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Our Trust of Schools

Testimonials

Hear direct from our staff about the supportive, inclusive and collaborative culture at the Ted Wragg Trust.  

  • Alex Druce

    Asst Senior Headteacher

  • Matt Sims

    Teacher, Tor Bridge High School

  • Dilber Erdogan

    School Technician West Exe School

  • Krisha Gandhi

    Head of Primary and Deputy Head of Campus, Cranbrook Education Campus

  • Richard Claydon

    Associate Senior Leader

  • Amy Warmington

    Teacher Tor Bridge High School

  • Harriet Smith

    Head of Business Support, Isca Academy

  • Helen Trivett

    Receptionist, Isca Academy

  • Bec Gillchrest

    Head of Year 10, Isca Academy

  • Andrea Gambie

    Senior Finance Assistant, Ted Wragg Shared Services 

  • Natash Smart

    Local Governance Coordinator - Ted Wragg Shared Services 

  • Sarah Bridge

    Tor Bridge High School

Alex Druce

Asst Senior Headteacher

Alex Druce, Assistant Senior Headteacher– Marine Academy Primary

I have had the privilege of teaching at Marine Academy Primary for 7 years, which has enabled me to fulfil a fundamental role in shaping the futures of our young people and supporting them to have ambitious life aspirations. The opportunity to develop and innovate a high-quality curriculum that is providing students across the Trust with the knowledge and skills critical for success has been incredibly rewarding, with children firmly placed at the centre of everything that has been implemented. In addition, the Ted Wragg Trust empowers progressive career development, and I believe that the opportunities I have been offered to facilitate my personal growth in recent years have been transformational. It is in my nature to refrain from standing still and the support that I have received from colleagues has continually challenged me to strive for an even higher quality of education for all of our young people. 

Matt Sims

Teacher, Tor Bridge High School

Matt Sims - Teacher, Tor Bridge High School
 

Working for the Ted Wragg Trust has ignited a new level of ambition and determination within me.  

I felt welcomed into a supportive community that genuinely values its staff and is deeply committed to giving all students the highest quality education. Each day is an opportunity to work alongside great leaders and like-minded colleagues who are equally passionate about ensuring that every student achieves their best possible outcomes. 

Since joining the Trust, I have never felt so driven in my career. The Trust’s emphasis on high-quality professional development is exceptional. I have had the opportunity to develop my own leadership skills through tailored training and growth opportunities, and I’ve felt fully supported in taking the next steps in my career.  

Ted Wragg Trust has an unwavering commitment to fostering an inspiring environment where excellence in education is a shared goal. We collaborate, innovate, and support one another in creating dynamic learning experiences, which ultimately helps our students thrive. Knowing that I am part of a trust that prioritises both staff development and student success is incredibly fulfilling. 

I wholeheartedly recommend the Ted Wragg Trust to anyone seeking a meaningful and rewarding career in education. Here, you’ll find not just a job, but a driven community that fuels your passion and ambition, allowing you to make a real difference within education.  

Dilber Erdogan

School Technician West Exe School

Dilber Erdogan - School Technician West Exe School

I started my journey at West Exe School in 2016 as an invigilator, and I joined the team full-time in 2021 as a General Food Technician. From the beginning, it was clear that this was a special place to work. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to grow professionally and personally, thanks to the school’s supportive atmosphere and collaborative culture.  

In my role, I assist teachers across different key stages, ensuring that practical lessons run smoothly from start to finish.  Whether it’s preparing materials or helping students during the lessons, I know my contributions are valued, and it feels incredibly rewarding to play such an important part in their learning experiences. 

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is supporting students from diverse backgrounds. I help them adapt to the school environment and support with language skills, which has strengthened my connections with various departments. This cross-collaboration has not only enriched my role but also given me the chance to learn from different teams and contribute to the success of the wider school community.  

The atmosphere at West Exe School is truly amazing. I feel like a valued part of a hardworking and ambitions team, and the respect and support from my colleagues make it a place where I can continue to grow. I’m proud to be a part of such a dedicated and inclusive environment. 

Krisha Gandhi

Head of Primary and Deputy Head of Campus, Cranbrook Education Campus

Krisha Gandhi - Head of Primary and Deputy Head of Campus, Cranbrook Education Campus

I applied for the Ted Wragg Trust Future Headteacher programme as it was a great opportunity to join a Trust who are community-focussed and have an ambitious nature. Since being appointed, I have participated in the SW100 programme, undertaken my NPQH, attended the Trust’s own Leadership Development Programme and have even been seconded to the outstanding Dixons Academies Trust. I've also had access to bespoke, professional coaching sessions which has played a truly reflective and transformational role in my growth as a Senior Leader. 

The Future Headteacher programme allowed me to develop at a rapid rate through hands-on, practical and lived opportunities but has also celebrated the unique strengths that I can bring to the team. This is more than just a career opportunity or your typical CPD; it was a is a truly transformational experience. 

Richard Claydon

Associate Senior Leader

Richard Claydon - Associate Senior Leader, West Exe School

I’ve had the privilege of working at West Exe School for the past seven years, beginning as a newly qualified teacher and growing into my current role as an Associate Senior Leader. Throughout my journey, I have received continuous support through thoughtful and effective line management, which has been instrumental in helping me identify areas for professional growth. The development opportunities provided by the Ted Wragg Institute have further enriched my career, allowing me to access valuable training sessions and connect with a network of like-minded professionals, all of which have helped me realise my full potential.   

Being part of a trust that truly prioritises staff development creates a positive and collaborative work environment. I’m constantly inspired by the motivated colleagues around me, and the culture of support has made every step of my professional journey rewarding. Working alongside passionate individuals in a setting where personal and professional growth is encouraged makes every day fulfilling, and I am proud to be part of such a dynamic team. 

Amy Warmington

Teacher Tor Bridge High School

Amy Warmington - Teacher Tor Bridge High School

I was quoted by one close colleague who said "I'm just aspiring to be as inspirational as you!  Changing the face of something one day at a time." This embodies who we are at Ted Wragg as we are committed to inspiring others through being relentlessly positive to encourage each of us to become our best selves evidenced in our day-to-day interactions and practices.  By fostering growth in both staff and students, we shape great people who are equipped to make the world a better place.  

 Since joining the Trust, I have been both inspired and supported in advancing my career and making a meaningful contribution to the Tor Bridge High School community, especially during a time when I was contemplating leaving the profession. I’m thrilled to begin my NPQ in Leading Teaching, as it offers an incredible opportunity to develop my leadership skills and make a meaningful impact within our school community bringing new insights and strategies back to our team to inspire and support our shared goals. 

 Working collaboratively with the Sparx Reader and Sparx Science Leads has been a fantastic example of how we can empower each other and inspire collective growth by sharing ideas and resources.  Through our passionate leadership, we’re making a positive impact by enhancing student participation and experience across the Sparx platforms. We are focusing particularly on rewarding students consistently getting it right and encouraging students to inspire each other and have pride in their Sparx learning. 

Harriet Smith

Head of Business Support, Isca Academy

Harriet Smith - Head of Business Support, Isca Academy

I love coming to work because it leaves me with such a great sense of purpose. The variety of the day is exciting and you are never short of reminders as to why we do what we do, primarily ensuring that children gets the very best deal in their education and their school experience as a whole. To be even a tiny part of that is the biggest privilege.

The coaching offered to me on a daily basis by my line manager is invaluable, it comes in many different packages from subtle words of encouragement and reassurance to larger long-term plans and goals filled with advice and guidance on how I can achieve and grow. This has been backed up with additional coaching at Trust level, which has left me feeling humbled and eager to develop.

I recently attended my first Business Leads Networking meeting and to say I was left inspired was an understatement, it’s incredible to see each individual show such passion and enthusiasm for their field from Finance to HR, Compliance to Health & Safety, but I have to say I was left most inspired by Ben McGowan. His subtle and calm approach was something to be admired, he has a clear passion for what he does, an openness to embrace change and progress, to listen to ideas and I came away after a long and full day buzzing with ideas. 

Helen Trivett

Receptionist, Isca Academy

Helen Trivett - Receptionist, Isca Academy

I love working at Isca, because of the care and shared passion of everyone working here. To give and to do their best in support of the students, families and colleagues, to have a positive day and move forward together. It is never a chore to come to work it can be challenging yes, but more so, very rewarding!

The excellent training I received initially and ongoing, whether it was formal, inspired or shared experience training has been so informative, interesting and helps me understand the requirements of the educational world of today. This way I can feel confident in what I do and say, knowing that it is for the benefit of all involved.

I can honestly say I have felt inspired on so many occasions. Firstly, by my line manager, a ball of energy, professional, approachable at all times and totally dedicated. By so many colleagues demonstrating their flexibility, and willingness, to listen and to be heard, whether you are staff, students, carers or parents – the inclusivity is an inspiration in itself. As far as myself inspiring anyone – I would hope that I inspire others with the ability to be kind, resilient and remind everyone to be ‘kind to themselves’.

Bec Gillchrest

Head of Year 10, Isca Academy

Bec Gillchrest - Head of Year 10, Isca Academy

There is a great culture and ethos at Isca and I absolutely love being part of this. Our students embody our trust values and are a huge strength to our community. I really love how the culture of teamwork is continuing to develop and helps me to think of others and look at the wider picture when I am making decisions.

The Trust offers superb opportunities for networking and development. Going to the Trust Awards this year really inspired me and gave me the drive to think about how to develop and enable other staff with their careers.

Andrea Gambie

Senior Finance Assistant, Ted Wragg Shared Services 

Andrea Gambie - Senior Finance Assistant, Ted Wragg Shared Services 

I have been working in the central finance team for 2 ½ years after working in one of the trust primary schools for 6 years.  I love coming to work because I enjoy being surrounded by so many inspirational colleagues.  The office has a great atmosphere with everyone working collaboratively to provide the best service to all our schools across our shared services teams. Working with the different enablement services, who all share the same passion to transform lives, really makes you feel like you are making a difference. 

Part of what I love about my job is the number of opportunities there are for growth and development.  I am well supported in my individual career aspirations but there is also a variety of network meetings and professional development sessions which help me to feel that I am always developing my skills.

I lead a team of finance assistants, and we support school business officers to complete the finance aspects of their roles.  I have been inspired by other team leaders around me to support my team and to develop strategies to help them feel happy in their role to ensure I play a part in growing great people.

Natash Smart

Local Governance Coordinator - Ted Wragg Shared Services 

Natash Smart, Local Governance Coordinator - Ted Wragg Shared Services 

I love working as part of the governance team in shared services because of our shared passion to work hard and provide an enabling service to all of our schools, ensuring we truly put the children at the heart of everything we do.  The variety of being out at different schools in different communities means that no two days are ever the same and I get to hear about the incredible work our schools do for our children.

I started working for the Trust in February 2024, beginning as a Governance Officer and within 8 months growing into my current role of Local Governance Coordinator.  Since moving into this role, I have received invaluable coaching and support and recently attended my first investment week which blew me away with the number of colleagues coming together from across Trust.     

I feel so inspired by my team mates who demonstrate such kindness and selflessness every day and have the privilege of working with our local governing boards who are made up of volunteers that give their time so generously to support the Trust by supporting, challenging and championing our schools and their communities.  Working with these people leaves me feeling humbled and eager to play my part in making the world a better place for our children.

Sarah Bridge

Tor Bridge High School

Sarah Bridge, Tor Bridge High School

Learning and personal growth have always been important to me, and these values have drawn me to support the coaching and professional development of colleagues as well as my role as a teacher in the learning and growth of my students. I have had the opportunity to work with some inspirational leaders and through their examples, and my own coaching and professional development, I feel very fortunate to now be in a role where I have the opportunity to lead coaching at my school and work within the network of Lead Coaches in the Trust.

Teaching is a very complex job and throughout the time I have been teaching, I have had the privilege of working collaboratively with other teachers to find ways to make what we do clearer and more effective. Clarity and communication are essential for us to create security and trust, on which we can then build, create and make progress. My aim this year has been to clarify our goals for coaching, clearly communicate not only what we need to do in our classrooms, but also why and how to do it, in such a way as to ensure our teachers feel appreciated for their hard work and also engaged and empowered to try new techniques and upgrade habits. The power of recognising the positive and using ‘now’ as a starting point to improve cannot be underestimated, and I have found that my colleagues value my positive and pragmatic approach to problem solving.

How we feel about our work is directly related to our productivity and effectiveness, as well as our general wellbeing and self-esteem. I have noticed throughout my career that when I have felt valued for what I can do and challenged to take this to the next level, I have felt positive about myself and my role, and motivated to do even better. I take this experience into all my professional interactions, finding the value in everything, whilst also looking for areas to develop. During my work to qualify as an ILM Leadership Coach, I sought feedback and undertook a lot of reflection through which I learned to be more open and vulnerable, and allow myself to make mistakes and learn from them.

I am able to use the experiences and learning I have benefitted from throughout my career to support my colleagues through coaching, which I think is a huge privilege and responsibility. I am grateful every day for this opportunity and if this has led me to inspire others then, I hope they will be able to go on and do the same.

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