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Dear Colleagues,

A Huge Well Done to Ivybridge Community College!

I want to start by extending a massive well done to Rachel Hutchinson and the team at Ivybridge Community College. This week, ICC hosted a two-day Ofsted inspection, with inspectors experiencing the everyday vibrancy of school life at Ivybridge. A successful Ofsted visit is always a team effort, and the dedication, professionalism, and high standards demonstrated by staff across the school were exemplary. Thank you to everyone involved—terrific work all around!

Leadership announcement

I am writing to update you on the future leadership of Sherford Vale School following the retirement of Susie Evans.

I am delighted to announce that Mrs Laurie Archer has been appointed as the full time and permanent Headteacher of Sherford Vale School and will take up post with effect from 1st September 2025. Mrs Archer is an experienced and successful Headteacher who is currently leading another primary school within our trust.

Given that Mrs Evans is retiring from Headship at Easter, we are pleased to share that we have made an interim arrangement for the Summer Term with the current Deputy Headteacher – Miss Yasmin Atkinson – assuming the role of Acting Headteacher until 31st August 2025.

Given that Mrs Evans, Miss Atkinson and Mrs Archer are all existing colleagues within our Trust, I am extremely confident of a smooth and carefully coordinated transition of leadership of Sherford Vale School.

Catering Bidders: Aligning Quality with Our Values

As part of our commitment to providing high-quality and sustainable services, we recently undertook a catering bid process, reviewing proposals from seven companies. Each provider brought something unique, from diverse menu options to sustainable practices and competitive pricing. Our selection process prioritises excellence in service quality, inclusivity in accommodating dietary needs, and value for money. Ensuring that our catering meets the needs of pupils while aligning with our environmental and financial commitments remains a top priority. The final decision will be made soon, based on a comprehensive review of all bids.

Middle Leaders Session for Plymstock & Coombe Dean – Led by Amy Pearce

Collaboration is key to ensuring that our schools continue to refine and improve their teaching practices. This week, Amy Pearce, Executive Director of Training & Learning, led a fantastic session for middle leaders at Plymstock and Coombe Dean. The session focused on precision in lesson visits and feedback, ensuring that teaching and learning are consistently high-quality. Key discussions included instructional coaching, evidence-based feedback, and strategies to drive meaningful improvements in teaching. A focus on the Six Learning Fundamentals reinforced how we can shape lessons to secure attention, optimise communication, and ensure knowledge retention— all critical in raising standards.

Primary Science Leaders – Led by Linzi Bell

Our Science Network Meeting, led by Linzi Bell, brought together primary science leaders to focus on subject monitoring and evaluation. We explored the role of subject leaders in ensuring curriculum effectiveness and the power of collaborative monitoring to enhance children's science learning. Additionally, we discussed using STEM Learning ENTHUSE Partnership funding to equip schools with data loggers and provide CPD on ‘Working Scientifically’ for Years 3, 4, and 5. This type of collaboration strengthens our ability to provide inspiring, high-quality science education across our primary schools.

Multiplication Test Check Session – Led by Devon Education Services

Supporting our teachers through professional development remains a key focus, and this week’s Multiplication Test Check (MTC) briefing provided invaluable guidance for Year 4 teachers. This session, led by Devon Education Services, covered all essential documentation and best practices for preparing pupils for the MTC. These types of briefings ensure that teachers feel confident and well-equipped to support pupils.

Plymouth Place-Based Belonging Group – Led by Phil Banks

A strong sense of belonging is essential for student success, and this week, Phil Banks, Director of Partnerships, led an important session with the Plymouth Place-Based Belonging Group. This initiative is dedicated to creating inclusive environments where all students feel valued, engaged, and supported. Through targeted interventions and collaborative approaches, we continue to strengthen student well-being and engagement across the Plymouth area.

Secondary Attendance Network – Led by Richard Woodland, Jaycee Hughes, Hayley Galloway, and Michelle Marsh

Attendance is everyone’s responsibility, and this week’s Secondary Attendance Network session reinforced our trust-wide commitment to ensuring that all pupils have consistent access to education. Discussions centred around the WeST Attendance Process, which includes clear intervention stages, legal chronologies, and targeted support strategies for improving attendance— particularly for disadvantaged pupils. By working together with a relentless focus on processes and pastoral care, we can ensure every child benefits from regular and meaningful engagement with school.

Stronger Together: Our Shared Mission

This week’s highlights exemplify what makes WeST so special: collaboration, aspiration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Every initiative, whether in leadership development, curriculum enhancement, or pupil engagement, reflects our collective dedication to ensuring every child is in a great school. Thank you for your continued efforts in making WeST a trust where every pupil and staff member can thrive.

Wishing you all a fantastic weekend!

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring

CEO

The WE CARE group was officially started at Coombe Dean school back in 2019 and supports Young Carers, students who have suffered a close family bereavement; known as the B-Group, and students of AFS (Armed Forces Support).  The foundations were formed on student voice, who not only named the group but also made it very clear what they were craving for in terms of understanding and support in their roles as Young Carers at home.  

The WE CARE group has since evolved from a handful of students to now 114 students being identified as a Young Carer within our school community.  They are all known to staff and have shared a personal Young Carer story to allow staff to understand how they can best support them. Over the years we have worked closely with outside agencies to gain support and shaped the recognition of our young people within Plymouth and beyond. We create memories which at times are simply not feasible due to mobility or financial constraints.  We get to know other Young Carers within our school community via activities such as forest school, cooking master classes or trips to Longleat (for the Festival of Light).  When life is particularly difficult we take the strain of shopping away and deliver WE CARE packages via our staff which we developed together with Tamar Fresh.

In 2023 we gained the Young Carer Award and in 2024, two of our WE CARE students won awards at the Plymouth Youth Awards. Dyaco gained the Unsung Hero Award and Ryan won the Young Person of the Year award for their caring roles for their families as well as volunteering the little time they do have to support others like them.  The Young Carers Society believe as many as 1 in every 5 children is a Young Carer and with recent studies suggesting that attendance and attainment are considerably lower for them, this makes them vulnerable to dropping out of education. Creating a sense of belonging to the school is key, making school their extended family!  If any WeST colleagues know of someone who would be able to provide a workshop we would love to hear from them or if you would like to find out some more information you can look on our website or get in touch via wecare@coombedean.co.uk

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Book your FREE space now: Westcountry Schools Trust - Upcoming Events

The September 2025 Training Programme is open to anyone who might have an interest in becoming a teacher, has a degree or equivalent and has permission to work in the UK before their training begins. You might be:

  • A recent graduate looking for the first step in your career.
  • A teaching assistant looking to transition into teaching your own class.
  • Looking for a completely new career path.
  • We welcome candidates of all ages, from all backgrounds, and with all types of experience.

More information on the programme can be found here. Applications are now open and interviews are underway! 

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Friendly February

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Internal Vacancy: 

We are seeking an exceptional individual with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to join us as Headteacher at Plymstock School. Someone who will uphold our core values and guide our vision of Every Child in a Great School. In doing so, you will have the full support of a committed team of enthusiastic and dedicated staff and senior leaders, and be fully supported in your role through professional development opportunities and by the Trust's Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Director of Education and local governance.

For more information, please click on the link below: 

https://mynewterm.com/jobs/3547/EDV-2025-WST-98518

The closing date for applications is 9am Monday 10 February. 

Recruitment update:

We are delighted to inform you of the following exciting career opportunities within our Trust:

Coombe Dean School are looking to appoint a Subject Leader of Maths. The core purpose of the role is to ensure a high quality curriculum within Maths that is implemented expertly and consistently and to take an active role in the wider leadership of the school in pursuit of our key development and improvement priorities. For more information on the above vacancies, please click here. Closing date: 28 February 2025. 

Ivybridge Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Casual Examinations Invigilators - Hours of work are by negotiation, to cover examination sessions throughout the year. The ability to work at least three days a week during the peak times in May and June. Full day, morning (start 8.30am) and afternoon sessions are offered. Closing date: 18 July 2025. 

For more information on the above vacancies, please click here. 

Westcountry Schools Trust are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Secondary Initial Teacher Training (unpaid) - Are you passionate about teaching and ready to make a significant impact on the lives of young people? We are seeking an exceptional individual with vision, energy and passion to join us as an Aspiring Secondary School Teacher, to uphold our core values and guide our vision of Every Child in a Great School. This is a 12-month, full-time, postgraduate programme in a Secondary School environment where you’ll experience a mix of study modules, live training sessions and classroom practice. Study modules can be completed at your own pace through our online learning platform, which will provide you with a foundation of theory to build your practice on. At every stage, you'll be guided by your own personal mentor. Closing date: 20 June 2025. 

For more information on the above vacancies, please click here.

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