song, and played an interactive game to deepen their understanding of why reducing, reusing, and recycling matters.  In the afternoon, the pupils confidently presented their assembly to the whole primary school, sharing what they had learned and demonstrating how everyone can recycle better. They highlighted the locations of recycling bins and explained how to use them correctly, ensuring that the message reached the entire school community.  Jennifer Tierney, Primary Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  “The enthusiasm and creativity our pupils showed during Waste Action Day was incredible. Not only have they helped improve our recycling systems, but they have also become true eco-champions, inspiring the whole school to take better care of the environment.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  "It’s fantastic to see our pupils taking the lead in protecting the environment. Waste Action Day not only teaches important lessons about recycling and sustainability, but it also empowers children to make a real difference in their school and community. Initiatives like this show the positive impact young people can have when given the tools and support to take action."