Putting people first: rights, wellbeing and the whole child  Here is the next in the series of articles from our annual review:  Children thrive when they feel heard, respected and supported – and the same is true for the adults who teach and care for them. Across our trust, the Rights Respecting Schools and Well Schools movements are helping to create environments where everyone can flourish. A Rights Respecting School places the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) at the heart of school life. Children’s rights are actively taught, respected and experienced in the day-to-day life of the school. Pupil-led steering groups meet regularly, and young people are given genuine opportunities to help shape decisions and lead change. Across the trust, schools are progressing through the Rights Respecting Schools accreditation process. Stoke Fleming, East Allington and Blackawton have achieved Gold status, with Kingsteignton, Rydon, Coombeshead, Teign and KCC holding Silver. KEVICC is hoping to move from Bronze to Silver this academic year, while Christow, Dartmouth, Wynstream and Kingsbridge Primary have already reached Bronze. South Devon UTC is working towards its first award. With several reaccreditations due in the coming months, our commitment to children’s rights remains a central part of our work. Alongside this, our schools are developing as Well Schools – placing as much emphasis on wellbeing as on academic performance. A Well School still has high expectations, but it understands that children and young people are more effective learners when they are happy and healthy – and that staff are better educators when they are genuinely supported. Well Schools look after the mental and physical health of their pupils and staff to create a culture where everyone can reach their potential. The link between wellbeing and achievement is clear. The evidence shows that improved physical, social and emotional health leads to better educational outcomes, particularly for those facing the greatest inequalities. Over time, this work contributes to increased progress and attainment, improved attendance, greater self-efficacy, and reduced exclusions. It also helps to improve job satisfaction and staff retention – a vital consideration as schools face increasing demands with fewer resources. We know that unhealthy, unhappy children don’t learn. At the same time, schools are being asked to do more with less, while also responding to a growing mental and physical health crisis. Our education system must adapt and think differently to meet the needs of pupils and provide the support our educators require. That’s why we’ve invested in wellbeing across the trust – from training Senior Mental Health Leads and Mental Health First Aiders, to launching a confidential wellbeing email helpline and expanding our digital wellbeing library. These are not one-off initiatives. ESW is making a long-term commitment to building schools where everyone feels safe, valued and able to succeed because the evidence is clear: happier teachers and happier children make for better learning environments.

ESW CEO to Help Shape Future of National School Food Policy  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West (ESW), will now represent the region on the national stage, championing the vital role of nutritious, sustainable school food in improving the lives of all children and young people. He has been appointed Chair of the School Food Review, a national coalition of more than 40 organisations working together to improve the school food system in England.  The School Food Review brings together charities, unions, catering organisations, educational bodies and academics, supported by Impact on Urban Health, School Food Matters, Chefs in Schools, Bite Back and The Food Foundation. Its shared vision is simple but ambitious: every child, regardless of where they live, should have the same opportunity to access and enjoy nutritious, delicious and sustainable school food.  Stephanie Slater, Founder and Chief Executive at School Food Matters, said:  “We are delighted to welcome Matthew Shanks as the new chair of the School Food Review. With valuable expertise in the education sector and a strong track record of strategic leadership, Matthew is ideally placed to guide our work.   “Under his leadership, we will continue shaping the government's policy commitments and advancing our mission to champion nutritious, delicious school food for every child."  Naomi Duncan, Chief Executive of Chefs in Schools, added: “Matthew is joining the School Food Review at a pivotal moment. With the upcoming expansion of free school meals, revised school food standards and wider breakfast provision, we have a real opportunity to transform children’s health, wellbeing and readiness to learn.   “Children spend around 190 days a year in school, eating more than half their daily food there, so getting this right matters. Matthew’s education expertise and deep belief in the transformative power of school food will be invaluable as we work together to realise its full potential.”   Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “High-quality school food plays a vital role in supporting children’s health, wellbeing and readiness to learn. When pupils have access to nutritious, sustainable meals, they are better equipped to focus, attend regularly and achieve their potential.   “Working with schools every day, I see how the right support strengthens outcomes for children and makes a meaningful difference for families.”  His appointment comes at a significant moment for school food policy. The government has recently announced that from the 2026 academic year, free school meals will be extended to all children in households receiving Universal Credit. The change is expected to provide more than half a million additional children with a free nutritious meal and lift an estimated 100,000 children out of poverty.  The government has also pledged to review and update the School Food Standards to reflect the latest nutrition guidance and to strengthen monitoring arrangements, alongside its flagship School Breakfast policy.  The School Food Review has played a key role in campaigning for these changes. Recent reports published by the coalition, including The Superpowers of Free School Meals (2025), highlight the wide-ranging benefits of high-quality school food, including improved attendance, higher attainment, better health outcomes and reduced inequalities over a child’s lifetime.  Findings from the breakfast clubs early adopters scheme (2025) further demonstrate the positive impact of free primary breakfast clubs on attendance, wellbeing and readiness to learn, while underlining the need for sustainable funding and clear guidance to ensure quality provision.  As Chair, Matthew will help guide the coalition’s strategic direction, strengthen its voice within the education sector and act as a spokesperson with school leaders and policymakers. The role is voluntary and will sit alongside his leadership of ESW.

Student Leaders Gather for Education South West Leadership Conference  More than 40 student leaders from across Education South West (ESW) schools came together for a Student Leadership Conference hosted at King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) in Totnes this term. Students from KEVICC, Teign School, Coombeshead Academy, Kingsbridge Community College and Dartmouth Academy attended the event.  The event brought together 42 student leaders from year 7 through to year 13, providing an opportunity for young people from different schools to share ideas, develop leadership skills and discuss how student leadership can have a stronger impact in their schools.  The conference featured a range of speakers with experience in leadership. Although Caroline Voaden, MP for South Devon, was unable to attend in person, she delivered a comprehensive video message reflecting on her career in leadership and the lessons she has learned along the way.  Other speakers included Matthew Shanks, ESW CEO and Tom Pether, Sustainability Lead for Education South West, who shared their perspectives on leadership, responsibility and the importance of student voice.  Students from each school also delivered presentations explaining how student leadership operates within their own communities and the positive impact it has on school life.  Following the presentations, students worked in mixed-school groups to explore key questions about leadership, including how schools can make student leadership more impactful and effective, what personal qualities make a strong leader, and what advice they would offer to primary school pupils who aspire to become leaders in the future.  The discussions generated a number of common themes, including raising the profile of student leadership across schools,  increasing student involvement in decision making and creating more opportunities for younger pupils to develop leadership skills.  Students also expressed enthusiasm for more opportunities to connect with fellow student leaders across schools during the year. Plans are now being explored to support this through regular online meetings and collaborative initiatives.  The conference highlighted the growing importance of student voice across Education South West schools and reinforced the trust’s commitment to developing confident, thoughtful young leaders who can make a positive contribution to their communities.  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “It was inspiring to see so many young people from across our schools come together to share ideas and learn from one another. Student leadership plays a vital role in shaping positive school communities, and events like this give students the confidence and platform to have their voices heard. The passion and thoughtfulness shown by the students at the conference demonstrates just how important their contributions are to the future of our schools.”

Dartmouth Academy Brings Stories to Life for World Book Day 2026  Dartmouth Academy celebrated World Book Day 2026 on Thursday 5th March with a day full of excitement, imagination and a love of reading. Pupils arrived at school dressed as their favourite book characters, from unicorns and classic villains to Harry Potter favourites.   Parents and carers were welcomed into the school at the start of the day to share stories with their children. The activity highlighted the importance of reading together and demonstrated how shared reading experiences can inspire a lifelong love of books.  A special highlight of the celebration was a performance by the teachers, who brought a poem in the style of Allan Ahlberg’s Please Mrs Butler to life on stage. Pupils were thrilled to see their teachers perform, combining storytelling, humour and theatrical flair to make reading fun and engaging.  To conclude the day, every child went home with a free book, ensuring that the magic of World Book Day could continue at home and encouraging further reading and storytelling.  Jennifer Tierney, Primary Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:   “World Book Day was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate reading with our whole school community. Seeing the children so enthusiastic about books, and sharing stories with their families and teachers, was truly inspiring. We hope that the books and experiences from today will continue to spark curiosity and a love of reading long after the day has ended.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “World Book Day at Dartmouth Academy was a wonderful celebration of reading and creativity. It’s fantastic to see pupils so engaged and inspired, and to witness the whole school community coming together around books.”

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.”