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."

Wynstream Primary Choir Impresses at Devon County Show  This term the talented choir from Wynstream Primary School took to the bandstand stage at the Devon County Show for the third year running, delivering a stunning performance in two-part harmony to a large and appreciative audience.  The choir performed a set of five carefully rehearsed songs, the result of months of dedication and weekly after-school rehearsals. Their hard work paid off, with one experienced singer in the audience praising the group for being “very professional” and commending their “great diction”.  After the performance, pupils enjoyed exploring all that the Devon County Show had to offer, feeding alpacas - some bravely mouth-to-mouth  - meeting livestock, being “rounded up” like sheep by a working dog, and even dressing up as police officers.  It was a day full of excitement, laughter, and unforgettable experiences. As choir member Tife put it: "I just love singing and that's why I go to choir every week, even when I'm tired."  Fellow pupil Kyon summed it up perfectly: "I loved all of it. The whole trip was just the best thing ever."    Ava also shared: "It was so fun being able to sing with my friends and then getting the best day after made it even better. Getting asked to go in the dog field was so fun, for the second year!"  Elise Redman, Headteacher at Wynstream Primary School, said:  "Our choir absolutely rose to the occasion. Their dedication and joy in singing was clear to everyone watching. We are incredibly proud of how they represented Wynstream - not just through their performance, but in their curiosity, confidence, and sense of fun throughout the day."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  "This is a perfect example of how enriching school life can be when music, creativity and community come together. Wynstream’s choir embodied everything we stand for  at Education South West during their performance at the Devon County Show, bravery, excellence and a love of learning beyond the classroom."

Wynstream Pupils Lead Sustainability Drive After Powerful Waste Audit   Pupils from Wynstream Primary School are taking the lead on environmental action after Kestrels Class conducted a powerful waste audit as part of a pupil led campaign to improve recycling in the school.  The initiative began with a petition led by Kestrels pupil Harvey, who gathered over 300 signatures calling for better recycling systems across the school. His actions exemplify Wynstream’s commitment to empowering pupil voice as a UNICEF Rights Respecting School, promoting children’s right to be heard and to help shape their environment.  In April, the class took part in a hands-on waste audit workshop led by Alex Mack from environmental consultancy Resource Futures. Pupils sorted and weighed rubbish collected from classrooms and shared spaces, identifying key opportunities to reduce waste and recycle more effectively.  The pupils’ findings will be shared in a whole-school assembly, where Kestrels Class will outline improvements and inspire others to get involved. Pupils described the experience as both eye-opening and inspiring:  “It was actually really fun because it was something I've never done before,” said Harvey. “I liked doing this experience because I learned a new thing and how to make this school a better place,” added Alhan. “I learned we should improve on not wasting and throwing away half-eaten or fresh new food,” said Louie.  Elise Redman, Headteacher at Wynstream Primary School, said:  “This is a fantastic example of our pupils putting values into action. Harvey and his classmates are showing leadership, responsibility and passion for making our school, and our planet, better. We are incredibly proud of their commitment and their impact.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “This is what real learning looks like, pupils identifying problems, taking action, and making a meaningful difference. The work of Kestrels Class at Wynstream is a brilliant example of how education can build agency, community and change. They are true sustainability champions.”

Kingsbridge Community College Launches ‘Friends of KCC’ with Salcombe Dairy as First Business Sponsor Kingsbridge Community College (KCC) is proud to announce the relaunch of its Parent Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA) under a new name and vision: Friends of Kingsbridge Community College. This exciting development marks a fresh chapter in community engagement and fundraising for the college. The Friends of KCC aims to build stronger ties between the college, local businesses, and the wider community, working collaboratively with the longstanding Kingsbridge Community College Trust to ensure a unified and impactful approach to supporting students. The initiative has already seen a strong show of community spirit, with Salcombe Dairy becoming the first official business sponsor. This partnership, supported by the South Hams Chamber, is just the beginning of what promises to be a thriving network of local businesses investing in education and future talent. The relaunch coincides with KCC’s drive to expand its Discovery Curriculum—a careers programme designed to equip students for work, life, and society. With the support of the South Hams Chamber, the college is inviting businesses to engage directly with students and help shape the next generation of professionals. Opportunities for employers include: Careers Fairs and Career Panels Work Experience placements Career Story presentations Entrepreneurial skills sessions Promotion of job vacancies on the college’s dedicated jobs board Businesses interested in taking part are encouraged to register at www.fokcc.org or email discovery@kingsbridgecollege.org.uk. Kingsbridge Community College has benefited from years of community generosity, including donations from individuals and legacy gifts through the Kingsbridge Community College Trust. These have funded valuable student support such as PE kits, book tokens, music lessons, and teaching assistants. The Friends of KCC hopes to build on this legacy through two key pathways: Monthly or one-off donations via www.fokcc.org Legacy gifts through a will—by including the Kingsbridge Community College Trust (Charity No. 306656) With the support of the local community, Friends of KCC aims to make sustained investments in SEN provision, teaching staff, enrichment activities, and more ensuring all students have access to the best resources and opportunities.

King Edward VI Community College Celebrates Ofsted ‘Good’ Rating  King Edward VI Community College has welcomed Ofsted inspectors this term as part of a Section 8 inspection.    A section 8 Ofsted inspection is an ungraded inspection that confirms whether a school has maintained its good or outstanding status and that safeguarding is still effective.  At its last full inspection the school was deemed to be Good and inspectors have now confirmed that KEVICC has continued to meet these high standards.  Inspectors noted that pupils and sixth-form students are proud to attend King Edward VI Community College and that the school has worked hard to create a community where pupils feel they belong. They also commented on how the school community has been built on a foundation of kindness and respect.   In their report, inspectors also recognised that the school has high expectations of pupil conduct and that pupils value the calm working environment during lessons.  They concluded that students achieve well in their qualifications.  The school’s curriculum was singled out for praise with it being described as ambitious and well-sequenced for pupils at all key stages.  Furthermore, Ofsted stated that the broad range of subjects offered enables pupils to study qualifications aligned to their future aspirations.  Inspectors additionally noted that:  The school swiftly identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). These pupils also receive well-considered additional support when appropriate. For example, pupils benefit from high-quality communication interventions. The school’s careers guidance offer prepares pupils for making key decisions about qualifications and future plans. Pupils are well informed about potential pathways into apprenticeships and higher education. They are encouraged to be aspirational for their future. Pupils move successfully to their next stages of education, training or employment. The importance of reading is promoted throughout the school. Pupils read regularly individually and as a class. They enjoy choosing the books from the ‘KEVICC Cannon’. This diverse collection of books has been chosen to promote reading for pleasure and encourage discussion. The school has a clear ambition for pupils to develop their own individual characters. The school commits to this with the #keepthepromise extra-curricular pledge. The school’s ‘11 by 11’ challenge encourages pupils to try something new. Clubs such as creative writing, marine biology and drama help to develop pupils’ talents and interests.  Alan Salt, Principal of King Edward VI Community College, said:  “I am delighted that Ofsted have recognised the vision KEVICC and Education South West share for the school, to be a truly inclusive place that sits at the very heart of our local community. This recognition affirms the work we’ve done to create a nurturing, ambitious and respectful culture, where every student is supported to flourish.  “I want to say a heartfelt thank you to our exceptional staff team for their dedication, creativity, and professionalism. Their work every day makes KEVICC such a special place. I’d also like to thank our wonderful students, whose energy, curiosity and kindness embody everything we stand for. Finally, my gratitude goes to our families and the wider Totnes community for their continued support and belief in what we’re doing here. This is a shared achievement.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “Everyone at ESW is so proud of Mr Salt and his team for this glowing report.  It was wonderful to read that Ofsted could see that the collaborative curriculum work across the trust is minimising the impact on workload for staff and that the genuine care for staff well being means they feel invested in and are proud to work at the school.  “It’s inspiring to see Ofsted recognise not only the calm, inclusive and aspirational culture at KEVICC, but also the strength of the school’s leadership and community values.”

Kingsbridge Primary School Named Official Teacher Coaching Hub   Kingsbridge Primary School has been officially recognised as a coaching hub, a prestigious national accolade awarded to only a handful of schools using Steplab’s evidence-based tools to drive world-class professional development.  Following a rigorous evaluation visit, the school was praised for its exceptional coaching culture, underpinned by trust, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to teacher growth. The Steplab team highlighted the school’s “rigorous and carefully designed” professional development model, which has helped raise the quality of teaching and foster a supportive, thriving staff community.  The school’s approach centres around instructional coaching, with every teacher receiving fortnightly coaching using diagnostic tools, rehearsal strategies, and high-quality feedback loops. The school has been invited to host coaching hub visits from other schools across the country looking to improve their professional learning culture.  Miranda Martyn, assistant headteacher and certified coaching lead, managed the transformation alongside her colleague  Polly Gallagher. Both have helped embed a consistent model of great teaching and a deeply supportive approach to professional development.  Kingsbridge Primary School now joins an elite network of schools across the UK, Australia, and the Middle East that support others to build sustainable, high-impact teacher development programmes. The school will begin hosting coaching hub visits from the academic year 2025-26.  Gareth Howells, headteacher at Kingsbridge Primary School, said:  “We are absolutely thrilled to be named a Steplab Coaching Hub. This recognition is a testament to the incredible work of our staff and the collaborative coaching culture we've built together. It’s all about investing in our people, when our teachers thrive, our pupils do too.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “Kingsbridge Primary School’s coaching model exemplifies the very best of what professional development should be, evidence-based, inclusive, and focused on long-term impact. Becoming a Steplab Coaching Hub is a significant achievement, and we are proud of the team for leading the way both regionally and nationally.”

Phonics Power: Devon Pupils Shine in National Reading Check  Outstanding phonics results are being celebrated across several schools within Education South West (ESW), showcasing the power of early reading instruction and the impact of high-quality teaching.  Pupils at Christow and East Allington primary schools had an amazing 100% pass rate in the national Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, a statutory assessment designed to test children’s ability to decode words using phonics. Kingsbridge Primary School and Blackawton Primary School also demonstrated strong performance with scores of 90% and 92% respectively.  The phonics screening check is designed to identify pupils who need extra support with their phonics learning. If a child does not meet the expected standard, they have the opportunity to retake the check at the end of Year 2.  Special recognition also goes to Wynstream Primary School, where 100% of pupils met the expected standard by the end of Year 2. With 60% of the cohort experiencing disadvantage and many pupils starting below age-related expectations, this milestone highlights the school's commitment to equity, inclusion and relentless ambition for every child.  The phonics screening check assesses pupils on 40 words, including real and pseudo-words, to confirm decoding skills. Research consistently shows that a strong foundation in phonics supports long-term literacy and academic achievement.  The trust remains focused on raising outcomes for all pupils, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and will continue investing in evidence-based approaches like phonics to ensure every child can read confidently and fluently.  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “These results reflect the incredible dedication of our teachers and support staff, as well as the resilience of our young pupils. Achieving 100% in several schools is a shining example of what’s possible when belief, ambition, and expert teaching come together.”