Music for Youth Regional Event Hosted at Coombeshead Academy  Coombeshead Academy hosted a prestigious Music for Youth regional event this month. As one of only 35 centres chosen across the entire UK, the school was honored to provide a platform for young musicians from across Devon to showcase their talents.  The event featured a range of incredible performances from various local ensembles, including the Devon Youth Chamber Brass Ensemble, the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra, and several school and music centre bands from across the region. It was an inspiring day of music, with over 200 young performers coming together to share their passion for music and enrich the local cultural scene.  Organised by the Devon Music Education Hub, the event brought together aspiring musicians from all over the county, creating a unique opportunity for young talent to gain valuable experience. Coombeshead Academy’s own Soul Band was also invited to perform and received feedback from professional mentors. Each performance during the day was listened to and appraised by two Music for Youth mentors, both accomplished musicians in their own right.  The feedback for the Soul Band was exceptionally positive, with the mentors offering encouraging remarks. This could potentially pave the way for an invitation to perform at the Music for Youth National Event in Birmingham later this year, a tremendous opportunity for Coombeshead students to take their musical journey to new heights.  Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said:  "It was an incredible honour for Coombeshead Academy to host this prestigious Music for Youth event. To see so many talented young musicians come together and showcase their passion for music was truly inspiring. Our own Soul Band’s performance was exceptional, and we are so proud of their hard work and dedication. We look forward to what the future holds for all of our young musicians and are excited about the possibility of seeing them perform at the national event in Birmingham."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  "This event was a fantastic example of the outstanding talent we have here in Devon. Coombeshead Academy’s role in hosting the Music for Youth regional event is a testament to the school’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to excel. We are delighted to see our students get such positive feedback and are thrilled that our Soul Band could represent us at this prestigious event. We wish all our musicians the very best for their future performances."

Dartmouth Pupil Leaders Take the Lead on Climate Change Awareness   Pupils at Dartmouth Academy recently demonstrated their commitment to the environment by leading a school-wide assembly on climate change. The initiative was entirely student-led, giving young leaders the opportunity to raise awareness and inspire their peers.  During the assembly, pupils explored the causes and impacts of climate change, shared practical steps for sustainable living, and encouraged the school community to take action in their daily lives. The presentations were both informative and engaging, showcasing creativity, teamwork, and leadership skills.   Staff praised the pupils for their initiative and passion, noting that the assembly reflects the school’s ongoing dedication to encouraging  student empowerment, environmental responsibility, and active citizenship.   By putting students at the forefront of discussions on global issues, Dartmouth Academy continues to nurture informed, proactive young people ready to make a positive difference in the world.  Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  "We are incredibly proud of our pupils for taking the initiative to lead this assembly. Their passion and commitment to environmental issues is inspiring, and it demonstrates the positive impact young people can have when given the platform to lead."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  "It’s fantastic to see student leadership in action. The assembly not only raised awareness about climate change but also empowered pupils to take responsibility for their communities and the planet. This is exactly the kind of proactive citizenship we aim to nurture across all our schools."

Teign School Students Thrive in “Your Future Story” Programme  Teign School is celebrating the achievements of its year 7 students taking part in the innovative Your Future Story (YFS) programme, designed to support high-attaining students across the South West. The initiative helps young people explore future educational and career opportunities while building confidence and resilience.  The first cohort at Teign School includes four students, supported by Teacher Champion Matthew Wagner, who provides mentoring and guidance to ensure students reach their full potential.   The programme combines in-school mentoring with visits to leading employers and universities, giving pupils hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), as well as higher education pathways.   Recent highlights included taking part in a STEM challenge at Spaceport Cornwall and a tour of Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil. Later this year, pupils will visit the University of Bristol and University of Exeter (Penryn Campus). The programme also supports school staff through professional development, offering access to expert research, study visits, and networks that strengthen in-school provision for high-attaining students.   By taking part in Your Future Story, Teign School continues to champion student achievement, aspiration, and personal growth, ensuring young people are equipped to succeed academically and beyond.  Lucie Wagner, Head of School at Teign School, said:   "We are incredibly proud of our pupils for embracing the Your Future Story programme. It is wonderful to see them engaging with new experiences, developing confidence, and thinking ambitiously about their future."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:   "Your Future Story is a fantastic opportunity for high-attaining pupils to broaden their horizons. Teign School’s commitment to supporting these students demonstrates the impact schools can have when encouraging talent and ambition from an early age."

Kingsbridge Students Shine at Rosslyn Park National Rugby Tournament  Students from Kingsbridge Community College delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s prestigious Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens tournament, competing against thousands of pupils from across the country.  The U14 Girls team were the first to take to the field, determined to build on last year’s success and go one step further. They made an exceptional start, securing convincing wins against Oasis Academy and Collegiate to top their group and progress to the Cup competition.  Facing Ivybridge in the first knockout round, the team delivered a dominant performance, winning 36–0 in a fiercely contested match. Their momentum continued into the quarter-finals, where they overcame a strong St Oscar Romero Catholic College side with an impressive 35–21 victory.  In the semi-final, a repeat of last year’s fixture against Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, the girls battled in a closely fought contest, trading tries throughout the match. Despite a determined performance, a late score saw their opponents edge a 19–15 win. Although narrowly missing out on the final, the team were exceptional ambassadors for the college and can be incredibly proud of their achievement.  The U14 Boys also represented KCC with pride and determination. They made a strong start to the tournament with an impressive victory over Pangbourne College, showcasing both skill and confidence.  Their second match against Rodillian Academy proved to be a challenging encounter, with the team demonstrating resilience and determination as they continued to compete strongly throughout. In their final group game, the boys showed great attacking intent and flair, pushing a talented Trinity School, Croydon side all the way in a closely contested match.  This performance capped off an excellent season for the U14 Boys, who have already secured both the South Hams District 7s and 15s titles, as well as an impressive third-place finish at the Devon Schools 7s Finals Day. Staff praised both teams for their commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship, highlighting the pride they have brought to the college community through their efforts on and off the pitch.  Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:  "We are incredibly proud of both our U14 girls and boys teams. Their determination, teamwork, and resilience were evident in every match they played. To compete at such a high level against schools from across the country and perform so strongly is a fantastic achievement. They have represented Kingsbridge Community College with real pride and integrity, both on and off the pitch."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  "It is inspiring to see students from Kingsbridge Community College performing so well. Opportunities like the Rosslyn Park Sevens not only showcase sporting talent but also develop confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Both teams should be proud of their achievements and the way they have represented their school and community."

Coombeshead Academy Students Win National Award for Anti-Racism Song  Students from Coombeshead Academy are celebrating national success after being recognised in the 2026 Show Racism the Red Card School Competition.  Year 10 students Simon Vincent, Molly Nelson, Aaliyah Markman, Harrison Swan, Rosie Curtis and Will Harvey have been selected to receive an award in the Music Category for their original song, Connected. The students have been invited to attend a prestigious awards ceremony, which will take place at a Premier League football ground in May.  The competition is a national initiative, with schools from across the country taking part, making this a significant achievement for the Coombeshead Academy students.  Their success highlights both their creativity and their commitment to promoting equality, inclusion and anti-racism through music.  The whole school community is incredibly proud of their achievement and looks forward to celebrating their success at the upcoming awards ceremony.  Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said:  “We are incredibly proud of our students for this outstanding achievement. Their song, Connected, is a powerful reflection of their values and their commitment to promoting equality and inclusion. To be recognised at a national level in such an important competition is a testament to their creativity, teamwork and the strength of their message.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “This is a fantastic achievement for the students and for the wider school community. At Education South West, we are committed to ensuring our young people not only achieve academically but also develop as thoughtful, responsible citizens. This recognition highlights the impact of student voice and the important role schools play in tackling discrimination and promoting inclusion.”

Local Restaurateur Inspires Dartmouth Pupils  Dartmouth Academy recently welcomed special guest Mitch Tonks, acclaimed chef and owner of The Seahorse and Rockfish in the town, to share his career journey.   Mitch spoke candidly about his path from leaving school to building a successful career in the restaurant industry, offering insights and inspiration to young people considering their future options.  Over a 25-year career as a fishmonger, chef, restaurateur, and CEO, Mitch has become a leading voice for British seafood, sustainability, and hospitality. He is passionate about connecting people with local, sustainable seafood, supporting the UK fishing industry, and championing the role of restaurants as community spaces.   Mitch has also written seven cookbooks, appeared on national TV, and launched innovative initiatives including the Rockfish online seafood market and a range of tinned British fish. He is co-founder of the Devon Environment Foundation and actively mentors the next generation of chefs, helping young people see how passion, dedication, and creativity can shape a successful and meaningful career.  Staff at Dartmouth Academy were particularly proud to host Mitch, whose children previously attended the school, and to offer students a chance to engage directly with someone who has achieved success through passion and perseverance.   The visit 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:  "It was inspiring to see our students so engaged with Mitch’s story. Hearing directly from someone who has followed their passion, worked hard, and given back to the community is exactly the kind of experience that motivates our pupils to think about their own futures."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  "Visits like this show the importance of connecting education with real-world experiences. Mitch’s career demonstrates how creativity, resilience, and commitment can lead to remarkable achievements, and we’re proud to bring these opportunities to our students."

Dartmouth Academy Pupils Support Groundbreaking Health Research with University of Exeter  Pupils from Dartmouth Academy have continued their important collaboration with the University of Exeter Medical School as part of the Young Persons Advisory Group (YPAG).  The group, which has been working with researchers for several years, provides valuable insight to help shape projects aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of young people. Pupils contribute to research design, provide feedback on materials, and share perspectives that ensure studies are relevant and accessible to their peers. This month, the Dartmouth pupils helped develop and refine a booklet designed to explain key findings from a review of digital interventions for young people at risk of mental health problems. The final version of the booklet, now available online, reflects the pupils’ input and demonstrates the impact of youth voices in medical research.  The Young Persons Advisory Group continues to play a vital role in bridging the gap between researchers and young people, ensuring that studies are informed by the perspectives of those they aim to support.  For more information and to view the booklet designed by the group, visit: Online Flipbook  Nicola Perrott, Assistant  Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  “Our pupils have shown incredible commitment and insight through their work with the University of Exeter. Being part of the Young Persons Advisory Group allows them to see how their voices can make a real difference in research that affects young people’s health. It’s inspiring to see their confidence, curiosity and empathy growing as they contribute to such important projects.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West said:  “It’s fantastic to see our students actively shaping research that impacts young people across the country. The Young Persons Advisory Group gives them a real voice in projects that matter, helping researchers understand what is important to young people. Their input not only improves the quality of the research but also builds the pupils’ confidence, teamwork and leadership skills. This kind of meaningful engagement demonstrates the power of student voice in making a difference.”

Kingsbridge Principal Takes School Phone Debate to the House of Lords  This month Tina Graham and Tom Chisholm, principal and assistant principal at Kingsbridge Community College attended a powerful round table discussion in the House of Lords, joining primary and secondary school leaders to discuss the benefits of banning smartphones in schools and the importance of backing such measures with legislation. South Devon MP Caroline Voaden was also at the event.  At the event, headteachers shared how existing bans in their schools have simplified routines, reduced stress, and allowed staff to focus on teaching rather than managing devices. They emphasised that a statutory ban would be particularly transformative for vulnerable children, helping to tackle inequality and ensure that all students have uninterrupted learning time.  Dr Emily Barrett, an educational psychologist working with the Safer Screens initiative, highlighted the cognitive and emotional impact of smartphone use on young people. She noted that when teenagers use phones to avoid social anxiety, they miss crucial opportunities to develop resilience, cope with everyday stressors, and engage fully in learning and peer interactions.  The discussion also included voices from across the education sector, including a London primary head who stressed that any government committed to reducing inequality must support schools through legislation, and Executive Head Alison Ramsay from Ringwood, who called a statutory ban “the simplest and most transformational act” to improve the life chances of children. This event underscores the growing national conversation around technology, learning, and wellbeing in schools, as educators, policymakers, and parents work together to ensure that young people can thrive both academically and emotionally.  Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:  "At Kingsbridge Community College, we are committed to supporting the wellbeing, focus, and positive development of all our students. Piloting a smartphone-free environment has already shown the difference it can make, helping students engage more fully in lessons, interact with one another, and build resilience. Being part of the House of Lords discussion was a powerful opportunity to share this experience and to advocate for a wider approach that benefits all young people. I firmly believe that giving students protected, uninterrupted time each school day allows them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  "We are proud of the work our schools are doing to support student wellbeing and learning. Tina’s participation in the House of Lords discussion highlights the practical impact of smartphone-free environments and the importance of national legislation to give all children the best chance to focus and develop healthy relationships with technology."

CareYourWay Inspires Students at Kingsbridge Community College Careers Fair   The CareYourWay South Devon team recently attended a careers event at Kingsbridge Community College giving students from years 7 to 13 the chance to explore a wide range of career paths and speak directly with local organisations about their futures.  In-House Trainer, Rob Gidley, and Head of Brand & Marketing, Anna Potgieter, represented CareYourWay, chatting with students about the rewarding world of care and sharing insights into the training, standards, and technology that underpin the sector, including the innovative Whzan Digital Health monitoring equipment. Joining them was the team’s training mannequin, Doris, who helped bring practical demonstrations to life.  Students also learned about the many ways CareYourWay care teams bring joy and connection to local communities, from their ‘Outstanding’-rated service for its clients, to wider community initiatives such as their festive ‘Present for a Pensioner’ scheme that has helped combat loneliness at Christmastime since 2016.  As proud Friends of the College, CareYourWay is committed to supporting the local community and helping the next generation discover how varied, meaningful, and rewarding a career in care can be. The team is already looking forward to supporting future careers events and continuing to engage with young people across the region.  Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:  "It was fantastic to welcome CareYourWay to our careers fair. Our students gained real insight into the care sector, saw the impact of technology in supporting communities, and left inspired by the passion and dedication of the team. Events like this are invaluable in helping young people explore future career options.” Anna Potgieter, Head of Brand & Marketing at CareYourWay, shared: "As a former student of the College, it was a genuine pleasure and privilege to return and support current students in exploring the wide range of opportunities available to them. As a leading local provider, we’re committed to engaging and inspiring the next generation - highlighting just how rewarding this line of work can be, with multiple pathways to suit different ambitions, whether as a long-term career or a stepping stone to other ventures. As proud Friends of KCC, we’re excited about what the future holds.”

 Laying early foundations for lifelong impact By the time a child starts school, the gap between those who are ready to learn and those already at a disadvantage can be wide and hard to close. That’s why what happens before Reception class, and in those crucial early years of school, matters so much. Across Education South West, we are reshaping our approach to the early years foundation stage (EYFS) to give every child the strongest possible start. From phonics and vocabulary to social confidence and emotional development, we are working to make sure children build the right foundations for learning. Our EYFS curriculum has been carefully refined across the trust to focus on the critical knowledge and skills children need from nursery through to Year 1. This means ensuring that what is taught builds step by step, in a clear and logical progression, giving children both confidence and security as they move between phases. We’re paying particular attention to transition by strengthening continuity between nursery and Reception, and from Reception into Key Stage 1. In some of our schools, where Reception and Year 1 are taught together, we’re learning how purposeful play can continue to support deep learning even as children begin to access more formal elements of the curriculum. Language, play and purpose High-quality spoken language is one of the best predictors of later academic success. So across our schools, children are immersed in rhymes, storytelling, and meaningful conversation from the very beginning. Vocabulary is deliberately taught, modelled, and revisited to give children the tools they need to understand and express themselves with growing confidence. We also ensure that early reading, writing and maths are rooted in strong foundations. Functional skills are introduced early - even in nursery - and we make sure children have the chance to practise and apply what they’ve learned through structured play and purposeful activity. Safe, nurturing, predictable Young children need to feel safe and supported to thrive. That’s why we place strong emphasis on emotional wellbeing, relationships and routines. In every classroom, clear boundaries and behaviour expectations help create calm, predictable environments where children can focus and flourish. Our approach is rooted in understanding where each child is developmentally, not just where they are meant to be on paper. Daily formative assessment through observation, conversation and careful listening means we can spot small gaps early and respond quickly with the right support. Partnering with families We know that families are our most important partners. That’s why we work closely with parents and carers through regular communication, progress updates and curriculum sharing. By bringing families into the learning journey, we can build greater consistency between home and school - supporting routines, confidence and school readiness together. Investing in expertise None of this is possible without great people. We continue to invest in the training, coaching and support of all early years practitioners across the trust. Through our ESW Early Years Network, we’re sharing what works across schools and helping raise the bar for early years practice beyond our own communities. That commitment is being recognised nationally. Kingsbridge Primary School has already received a Pearson Bronze Teaching Award for Best Early Years Team, and is the first of our schools to achieve the Prem Aware Award, with others set to follow in the coming year. When we get it right for children at the beginning of their education, we set them up for success far beyond the classroom.