Dartmouth Academy Year 8 Pupils Learn Lifesaving CPR Skills  Year 8 pupils at Dartmouth Academy have taken part in vital, hands‑on workshops designed to give them the confidence and skills to act in a cardiac emergency. The interactive sessions were led by Jay’s Aim, a South West charity dedicated to reducing sudden cardiac deaths among young people.  During the workshops, pupils learned how to recognise the signs of a potential cardiac arrest, call for emergency assistance, and perform basic CPR. The practical nature of the training meant that every pupil had the chance to practise these lifesaving skills in a safe and supportive environment.  Jay’s Aim was founded in memory of James (Jay) Osborne, a 28‑year‑old father who tragically passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest. In response to his loss, Jay’s family set out to make sure other young people and families are better protected. Their mission is driven by the stark statistic that around 12 people under the age of 35 die each week in the UK from undiagnosed heart conditions, often with no prior symptoms.  By delivering free CPR education and installing defibrillators across the South West, Jay’s Aim is equipping communities with the knowledge and tools they need to save lives. Dartmouth Academy is proud to be part of this important work, helping empower young people with the confidence to act quickly and decisively in an emergency.  Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  “These workshops were incredibly valuable for our Year 8s. CPR is a skill that every young person should have, and the team from Jay’s Aim made the learning accessible, engaging and memorable. We are grateful for the work they do and proud of how well our pupils embraced the training.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “Equipping young people with the skills to save a life is one of the most meaningful things a school can do. We are incredibly proud of Dartmouth Academy for providing this opportunity and grateful to Jay’s Aim for their commitment to educating and empowering our communities. These pupils now have knowledge that could make an extraordinary difference in an emergency.”

East Allington Primary Pupils Join Chris Packham for Tree Planting  This half term thirteen pupils from East Allington Primary School travelled to a rewilding site near Launceston to take part in a special tree planting event alongside renowned naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham. They were accompanied by their class teacher Lisa Howells.  The 50 acre site at Downicary has been purchased by Eco Talk, a mobile service provider that reinvests its profits into rewilding initiatives and biodiversity enhancement projects across the UK. Downicary is one of several sites where Eco Talk is working to restore vital habitats and improve opportunities for wildlife to thrive.  The pupils received a warm welcome from Chris Packham before taking part in an educational session delivered by the Woodland Trust. Equipped with new knowledge and plenty of enthusiasm, the children set to work planting Alder, Aspen and Willow in the wet ground near the riverbank.  Over time, these trees will establish important wet meadow and riverside habitats, providing shelter and food for a wide range of insects, birds and other wildlife. Projects such as this are vital in addressing England’s status as one of the most nature depleted countries in the world, helping to restore biodiversity and create a greener future.  The pupils were praised for their hard work and positive attitude, impressing Woodland Trust staff and even appearing on BBC television during the event. In total, around 200 trees were planted during the day, each one representing renewal, resilience and hope for the environment.  Liam Fielding, Executive Headteacher at East Allington Primary School, said:  “This was a truly memorable experience for our pupils. Working alongside Chris Packham and the Woodland Trust team brought classroom learning to life and empowered our children to see that they can make a real difference to the natural world.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “We are incredibly proud of the pupils from East Allington Primary for the way they embraced this opportunity. Experiences like this connect children with the natural world and give them the knowledge and sense of responsibility to shape a more sustainable future. Working alongside Chris Packham and national partners demonstrates the power of collaboration in inspiring the next generation to care for and protect our environment.”

Stover Pupils Experience Hands-On Engineering with South Devon UTC Year 7 students at Stover School have completed their first term of Design and Technology sessions, delivered in partnership with South Devon University Technical College (UTC).  The programme has offered students a hands-on introduction to engineering, computer aided design and practical manufacturing skills.  During the sessions, students designed their own pewter keyrings using computer-aided design software, then poured molten metal into moulds and undertook finishing processes including cutting, filing, soldering and polishing to create fully functioning desk balance toys to take home. The activities challenged students while providing a fun and engaging learning experience.  The sessions were delivered by Will Bent, head of the Engineering faculty at South Devon UTC and supported by UTC students. The next cohort of students will begin sessions next term, continuing the partnership between Stover School and South Devon UTC, and providing more students with the opportunity to experience practical engineering and design in a real-world setting.  Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said:  “The first ever cohort of Year 7 Design and Technology students from Stover have been a real pleasure to work with. They have embraced every challenge, from using computer design software to making their pewter keyrings, and the excitement and pride they showed in their finished projects was as precious as gold dust.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “We are proud of the partnership between South Devon UTC and Stover School, which is giving students a fantastic opportunity to experience hands-on engineering and design. The UTC’s expertise and support are helping these students develop skills, confidence and a real passion for STEM at an early stage.”

South Devon UTC Students Get on Track for Railway Careers  Four year 12 students from South Devon UTC have completed an exciting four day work placement with Network Rail, gaining invaluable insight into careers within the railway and construction industries.  The placement, delivered over two weeks, gave students the opportunity to experience the scale and complexity of major infrastructure projects first hand. Through a combination of site visits, practical experiences and talks from industry professionals, students developed a deeper understanding of engineering in action and the wide range of careers available within the sector.  Students visited Bristol Temple Meads station, where they were introduced to a variety of ongoing and completed projects across the historic station. This provided a powerful overview of how large scale infrastructure improvements are planned and delivered.  The second day began at the Dawlish sea wall, where students learned about coastal defence engineering and the challenges of maintaining critical rail links in extreme weather conditions. They then travelled to Exeter St David’s Depot with GWR, exploring train simulators, maintenance facilities and depot operations to see how rolling stock is serviced and managed.  The final two days were spent visiting live project sites across Devon and Cornwall. Students observed bridge renewal works, new station developments and building refurbishments, working alongside construction managers and project teams to understand how projects are delivered safely and efficiently.  The placement reflects South Devon UTC’s commitment to providing meaningful employer engagement and industry linked learning opportunities. By working directly with major organisations such as Network Rail and GWR, students are able to apply their classroom knowledge in real world settings and make informed decisions about their future pathways.  Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said:  “At South Devon UTC, we are passionate about ensuring our students experience education beyond the classroom. This placement with Network Rail gave our students an exceptional opportunity to see the scale, responsibility and teamwork involved in delivering major infrastructure projects.  Experiences like this allow students to apply their technical knowledge in real settings, build professional confidence, and begin to see themselves as future engineers. We are incredibly proud of how our students represented the UTC and grateful to Network Rail and GWR for providing such an inspiring experience.”  Daniel Parkes, Principal Portfolio Manager within Network Rail’s Integrated Infrastructure Team said:  “All four students were an absolute pleasure and engaged throughout. We had really positive feedback from the rest of the team who supported the visits. At least two of the students seem set on being part of the railway industry going forward in their careers.”

Rydon Primary Pupils Crowned Winners of Rotary Young Apprentice Challenge  Pupils at Rydon Primary are celebrating after being named winners of the Rotary Newton Abbot Young Apprentice Challenge 2025–2026.  Just before Christmas, year 3 children took part in the enterprise initiative, organised by the Rotary Club of Newton Abbot. The challenge saw pupils given £50 to invest in a small business project with the goal of generating profit.  Using their investment creatively, the children designed and produced a range of items to sell at their stall during the school’s ‘Winter Wonderland Christmas Fair’. They also organised a Christmas colouring competition to help boost their fundraising efforts. Their hard work paid off, with the class finishing in the top three for overall funds raised and securing a place in the final.  On Sunday 22nd February, a selection of year 3 pupils proudly represented their year group at the finals, held at Teign School. Accompanied by their teachers, Miss Thomas and Miss Barker, the children confidently presented their project to members of Rotary and a representative from ShelterBox. They explained how they had planned, organised and successfully run their stall, showcasing both their financial understanding and entrepreneurial skills.  The pupils were awarded first place in the competition and received a £50 Amazon voucher in recognition of their outstanding achievement.  Danny Brown, Headteacher at Rydon Primary, said:   “Throughout the project, the children demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm and commitment. Alongside strengthening their mathematical knowledge, they developed valuable life skills including teamwork, communication, problem solving and perseverance.  “This fantastic accomplishment highlights the creativity, determination and collaborative spirit of Rydon Primary’s young learners. A huge congratulations to all involved on a truly well deserved success.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said:  “This is a tremendous achievement for the pupils at Rydon Primary. Opportunities like the Rotary Young Apprentice Challenge allow children to apply their learning in meaningful, real world contexts.  To see Year 3 pupils planning, budgeting and presenting in this way is inspiring.”

Education South West Shortlisted for Two National MAT Excellence Awards  Education South West (ESW) is celebrating national recognition after being shortlisted in two prestigious categories at the MAT Excellence Awards, presented by Optimus Education. Education South West is a trust of eight primary schools, four secondary schools, one all through school and a University Technical College all based in Devon.   The trust has been named a finalist for Chief Financial Officer of the Year, with Stuart White recognised for his outstanding leadership across finance and operations. Education South West has also been shortlisted for the Staff Development Award for trusts with 13 or more schools, in recognition of its sector leading commitment to professional growth and wellbeing.  Stuart White, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Education South West, has been described as an exceptional leader who expertly manages complex finances while driving wider operational excellence across the trust. Under his stewardship, the trust has achieved clean audits year after year. His impact extends beyond financial strategy, leading innovation in areas such as in house data systems and HR infrastructure, ensuring Education South West remains both financially robust and operationally forward thinking.  The Staff Development Award shortlist recognises the trust’s ambitious and inclusive approach to growing great people. Education South West offers personalised development pathways, bespoke coaching and vibrant professional networks that enable staff at every stage of their career to flourish. Its Grow Your Own leadership programmes and flexible CPD offer clear progression routes, reflected in the fact that 11 of its 14 headteachers have been promoted internally.  Alongside professional growth, the trust’s wellbeing pledge and trust wide pedagogical principles create a culture of collaboration, consistency and care. Rising staff satisfaction and strong internal progression demonstrate the tangible impact of this approach across its schools.  The MAT Excellence Awards provide trusts across the country with the opportunity to celebrate their achievements and recognise their impact on children, staff and communities. The awards are judged by experienced sector leaders and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on the 18th of June.   Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “We are absolutely delighted to see Stuart and the wider Education South West team recognised at a national level. These shortlists reflect the strength of our collective effort, from robust financial stewardship to the deep investment we make in developing and supporting our people. We believe that when you grow great staff, you transform life chances for children. This recognition belongs to every colleague across our trust who works tirelessly to serve our communities each day.”

How student voice drives real change across our schools  Here is the next in the series of articles from our annual review.  “We asked, they answered – and then they led.”  When governors visited one of our primary schools earlier this year, they didn’t start in the headteacher’s office. They started on the playground sitting with children in the sunshine, asking about their learning, their favourite lessons, and what they would change if they were in charge for a day.  One Year 5 pupil didn’t miss a beat: “We need more quiet spaces. Some of us don’t like noisy games.”  Just a few weeks later, that same school had a new calm zone in place co-designed by pupils, with pupil leaders on hand to help it run smoothly. It’s a small example, but it captures something powerful: children know what they need and when we listen properly, they help us shape better schools.  From primary through to post-16, students at Education South West are helping to lead, influence and improve our schools in ways that matter. Their voices are heard through surveys, school councils, leadership roles, and direct conversations with staff, governors, and even MPs, and crucially, what they say leads to action. In our primary schools, pupils regularly take part in surveys about their learning, wellbeing and wider experience of school life. Leaders and governors review the results carefully, asking whether previous actions have worked, and what needs to happen next.  When governors visit schools each term, they speak directly with pupils. These conversations help triangulate what they hear from school and trust leaders, grounding discussions in the real experiences of our children. Similarly, when leaders visit classrooms to review teaching, they ask pupils what helps them learn, what makes a good lesson, and where they need more support. This feedback helps identify where teaching and the curriculum can be further strengthened. For pupils with additional needs, their views are vital in shaping their support plans and assessing progress. It ensures that SEND support is not done to children but with them to build confidence and clarity about what works.  There are many formal opportunities for leadership in our primary schools — from School Councillors and Rights Respecting Ambassadors to digital leaders, play leaders, house captains and wildlife champions. These roles give children real responsibility and a genuine say in school life.  Children also have their voices heard in their communities. They write to MPs, help shape local plans with town councils, take part in national science projects like the RSPB Big Bird Watch, and welcome experts and visitors to their schools, including their own local MP.  In February 2025, our commitment to student voice took a big leap forward with the trust’s first ever Student Leadership Conference, held at King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) in Totnes. Eight students from each of our secondary schools – KEVICC, Dartmouth Academy, Kingsbridge Community College, Teign School, South Devon UTC and Coombeshead Academy – came together to share how they’ve made a difference in their schools.  The day opened with a welcome from our CEO Matthew Shanks, who spoke about the importance of student leadership in shaping the future of education. South Devon MP Caroline Voaden followed with an inspiring talk about her own leadership journey and the value of youth voice in public life.  Mixed-school groups tackled big questions: What makes a good leader? How can we have more impact? What advice would we give younger pupils starting out on their leadership journey?  Students left energised, connected, and with new ideas to take back to their schools.  A key legacy of the February event has been the development of two new Primary Leadership Conferences – one held at Kingsteignton and one at KEVICC in July. These were designed and led by secondary students, passing on their leadership experience to the next generation.  Speakers included Matthew Shanks and local MPs Martin Wrigley and Caroline Voaden (via video), with secondary pupils running workshops and discussions for their younger peers. It marked the beginning of a new ESW tradition – one where leadership is modelled, shared and lived by students across the trust.  Beyond these major events, pupil leadership is thriving across all our secondary schools. Students take on roles as prefects, house leaders, subject ambassadors and mental health champions. They attend weekly and fortnightly forums on wellbeing, bullying, behaviour and more.  They represent their peers through form groups and school councils, and through surveys and feedback channels, they help shape decisions around everything from curriculum design to school facilities.  When we listen to our students, they don’t just feel heard, they rise to the challenge. They help solve problems, build community, and create better schools for everyone.

Coombeshead Academy Welcomes Students from Beijing  Coombeshead Academy has welcomed 33 students and their teacher from Beijing for a memorable week as part of the Project International exchange programme.  Staff at the school carefully curated an engaging schedule that enabled the visiting students to fully immerse themselves in life at Coombeshead. At the heart of the week was the opportunity for meaningful connections to form between students.  A group of dedicated student buddies was appointed to support the visitors throughout their stay and what began as a structured support system quickly developed into genuine friendships.  The visiting students, aged between 12 and 17, fully embraced the Coombeshead timetable, attending lessons and joining school events. They also took the time to offer some meaningful insights in to their own culture, delighting the Coombeshead school community with a traditional dance performance and a poetry recital.  The group took part in a range of activities designed to showcase local culture and school life including a visit to Newton Abbot Museum, where they explored the area’s heritage, handled historical artefacts, and participated in observational drawing activities.  They also got to sample a traditional Devon cream tea, baking their own scones and sharing them with their Coombeshead buddies at the end of the week as a gesture of thanks. A cherry tree, kindly donated by Jacks Patch, has also been planted on the school grounds to commemorate the visit and symbolise cultural growth and enduring connection.  Coombeshead Academy is proud to champion opportunities that prepare young people to be confident, compassionate global citizens. This week of cultural exchange stands as a testament to the welcoming spirit of the entire school community.  Helen Coulson,  Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said:  “The warmth, respect, and enthusiasm shown by our students towards our visitors was truly heart warming and made me incredibly proud of the young people they are. It was a fascinating and enriching insight into one another’s cultures, and we all learned a great deal from the experience.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “The Project International programme shows the real power of global education. When young people are given the opportunity to learn alongside one another, to share their cultures, and to experience life from a different perspective, it broadens horizons in a way no textbook ever could.”

Taking a stand on vaping: representing schools nationwide When the government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill was being debated earlier this year, Education South West (ESW) was proud to represent the voice of schools across the country. On 30 January, our CEO, Matthew Shanks, was invited to give evidence to the Tobacco and Vapes Public Bill Committee in Westminster, speaking on behalf of the entire education sector about the real and growing impact of vaping on children and young people. This work reflects our deep belief that schools must play a leading role in tackling the health and societal issues affecting young people today. Vaping is now a bigger issue than smoking in many schools. Discreet and easy to conceal, vapes often appeal to children who would never have considered smoking. Some are drawn in by misleading marketing such as sweetshop-style flavours, colourful packaging, and the illusion that vaping is harmless. Others are unknowingly exposed to serious risks, such as drug-laced vapes containing THC or Spice. Schools across the country are seeing the impact daily: students missing lessons to vape, rising behavioural issues, and, in some cases, permanent exclusions. Hospitalisations are no longer rare. Shockingly, across the UK, even pupils in primary school have reportedly been found vaping. Many parents are understandably unsure how to respond, with some feeling pressured into buying vapes to prevent their children from turning to unsafe alternatives. We welcomed the government’s ban on disposable vapes from 1 June and fully support the Bill’s proposals to remove child-appealing flavours and packaging. But we believe the measures must go further. In Parliament, Matthew called for stricter regulation of vape shop locations, national education campaigns, vape-free zones around schools, and proper investment in detection tools for school staff. Schools cannot tackle this alone. We need coordinated action across health, education, law enforcement, and government because the health and wellbeing of our young people is a shared responsibility. We are proud to lead by example by engaging with national policymakers, supporting families with clear information, and working with our communities to push for long-term change. We may be a regional trust, but our commitment extends far beyond our own schools in the South West. This is about making sure all young people, wherever they live, are better protected from a product that is being marketed directly at them. We’ll continue to raise our voice and stand alongside schools, parents, and policymakers because the challenges facing our children require national solutions, and education must be at the heart of them.

Rydon Primary Celebrates Outstanding Progress in School Waste Reduction  Rydon Primary is celebrating a remarkable improvement in its recycling and waste‑reduction efforts following a second whole‑school waste audit carried out by Devon’s Resource Futures, led by sustainability specialist Alex Mack.  The audit, completed last month, showed dramatic progress since the school’s initial audit in April last year, demonstrating the commitment of pupils, staff and the wider school community to making meaningful environmental change.  In the first audit the school was sending 6.76 tonnes of general waste each year to the Energy from Waste plant and had a recycling rate of just 25%. By the second audit general waste had been reduced to 3.5 tonnes per year and the recycling rate had risen dramatically to 62%. This represents a 47% improvement overall. These impressive figures reflect a whole‑school effort to reduce waste contamination, recycle more effectively, and understand the environmental impact of everyday choices.  At the heart of this success were the Rydon Pupil Ambassadors, led by teacher Ellie Thomas, who were praised as “fantastic” by Resource Futures for their energy, leadership and passion for improving sustainability at school. Their work has inspired pupils across all year groups to rethink their waste habits and embrace recycling with enthusiasm.  Danny Brown, Headteacher at Rydon Primary, said:  “We are incredibly proud of the whole school community for achieving such a significant improvement in such a short space of time. The children have truly embraced the challenge, and their enthusiasm for looking after the environment has been inspiring. This project has shown our pupils that small changes really do add up to a big difference.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said:  “This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when pupils are empowered to take the lead. Rydon Primary’s progress demonstrates the impact of education in shaping responsible global citizens. We are delighted to see such impressive results and proud of the staff and pupils for their commitment to sustainability.”