As we approach the final five teaching days before the Easter break, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the key school improvement priorities that we identified at the start of the academic year, and specifically attendance.
Our collective WeST primary school pupils attendance is 95.7% compared to the national primary school attendance of 94.6%, so we are a smidge in front of the national average. However, our WeST collective secondary pupil attendance stands at 90.75% with the secondary national average at 91.3%. If we ‘zoom-out’ and take a strategic view of attendance, we are significantly below where we were pre-Covid and that we hold strong concern over our secondary attendance.
It makes sense, then, that we hosted an Attendance Conference on Friday at Morley Meadow facilitated by Tom Bellwood from Chiltern Learning Trust. It was fantastic to see WeST colleagues join other SW colleagues to hear from and engage in workshops with Tom. Such collaboration, including beyond the SW region, will help us solve this stubborn problem. Thank you to everyone who attended and to Chiltern Learning Trust for their support.
I’ll take this opportunity to share that our collaborative work with North Cornwall Learning Trust continues and it has been super to see NCLT Headteachers begin to join our established networks. We are becoming increasingly confident that we will become one trust, with a thriving Cornwall Cluster, with effect from 1 June 2024. Exciting times.
In recent weeks, I’ve taken to the ‘Whistle’ to signpost a busy recruitment season and that our main platform for advertisement is MyNewTerm.
As previously indicated, Mr Alan Yendell is leaving Plymstock School at the end of this term to pursue new opportunities.
So, as we prepare to say farewell to Alan Yendell, I’m pleased to announce the next steps for Plymstock School. To ensure that Plymstock School continues on its upward trajectory, two appointments have been made to bolster leadership capacity and experience in the leadership Team. Mr Kevin Dyke will continue as Executive Headteacher with a strong degree of strategic oversight and responsibility for the school. Many of you will be aware of Mr Dykes proven and substantial leadership experience. Mr Stuart Koehler-Lewis has been appointed as Headteacher of Plymstock School and will assume this role from the start of the Summer Term. He will be the main point of contact for all pupils, parents and wider stakeholders and will assume responsibility for the day to day running of Plymstock School. Mr Dyke and Mr Koehler-Lewis have an excellent track record of working in tandem to great effect.
Finally, news of further sporting success. Last week we celebrated the achievements of ICC’s U18 boys rugby team. Today, I’m pleased to declare that Chaddlewood Primary School are the U11 Devon Games Netball champions, having successfully won a close fought final against Ermington Primary School – an all WeST final! Extremely well done to all.
Best wishes,
Rob Haring
CEO