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.

Teign Community Leaders Breakfast Sparks Collaboration and Ideas for New Hub Community leaders gathered at Teign School this month for the inaugural Teign community leaders breakfast, hosted to shape the priorities of the new Teign community hub. The event brought together representatives from schools, local charities, the NHS, Devon County Council, youth organisations, and local businesses, including the Boxing Academy, Kingsteignton and Rydon Primaries, the Met Office, Bovey Castle, The Fourth CIC, Body Happy, Young Devon, Life Chance Trust, and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Attendees shared insights into local challenges, identified gaps in services, and explored opportunities to develop the hub in a way that best supports children, young people, and families in the area. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration, community input, and innovation in creating services that truly meet local needs. The event included a presentation, interactive discussions, and the opportunity for attendees to provide feedback on how the hub can have the greatest impact. Feedback will be collated and shared with participants, forming the foundation for future meetings and initiatives. The breakfast marks the first step in an ongoing process to build a strong, community-led hub that supports learning, opportunity, and well-being for children and families across Kingsteignton. Lucie Wagner, Head of School at Teign School, said: "It was fantastic to meet so many passionate people at the breakfast. Hearing first-hand from local leaders and exploring ways we can work together to develop the Teign Community Hub was inspiring. This event marks the beginning of a network that will help our community thrive." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: "Collaboration is at the heart of the Teign Community Hub. Bringing local leaders together ensures the hub focuses on the areas that matter most and creates lasting, positive change for the community."

South Devon UTC Inspires Students at Careers and Opportunities Fair  South Devon UTC students gained valuable insight into their future career options during the school’s recent Careers and Opportunities Fair, held this month.  The event was designed to introduce students to the wide range of pathways available after school, with a particular focus on opportunities within engineering and health-related industries. Employers, universities and training providers came together to showcase potential career routes and speak directly with students about their experiences.  Students attended the fair in mixed groups, beginning with year 10, allowing them to explore the event together, share ideas and learn from one another. Year 11 students joined later in the day, bringing further enthusiasm and energy as they explored their next steps after GCSEs.  In preparation for the event, students were given a set of questions to help guide conversations with exhibitors. This encouraged them to think carefully about their ambitions, ask meaningful questions and gather information about the different opportunities available.  Sixth Form students also took part throughout the day, dropping in to speak with employers, universities and training providers about potential progression routes after their studies.  The event created a lively and inspiring atmosphere across the school, with students engaging enthusiastically with representatives from a wide range of organisations and institutions.  Engineering student James said:  “It was great to see such a wide range of organisations here today and to hear about some very interesting career opportunities.”  Another student commented that speaking with representatives from the Royal Navy had helped clarify their future plans, saying: “After chatting with them today I now know what I want to do.”  The fair welcomed representatives from a wide range of organisations including universities, NHS services, training providers and major employers such as Network Rail, Babcock International, Kier Infrastructure, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force.  Universities including Bath Spa University, Oxford Brookes University, the University of South Wales, Aberystwyth University and the University of Plymouth were also present, offering advice on higher education pathways. The college regularly works with employers and industry partners to ensure students are well prepared for the next stage of their education or career, helping them develop the knowledge, skills and connections needed to succeed in the world of work.  Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said:  “Events like our Careers and Opportunities Fair are incredibly important in helping students see the wide range of pathways open to them. By bringing employers, universities and training providers directly into the college, students can ask questions, build confidence and start to picture what their future might look like. It was fantastic to see the level of curiosity and enthusiasm from our students as they spoke with professionals from so many different sectors.  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “Connecting students with employers and industry partners is a vital part of preparing young people for the world beyond school. South Devon UTC’s Careers and Opportunities Fair is a great example of how meaningful experiences and conversations can inspire ambition and help students understand the many routes available to them. We are grateful to all the organisations who gave their time to support and inspire our students.”

Live Theatre Performance Inspires Students at South Devon UTC  South Devon UTC welcomed theatre company Narrative Alchemy for a powerful live performance this month on the theme of respect.  The production used storytelling and professional stage performance to explore important themes around relationships and personal responsibility. Delivered directly within the college environment, the performance provided students with the opportunity to experience live theatre while engaging with thought provoking ideas relevant to their everyday lives.  Through strong acting and compelling storytelling, the performance captured students’ attention and encouraged meaningful reflection on the importance of positive attitudes and respectful interactions.  The visit formed part of South Devon UTC’s wider commitment to supporting students’ personal development alongside their technical and academic studies.  Narrative Alchemy is run by Co-artistic directors Gemma Paget and Sean McGrath, who have built a shared career exploring storytelling and the human experience through theatre. They founded AlterEgo Creative Solutions, a theatre-in-education company whose productions addressing social issues reached hundreds of thousands of young people. Drawing on this experience, they launched their latest venture, Narrative Alchemy, which explores the transformative power of drama and story.  Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said:  “We were delighted to welcome Narrative Alchemy to the college. The performance was engaging, thought provoking and delivered important messages in a way that really resonated with our students. Opportunities like this help bring learning to life and support the personal development of our young people.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “Experiences such as this show how creative arts can play an important role in education. Live performances can challenge perspectives, spark discussion and help young people reflect on their own actions and values. We are pleased that students at South Devon UTC had the opportunity to take part in such a meaningful experience.”

Dartmouth Academy Pupils Explore Local Landscapes in Creative Environmental Project  Pupils from Dartmouth Academy joined students from King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) and local artists for an innovative environmental project celebrating the region’s landscapes this term.  The project encouraged young people to explore their local environment and express their experiences through creative arts. Pupils visited Beesands to discuss storm damage and the costs of repairs, and they took part in a range of Forest School-inspired activities including fire making, archery, mud kitchen activities, and various crafts.   As a final task, groups created mixed-media compositions imagining what the local landscape should look like in 50 years. Pupils then presented their ideas to peers and National Landscape staff, who are collecting this “youth voice” as part of broader environmental consultation. Unanimously, pupils expressed a desire for a rural setting with fewer buildings, less concrete, and reduced human impact, with a strong focus on self-sustainability.  The project was closely aligned with Dartmouth Academy’s Art and Design curriculum, allowing pupils to develop their skills across multiple media and techniques while engaging in meaningful conversations about creativity, environment, and sustainability.  Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: "This project has been a fantastic way for our pupils to connect with the environment around them and express their creativity. Working with local artists and students from KEVICC has given them a fresh perspective on both art and the natural world. It’s inspiring to see their enthusiasm and ideas come to life while also applying the skills and thinking developed through our Art and Design curriculum."  Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, added: "It’s wonderful to see our students using their creativity to engage with the world around them. This project demonstrates how art can be a powerful tool for exploring environmental themes, developing both practical skills and critical thinking. By collaborating with local artists and fellow students, our young people are learning to see, interpret, and respond to their surroundings in a meaningful way, experiences that will stay with them long beyond the classroom."