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April 2023

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  • Plymouth School receives first ‘Good’ Ofsted rating in its history

    Published 27/04/23

    All Saints Academy in Plymouth celebrates an exceptional year!

    The school received its best ever Year 11 outcomes, is significantly over subscribed with Year 7 applications and has now been recognised as ‘Good’ by Ofsted for the first time in the school’s history.

    The report, published today, is incredibly positive. Inspectors recognised the school’s rich and interesting curriculum and its “relentless drive to establish a culture in which everyone can fulfil their potential”, reflecting their deep commitment to serving the local community and its families. This Ofsted grading is the culmination of years of hard work and the school are keen to recognise the debt of gratitude to all who have been part of our legacy over the years, in particular the local community in Honicknowle and Ham who have supported the changes the school has made in recent years.

    Having joined the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust in January 2021, All Saints Academy, the only Church of England secondary academy in Plymouth, has been supported in its journey of school improvement with investment and advocacy. It works in partnership with 13 partner schools in the Trust to share best practice across all aspects of school life for the benefit of students across the region. In alignment with Trust values, staff were commended by Ofsted for their commitment to social justice and their belief that no child’s future should be limited by economic status. The 2022 results were the best ever for the school, placing it in the top 3 most improved schools in the South West since 2019 when it was last inspected by Ofsted as ‘requiring improvement’.

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said “This report is a testament to the work the amazing team at All Saints has done for several years now. I could not be prouder of this wonderful school and its community, and we know that All Saints will continue to go from strength to strength. We are so excited for the future and All Saints' outstanding partnership with its local schools and across Plymouth.”

    Ofsted inspectors who visited the school in March 2023 noted the school’s values of ‘Love, Legacy, and Bravery’ shone through interactions with students, who were described as “bold” and being able to “strike up conversation confidently”. Students also talked about the support they get moving into post-16 destinations, especially around careers and it is clear from the report that pupils “think about the legacy they are building for themselves”.

    This ambitious School is already making plans to be ‘Outstanding’.  Headteacher Scott Simpson-Horne notes “This Ofsted result is the culmination of an incredible amount of hard work from our students, staff and partners. At All Saints we believe in the transformational power of education and are committed to helping our students achieve their dreams, whether it’s to be the first in their family to go to university or the first to own their own business. I am incredibly proud to lead this school, and look forward to our continued success”.

    The full Ofsted report can be found here. 
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  • St Luke’s Church of England School students live life to the full

    Published 26/04/23

    St Luke’s Church of England School has recently been graded good by a recent SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) report, with the Inspector commenting on how the school’s vision of ensuring all students live life to the full motivates and energises all students and how the school’s values enable its community to live well together.

    The SIAMS inspection, which took place prior to the Easter break, plays a significant part in Church Schools and is used to consider how well a school uses its Christian distinctiveness, the inspector comments “Pupils and adults flourish at St Luke’s”. The Inspector went on to say; “Students display hope and aspiration for themselves and for their community with this being evident through their learning as well as through the impact of their courageous advocacy and charitable contributions.”

    The school, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, works tirelessly to ensure they have the highest expectations of students and sets a positive balance of being both academically rigorous and nurturing and caring. The report highlights how its vision and values are lived out daily through positive interactions and comments on how staff exercise a sensitive and aspirational combination of care and rigour. The School’s approach to learning is described as being ambitious, carefully planned and structured thus enabling all students to show and grow their understanding. The extensive pastoral programme, enrichment and student leadership were also acknowledged as being key areas of strength for the school. The inspectors also noted the resolute support the school receives from the Ted Wragg Trust and Exeter Diocese and the discernible impact this has on the school community.

    Kealy Sherwood, Headteacher said “We are so proud to be a Church School and to have our work recognised in such a positive way is a true testament to the way in which we have worked together as a community of students, parents, staff and Governors. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you everyone within the St Luke’s school community for their unrelenting support and to congratulate our students who are our very best ambassadors.”

    The full report can be found on the St Luke’s Church of England School website here.

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  • West Exe School awarded national anti-bullying award

    Published 24/04/23

    West Exe School have gained a national anti-bullying silver award from the Anti-Bullying Quality Mark UK (ABQM-UK)  to recognise that anti-bullying has been embedded in life at school. The remarkable efforts of the school team, made up of students, staff, parents and governors, meant their application for a bronze award was upgraded to silver during the review process.

    The ABQM-UK award challenges schools to demonstrate their effectiveness in anti-bullying and the prevention of harassment. School communities that gain the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards can show that:

    • Children and young people come to school without the fear of being bullied or harassed
    • Staff members respond to all aspects of bullying behaviour and harassment with confidence
    • Families are confident that they know who to approach about bullying and harassment and that it will be dealt with efficiently and effectively.

    Julie Fossey, Headteacher comments “We are so proud of our anti-bullying ambassadors for being fundamental in achieving The Anti-Bullying Quality Mark - Silver award. This award is testament to the caring and nurturing environment the staff work so hard to create each and every day, and the support from parent and carer advocates.”

    At their last inspection in June 2022, Ofsted stated: ‘At West Exe Pupils’ mental health and wellbeing is a priority and pupils know how to stay safe and keep safe online’. 

    West Exe School, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, has embedded a school Anti-Bullying Strategy.  The team at West-Exe will now be looking to share best practice and advice with partner schools across the Trust, as they do across all aspects of school life for the benefit of students across the region.

    Students, parent and carers have been actively involved in the development of positive relationships in the school, supported by staff who tailor bullying prevention to individuals and their circumstances. Together they have embedded this into the culture of the school and its routinely reinforced through assemblies and flagship events like anti-bullying week.

    Student anti-bullying ambassadors have received accredited Diana Award training so that they are prepare and equip with the skills they need to support students who had been bullied or were experiencing friendship difficulties.

    A year 10 student from West Exe said; “I have enjoyed my role as a student anti-bullying ambassador; the training we have been given on how to support others and avoid being a bystander has been very helpful.”

    Parent advocates have worked closely with us and the community to support the school, parents and students. We are particularly grateful to Paula Northway for her work with us triangulating communication with the wider community, the creation of a range of advice leaflets as well as for running the ‘You are not alone Café’.

    Staff anti-bullying champions who meet with students on a regular basis, ensure student voices are listened to and that areas raised as a concern are reviewed, revised and developed to mitigate/minimise future occurrence.   

    Emma Gulliver, Senior leader at West Exe comments; “Many of our children will not experience bullying, nor will they know the full story behind the actions we take and the work going on. This award helps us to celebrate all the great work we do that will be unnoticed to most. The ABQM-UK's support has helped us with our self-evaluation and will continue to be instrumental in our efforts, as we work towards the Gold award!” 

    This award is a recognition of the inclusive school culture developed by staff, students, parents and governors. It has been an exceptional year for West Exe, who were awarded a ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted in their last visit in June 2022. 7 out of 10 students left West Exe last year with a grade 5 or above in both English and Maths, achieving some of the highest progress score in the South West. We could not be prouder of them.

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April 2023

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