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

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

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

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

Dart Harbour Funds Lifesaving Swimming Lessons for Local Schools   Dartmouth Academy, Dart Harbour and Dartmouth Indoor Pool Trust (DIPT) are delighted to announce a transformative new partnership, ensuring that every primary pupil in Dartmouth and Stoke Fleming will receive regular high-quality swimming lessons for the next five years.  This exciting initiative follows a successful pilot programme launched in Autumn 2024 by DIPT in collaboration with Dartmouth Academy, Stoke Fleming and St John's Primary schools. This saw outstanding progress with the majority of participating children being able to swim at least 25 metres – the national curriculum benchmark for primary school leavers.  With this secured funding from Dart Harbour, swim lessons will again be embedded in the curriculum with a focus on developing swimming proficiency and delivering essential water safety education. The aim is to ensure that all our local children are confident and competent in the water – a crucial skill for a coastal town.  This collaboration also strengthens the sustainability of the indoor pool by increasing its use as a community asset, ensuring it remains a safe and accessible space for learning and wellbeing whilst also equipping pupils with vital skills to stay safe in Dartmouth's river and in the sea.  Education South West, the trust which Dartmouth Academy and Stoke Fleming Primary School are part of, has stressed its gratitude to the Dart Harbour Authority and DIPT for their generous support, which will make a lasting difference to young people in the community.  Paul Britton, Harbour Master and CEO, said:  “We are very excited by this new partnership.  As a not-for-profit trust port we manage the Dart on behalf of the community, so helping to provide swimming lessons for local children will encourage a whole new generation to learn to enjoy our beautiful river safely.”  Craig Davidson, Chair of Dartmouth Indoor Pool Trust, the charity responsible for managing this valuable community asset for Dartmouth and the surrounding villages, added:  "It has been an important aim of ours to see swimming classes restart after the Covid pandemic. To make it happen we funded the pilot scheme earlier this year. With huge pressure on school budgets the offer of long term funding by Dart Harbour is simply fantastic."   Chris Harrison, Headteacher at Stoke Fleming Primary, said:  “The children had a fantastic time and it is great that we are able to offer them swimming lessons again. This is vital given the potential dangers of where we live. The full one-hour sessions meant that they had a really good chunk of time in the pool.”  Sue Manley, Trustee of DIPT and former PE teacher, added:  “Swimming is a life skill that once learnt is never forgotten. For some children it was their first experience of being in a pool and having swim lessons. It is just brilliant to see the children’s delight when they first manage to swim a width.”

Education South West Deepens Partnership with Ukraine to Support Secondary School Reform  Education South West (ESW) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting schools in Ukraine by participating in a recent national forum From the Curriculum to the Classroom, held in Kyiv.  The forum brought together 30 Ukrainian "ambassador" schools piloting key elements of the New Ukrainian School (NUS) reform, alongside international partners and education leaders. Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, was invited as a featured speaker. He joined a distinguished international panel to share insights into how schools in the UK have translated national curriculum objectives into innovative classroom practices and tailored subject offerings.  His contribution helped set the tone for discussions on adapting curricula to student needs, encouraging school-designed courses, and using digital tools to support classroom transformation, core goals of Ukraine’s reform for specialised upper secondary education.  The forum, which featured speakers from the OECD, World Bank, Finnish Ministry of Education, and education ministries across Europe, focused on helping schools move from curriculum theory to implementation. Mr Shanks joined other guests in presenting concrete strategies for course planning, student choice, and teacher development.  Mr Shanks is working with the OECD in supporting school partnerships and curriculum reform in Ukraine and this builds on ESW’s earlier involvement in Ukraine, when Mr Shanks addressed a national education conference in Lviv in late 2024, opened by First Lady Olena Zelenska. Four ESW schools, Coombeshead Academy, Teign School, Kingsbridge Community College, and King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC), are actively partnered with Ukrainian ambassador schools as part of an OECD-facilitated international network.  The Devon schools were the first in England to join the initiative, which includes partners from more than ten countries. The goal is to offer Ukrainian schools insights and support as they develop flexible curricula, expand student choice, and improve career guidance under the NUS model.  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “As school leaders, we should do all we can to support all children. Children and colleagues in Ukraine need our support. This forum demonstrated how international collaboration can drive real progress. The determination of Ukrainian educators to innovate in the face of adversity is profoundly inspiring. ESW is proud to continue offering practical support to this vital reform effort.  “We’re calling on more UK schools to get involved; please get in touch with me. The reform work in Ukraine is bold, student-centred, and deeply values-led. Supporting it is not just the right thing to do, it enriches our own communities and reminds us of the power of education to connect and uplift.”

Citizens Advice and Education South West Launch New Partnership Families across Devon are set to benefit from a new partnership project between local Citizens Advice services and  Education South West (ESW), which will bring expert support directly into schools. The initiative, which launched this month, will see two experienced Citizens Advice caseworkers, Tracey Doody and Abby Read, work closely with school pastoral teams to provide intensive support to families facing challenges, ranging from financial pressures to housing issues. Citizens Advice, described as  the people’s champion, give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward,  whoever they are, and whatever their problem. The national charity and its network of local charities offer confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free. Initially funded for six months in South Hams and a year in Teignbridge, the programme aims to offer early intervention to families most in need, with hopes to secure further funding to extend the work going forward. Tracey Doody will work with families from Kingsbridge Primary, Kingsbridge Community College, Stoke Fleming Primary School, Blackawton Primary School, East Allington Primary School and KEVICC. Abby Read will support families from South Devon UTC, Coombeshead Academy, Teign School, Rydon Primary School, Kingsteignton Primary School and Christow Primary School. Tracey and Abbey will be working on site in schools out of their community hubs. Families will be able to access their support in both the larger schools in towns and also in the smaller village primary schools. In the first month, referrals will focus on families requiring intensive one-to-one casework, with the intention to expand to drop-in sessions and parent workshops later in the project. Plans are also in place for budgeting workshops for students, as well as support during key school events such as exam results day and parent evenings. Tracey and Abby will liaise closely with Early Help and pastoral teams, attend multi-agency meetings, and become a visible presence in schools to help parents navigate complex issues without stigma or delay. In turn the schools will provide a private, secure space and access to wi-fi so that caseworkers can work effectively on site. They also plan to work alongside teachers, adding their expertise with personal finance and life skills to enhance teaching programmes. Education South West is hopeful that the project will be a stepping stone to long-term embedded support for families, tailored to each community’s specific needs.  The partnership is part of the trust’s community hubs strategy and the trust sees this work with Citizens Advice as integral to both supporting families and strengthening communities. Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: “I am delighted that this new partnership between Education South West and Citizens Advice has now launched. This is about meeting our families where they are and offering real, practical help when they need it most. By placing skilled advisors into our schools, we’re ensuring families get the guidance and support they deserve. This initiative is a powerful example of schools and community services working together to change lives.”  

Kingsbridge Students Embrace Adventure at Slapton Outdoor Learning Day   Students from Kingsbridge Community College (KCC) have returned full of enthusiasm following an action-packed day at the Slapton Field Studies Centre. Year 8 and 9 students took part in a wide range of outdoor learning experiences designed to build confidence, teamwork, and resilience, including den building, bush craft, team games, low ropes, and a blindfolded assault course. The day was a huge success, with students embracing every challenge with positivity and energy. Staff at the centre were quick to praise the students for their excellent behaviour, determination, and collaborative spirit throughout the day. The trip forms part of the college’s wider commitment to offering enriching experiences beyond the classroom, encouraging students to grow both academically and personally. Slapton Ley Field Studies Centre, operated by the Field Studies Council, is nestled on the Start Bay coast,  adjacent to the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve, the largest natural freshwater lake in South West England. Surrounded by diverse habitats including reedbeds, marshes, and woodlands, the centre offers immersive environmental education experiences for learners of all ages. Its proximity to both coastal and inland ecosystems makes it an ideal location for studying geography, biology, and ecology. Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said: “It was wonderful to see our students stepping outside their comfort zones and engaging so positively with the activities. Opportunities like this help build essential life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and communication. We’re incredibly proud of how they represented the college.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: “Outdoor learning is such an important part of a well-rounded education. It’s fantastic to see Kingsbridge Community College offering these kinds of experiences, which encourage independence and build the kind of character and resilience that serve young people for life.”

Wondermentalist: A Fundraising Evening with Matt Harvey   Join renowned poet Matt Harvey for a unique evening of poetry, humour, and community spirit to help fundraise for The Fidget Project. Date: June 14thTime: 7:30 PMVenue: Malborough Village HallTickets: £10.00 Book Now This special gig supports The Fidget Project CIC, raising funds for ‘The Fidget Bus’ , a mobile learning centre designed for children with Sensory Processing Differences such as Autism, ADHD, and more. Your presence and support can help bring this vital resource to the South Hams community. Learn more about The Fidget Project

South Devon UTC Students Inspired by Exeter Hospice Visit Students from  South Devon UTC recently visited Exeter Hospice as part of their health and social care course and wider enrichment programme, an inspiring experience that gave them a first-hand look at the compassionate careers available in the healthcare sector. The visit, involving students from Years 10-13, offered a deep dive into the professional roles within a hospice setting. From nursing and palliative care to occupational therapy, physiotherapy, counselling, and volunteer coordination, students explored the breadth of careers involved in end-of-life care. Throughout the day, students engaged thoughtfully with hospice staff, asked insightful questions, and demonstrated impressive maturity and empathy. The experience helped them to understand not only the day-to-day responsibilities and skills required in these roles, but also the emotional intelligence and resilience needed to support individuals and families through complex and often challenging health journeys. The visit left a lasting impression on both staff and students, reinforcing the importance of person-centred care and the opportunities available to those pursuing a future in health and social care. Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said: “Our students represented the school with compassion, respect and showed a genuine interest in learning. Visits like this are vital in showing young people the powerful impact they can have in future careers and helping them to understand the human side of healthcare.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: “South Devon UTC continues to show how real-world learning can shape futures and open minds. This visit to Exeter Hospice has given students a meaningful insight into the care sector and reinforces Education South West’s commitment to education that is both ambitious and deeply humane.”