Kier Construction Welcomes Newton Abbot Students for Inspiring Workplace Experience  Engineering students from South Devon UTC enjoyed a valuable and engaging workplace experience recently as they visited Kier Construction in Lifton. The visit offered students a rare opportunity to see engineering in action at a live water‑infrastructure project, where a new pump station for the River Lyd is currently under construction.  During the visit, twelve students took part in a full site tour, gaining a close-up look at the scale, complexity and precision involved in major construction work. They also took part in a hands-on activity linked to real engineering challenges, helping them connect classroom learning with practical application.  The day continued with a careers talk from members of the Kier team, who shared insights into the wide range of roles within the construction and engineering sectors. Students rounded off the visit with a Q&A session, asking thoughtful questions about pathways into the industry, apprenticeships and future opportunities.  Kier Construction is one of the UK’s leading infrastructure and construction companies, delivering major projects across transport, utilities, education and public services. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and community partnership, Kier plays a key role in shaping essential infrastructure nationwide.  Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said:  “Experiences like this are invaluable, they help students see how engineering shapes the world around them. It was fantastic to watch their confidence grow as they engaged with professionals on site.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “Providing students with direct access to industry is at the heart of what we do at the UTC. Opportunities like this ignite ambition, broaden horizons and help young people understand the incredible careers that engineering can offer. We are grateful to Kier Construction for giving our students such an inspiring and memorable experience.”

Ofsted Praises Rydon Primary's Ambitious Curriculum and Inclusive Ethos   Pupils and staff at Rydon Primary are celebrating after receiving their Ofsted report following a recent inspection.  The school met the ‘expected standard’ in the categories of achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, early years provision and leadership and governance. Their personal development and wellbeing offer was graded at a ‘strong standard’  with inspectors saying that leaders have designed an extensive personal development programme, expertly tailored to the school’s context and that leaders are relentless in their pursuit of equality.  The wide range of opportunities the school provides for pupils was a focus in the report with inspectors commenting that beyond the classroom, pupils enjoy a wide range of clubs, curriculum trips and enrichment activities. A wide range of rewards, particularly the school’s ‘11 by 11’ strategy, broadens pupils’ experiences. For example, forest school sessions enable pupils to develop new skills in an outdoor environment.  The school was also described as inclusive with the report noting that staff routinely adapt learning activities to ensure that pupils with SEND are able to access the same curriculum as their peers.  The report states that pupils take pride in being part of Rydon Primary School, they attend regularly, behave well and benefit from a wide range of experiences and that the school values of 'aspiration, resilience, responsibility and teamwork' and groups such as the 'Rydon reps' help build a school where younger pupils aspire to be like their older peers.  The progress that the school has made was highlighted in the report, with inspectors saying that the school, supported by the trust, has moved at pace to establish an ambitious curriculum and that leaders have ensured that the curriculum is carefully sequenced so that pupils build their knowledge well over time.   Inspectors concluded that pupils take pride in the school's welcoming ethos, where anyone and everyone belongs and that this is a direct result of the securely embedded school values that pupils live and breathe. Inspectors recognised that pupils share their views and influence school life through the school council, helping to improve experiences for others.  Staff were also singled out for praise with the report saying that leaders develop positive relationships with families and pupils.   Other comments in the report included:  Pupils make a difference as positive members of the community. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education. Pupils display positive attitudes to learning and staff know pupils well. Rydon Primary is an inclusive school. Leaders value strong relationships with families and work closely with them. Parents and carers express support for the school, and positive relationships between staff and parents contribute to pupils’ wellbeing. Parents typically describe the school as a very happy place to be. Danny Brown, Headteacher at Rydon Primary, said:    "We are incredibly proud of this report because it reflects the hard work, dedication and commitment of our pupils and staff. It is particularly pleasing to see Ofsted recognise the progress we have made in developing an ambitious curriculum, our strong personal development offer and the positive attitudes our pupils show every day. The report celebrates what makes Rydon special, our values, our sense of community and our belief that everyone belongs. We see this report as part of our journey and as a springboard to achieve even more for our children going forward.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said:  "This is a fantastic report for Rydon Primary. What stands out most is the culture that has been created, one where pupils are proud of their school and are encouraged to contribute positively to their community. "We are delighted that Ofsted recognised the pace of improvement at the school and the positive impact of the partnership between Rydon Primary and Education South West. We look forward to supporting the school as it continues to build on this success." 

Kingsbridge Community College Comes Together to Champion Wellbeing During Mental Health Awareness Week  Kingsbridge Community College recently marked Mental Health Awareness Week with a wide range of engaging and supportive activities led by the college’s dedicated Sixth Form Mental Health Ambassadors and student leadership team.  Throughout the week, students took part in a variety of events designed to encourage conversation, connection and wellbeing. Activities included a calming yoga session, creative arts activities, a successful bake sale and a series of wellbeing drop-in opportunities for students to access support and talk openly about mental health.  At KCC, mental health education and wellbeing remain a priority throughout the entire academic year. Students are regularly encouraged to understand the importance of looking after their own wellbeing, while also learning how to support others within the college community.  The college’s Sixth Form Mental Health Ambassadors play an important role across the school, mentoring students in years 7 to 11 through valuable one-to-one peer support, as well as leading wellbeing events, initiatives and clubs throughout the year.  Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:  “Mental Health Awareness Week was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the supportive and caring culture we continue to build at KCC. I am incredibly proud of our Sixth Form student leaders and Mental Health Ambassadors for the enthusiasm, compassion and leadership they showed throughout the week. The wellbeing of our students will always remain a key priority, and it was wonderful to see so many students engaging positively with the activities on offer.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “It is inspiring to see students taking such an active role in promoting positive mental health and supporting one another. Initiatives like these demonstrate the strength of the KCC community and the importance of creating environments where every young person feels valued, supported and heard. My thanks go to all staff and students involved in making the week such a success.”

Wynstream Primary School Celebrates Pupil’s BMX Success on International and National Stage  Wynstream Primary School is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of one of its pupils, Oliver Bridle, who is making an exciting impact in the world of BMX racing both in the UK and across Europe.  In the recent school holidays, Oliver travelled to the Netherlands to compete in a European BMX round in Tiel, tackling the challenging track for the very first time. Despite initial nerves, he quickly found his confidence and impressed with his determination and skill, securing an outstanding first-place finish on day one, followed by second place on day two.  Building on this success, Oliver returned to the UK to compete in the opening rounds of the national BMX series in Manchester. Continuing his strong form, he achieved second place on day one before claiming first place on day two, setting a new personal best time. Oliver’s achievements place him in a strong position as he works towards an ambitious goal: qualifying within the top 14 riders nationally in his age group to be considered for selection to represent Great Britain at the 2027 World Championships.  His dedication and passion for the sport reflect the values encouraged at Wynstream Primary School and his success has been a source of pride and inspiration for the whole school community.  Elise Redman, Headteacher at Wynstream Primary School, said:  “We are incredibly proud of Oliver and all he has achieved so far. His commitment and enthusiasm are truly inspiring, and it is wonderful to see him representing both his school and community on such an exciting stage. We look forward to following his journey and cheering him on as he continues to pursue his goals.”  Oliver Bridle said:  "I love BMX because it is a sport that is fun and I have good friends from. I love both the competition and winning, and I've won lots!"

South Devon UTC Headteacher Recognised in National Teaching Awards  Claire Plumb, headteacher at South Devon UTC has been named a Bronze Winner in the Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School category at the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards.  Founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam, the awards celebrate excellence in education and recognise the vital role that teachers and school leaders play in transforming the lives of young people.  Claire has been recognised for her exceptional leadership in driving sustained transformation at South Devon UTC, one of the most complex secondary settings in the South West. When the college faced possible closure following the pandemic, Claire led a bold recovery strategy focused on employability, inclusion and high expectations.  Since 2020, student numbers have grown nine-fold, from just 10 year 10 students to more than 90 expected in September 2026. This growth reflects renewed confidence in the college’s specialist offer and the strength of Claire’s leadership.  Claire’s approach is rooted in removing barriers. From introducing phonics for older students with low reading ages, to guaranteeing work experience for every pupil and embedding wellbeing at the heart of the curriculum, her leadership ensures that all students are supported to succeed.  Ofsted has recognised the impact of this work, noting the difference the UTC makes to students’ lives, with students themselves speaking openly about how the college has transformed their confidence, aspirations and future pathways.  Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said:  "I am incredibly proud of our students and staff, and this recognition really belongs to them. At South Devon UTC, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, whatever their starting point. It is a privilege to lead a team so committed to breaking down barriers and helping students build confidence, gain qualifications and move on to meaningful futures."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  "Claire’s leadership is nothing short of transformational. She has taken a college facing significant challenges and created a thriving, purposeful environment where all young people can succeed. Her unwavering commitment to inclusion, employability and high expectations has ensured that every student leaves with real opportunities for the future. We are incredibly proud of her achievement and the difference she continues to make."

Wynstream Primary School Celebrates Governor’s Recognition at Buckingham Palace Garden Party    Wynstream Primary School is delighted to celebrate the recognition of Carol Willis, a long-standing member of its school community, who was recently invited to attend a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in acknowledgement of her exceptional contribution to public service, education, and community leadership.  Carol, alongside her husband Trevor, attended the prestigious event, which brings together individuals from across the country who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their communities. The invitation reflects her decades of commitment to Wynstream Primary School, where she continues to serve as a valued governor and volunteer.  After 38 years of dedicated service at Wynstream Primary School, Carol recently retired, leaving behind an exceptional legacy. What began as a parent helper role quickly grew into a lifelong career in education, with Carol becoming one of the first Higher Level Teaching Assistants and then became a trusted, highly skilled teacher.  Known for her warmth, patience and unwavering commitment to children, Carol has made a lasting impact, particularly supporting pupils with the most complex needs and helping to create calm, nurturing environments where they can thrive. She also played a key role in developing the school’s music hub, extending opportunities for children across the wider community.  The Buckingham Palace Garden Party celebrates individuals who have made a significant difference in their communities, recognising excellence in public service, education and voluntary work across the UK.  Elise Redman, Headteacher at Wynstream Primary School, said:  “We are incredibly proud of Carol and this very well-deserved recognition. Her commitment to Wynstream over so many years, both as a teacher, governor and volunteer, has had a lasting and positive impact on our school community. This honour reflects everything she has given to support our children and families.”

South Devon UTC Student Completes Final Ten Tors challenge After Four-Year Achievement Journey  South Devon UTC is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of one of its students, Ed Taplin, who has successfully completed the Ten Tors 55-mile event, marking the culmination of a remarkable four-year journey.  Ed’s participation in the challenging Ten Tors expedition has seen him cover more than 180 miles in total, completing all three official distances of the event while developing resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills. Over the past four years, Ed’s Ten Tors journey includes:  2023 (age 14): Completed the 35-mile event with Teign School in a finish time of 15:50 2024 (age 15): Completed the 45-mile event with Teign School in a finish time of 16:10 2025 (age 16): Volunteered in training support before stepping in to complete a second 45-mile team, improving his time to 10:38 2026: Completed the 55-mile event with Sea Moor Explore in a finish time of 14:13  Throughout this period, Ed has trained and walked alongside Teign School and Sea Moor Explore while studying at South Devon UTC, balancing academic commitments with one of the UK’s most demanding outdoor challenges. Staff at South Devon UTC have praised Ed’s dedication and perseverance over the course of his Ten Tors journey, highlighting the wider value of such experiences in developing confident and capable young people.  The Ten Tors challenge is widely recognised as one of the UK’s most demanding youth expeditions, testing navigation, endurance, and teamwork across Dartmoor’s challenging terrain.  Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said:  “We are incredibly proud of Ed’s achievement in completing the Ten Tors 55-mile challenge, which represents the culmination of four years of dedication, resilience, and personal growth. His commitment to training, teamwork, and perseverance across increasingly demanding expeditions is exceptional.  Experiences like Ten Tors develop far more than physical endurance. They build confidence, leadership, and determination, all of which are qualities we value highly at South Devon UTC. Ed’s journey is a brilliant example of what can be achieved through consistency, hard work, and a willingness to take on a challenge.”  Ed Taplin said:  “By never giving up when facing these events, repeatedly attempting to understand the complexity of the moorland, and constantly adapting to the ever-changing weather, I have found these challenges in no way easy. However, by consistently working together with new people, I found that from completing the Ten Tors, I have been able to walk away with key skills such as teamwork, leadership, commitment, and resilience. These multiple events, and many training experiences have truly shaped the person I am today.”

Dartmouth Academy Pupils Earn Sailing Certificates After 102-Mile Ocean Adventure  Pupils at Dartmouth Academy have returned from an unforgettable sailing expedition after completing a 102-mile voyage aboard Prolific with the Ocean Youth Trust.  Fifteen year 9 students embarked on the adventure taking part in an intensive week of sail training despite challenging weather conditions across the Solent. During the voyage, pupils learned essential sailing skills including steering, winch handling, passage planning and radio communication, while navigating strong winds of up to 33 knots.  The group travelled from Southampton to Cowes, Gosport and Yarmouth, experiencing overnight stays on board and taking responsibility for key elements of the journey. The trip culminated in a night pilotage exercise back to Southampton, where pupils safely navigated busy shipping routes and challenging conditions.  Throughout the week, students demonstrated teamwork and determination, with every participant successfully achieving their RYA Start Yachting certificate. For many pupils, the expedition marked their first time away from home and outside Devon, making the achievement even more significant.  The school has thanked Ocean Youth Trust for delivering the experience and the Royal Dart Youth Sailing Trust (RDYST) for fully funding the expedition, enabling pupils to access opportunities they may otherwise never have experienced.  Dartmouth Academy continues to work closely with RDYST to provide sailing and water-based activities that broaden horizons, build confidence and enrich the lives of pupils across the school.  Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  “This voyage was an incredible opportunity for our pupils to develop confidence, independence and teamwork in a completely new environment. They showed tremendous courage and maturity throughout the week, particularly in such challenging sailing conditions, and we are immensely proud of everything they achieved.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “Experiences like this can have a lasting impact on young people. Beyond the sailing skills, our pupils developed resilience, communication and self-belief while stepping far outside their comfort zones. We are extremely grateful to Ocean Youth Trust and RDYST for helping to make such transformational opportunities possible for our students.”

Roger King honoured for 50 years of service to Ten Tors Ten Tors has recognised one of its most dedicated volunteers, Roger King, with a Tungsten Award for an extraordinary 50 years of service supporting young people taking part in the event and its training programmes. Roger first began training Ten Tors teams in 1973 while working at Westlands School in Torquay. In the early 1980s he moved to Kingsbridge Community College, where he continued to lead Ten Tors training until his retirement. Far from stepping back, Roger has continued to support both Kingsbridge Community College and Horizons Youth Centre, returning year after year to help prepare teams for the demanding Dartmoor challenge. Over five decades, Roger has been involved in every Ten Tors event or training cycle since 1973, serving in a range of roles including team manager, Environmental Compliance Monitor, and more recently as a checkpoint marshal. In each role, he has shared his extensive knowledge of Dartmoor, navigation, and outdoor safety with generations of young people. His impact goes far beyond logistics and training. Roger has helped to inspire confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of the outdoors in thousands of students. His calm guidance, deep experience and ongoing commitment have made him a familiar and highly respected figure within the Ten Tors community. Now 79, Roger’s dedication continues to be felt across every training season, as he supports staff and students with the same enthusiasm he brought to the role more than half a century ago. Speaking at the award presentation, colleagues highlighted the lasting legacy of his work and the countless young people who have benefited from his time, patience and encouragement. The Tungsten Award recognises exceptional long-term commitment to Ten Tors, and Roger’s 50 years of service represents one of the most remarkable contributions in the event’s history.

Christow Primary School Celebrates Outstanding Fundraising Success at Colour Run Event   Christow Primary School is celebrating the outstanding success of its recent Colour Run event, which brought together pupils, staff, families and members of the local community for a vibrant day of fun and fundraising.  The exciting event, organised by the school’s pupil-led school council with support from the PTFA, raised an impressive £3,770.20, with additional contributions still expected through Gift Aid.  A Colour Run is a non-competitive event where participants walk, jog or run around a course while being showered with brightly coloured powder along the route. Designed to focus on participation, enjoyment and inclusivity, the event concluded with a celebratory colour throw, creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.  Demonstrating their compassion and community spirit, members of the school council chose to donate £1,000 of the funds raised to Little Valley Animal Shelter to support its ongoing work caring for vulnerable animals in need.  The remaining funds will support the PTFA in providing enriching opportunities, activities and experiences for pupils across the school. Christow Primary School would like to thank everyone who took part, donated and supported the event.   Ms Amy Yeo, Headteacher at Christow Primary School said:  “We are incredibly proud of our pupils for organising such a joyful and successful event. The colour run truly captured the spirit of our school community, bringing everyone together while raising an amazing amount for both the school and a cause close to the children’s hearts. It was a fantastic example of teamwork, creativity and compassion in action.”   Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “This is a wonderful achievement by Christow Primary School. Events like this show the power of pupil leadership and community collaboration, while also supporting valuable local charities such as Little Valley Animal Shelter. The enthusiasm and generosity shown by everyone involved is truly inspiring.”