{item_alt_tag}

Dear Colleagues, 

As we reach the end of another busy and rewarding week, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible efforts and achievements across our Trust—and, most importantly, to celebrate the power of collaboration that makes so much of this possible.

Firstly, we hope all our Year 6 children have had a productive and positive week completing their SATs. This can be a time of pressure and anticipation, but across our schools, we have seen a calm, supportive atmosphere in which children have felt encouraged, prepared, and cared for. The sense of teamwork between pupils, teachers, support staff, and families has been terrific. We are proud of childrens' hard work and resilience, and we know they have given their very best. A heartfelt thank you to all the staff who have guided and supported them so compassionately—your role in this collective effort is invaluable.

Last weekend, several of our schools participated in the Ten Tors challenge—a standout example of teamwork, grit, and determination. The event, which tests young people’s ability to work together to overcome the challenging terrain of Dartmoor, was a triumph of preparation and mutual support. Behind every team of students was a dedicated group of staff and volunteers who offered training, guidance, and encouragement. You helped shape an experience that our students will remember for a lifetime. Thank you for making it possible.

On Wednesday, we were pleased to host our Induction Day for new colleagues joining the WeST family. These events are not only informative—they are also deeply symbolic. They represent our commitment to building a culture of collaboration from the very first day. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm of our new starters and the warmth with which they were welcomed by peers and leaders alike. As they now begin their journey with us, I know they will benefit greatly from the support of their colleagues and the shared sense of purpose that runs through our Trust.

In other news, I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Caroline Granville as the permanent Headteacher of Coombe Dean School. Caroline has already demonstrated determined leadership and a heartfelt commitment to the Coombe Dean School community. Her vision is not only ambitious but grounded in a deep understanding of the school’s context and potential. Caroline will continue to work closely with Kevin Dyke, who remains in post as Executive Headteacher, ensuring continuity and collaborative leadership at the highest level. I am confident that under their stewardship, Coombe Dean will continue to thrive.

On a personal note, I was incredibly honoured this week to attend the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. It was a truly memorable experience and a proud moment to represent WeST on such a national stage. As always, I was reminded that such recognition is never individual—it reflects the collective effort of our entire Trust. Thank you for making WeST what it is.

Finally, let’s enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful part of the world we are privileged to live and work in. I wish you all a restful weekend.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring

CEO

WeST featured in the Educator Magazine

Westcountry Schools Trust has been featured in Educator Magazine for its use of Widgit Online, an innovative tool supporting inclusive education.

Specialist Inclusion Teacher Gemma Tully and Inclusion Lead Practitioner Caroline Kearney highlighted how Widgit Online helps create tailored learning resources, ensuring accessibility for all students. With multilingual capabilities and adaptable materials, the software fosters engagement and consistency across WeST schools.

This recognition underscores WeST’s commitment to adaptive learning and inclusive education.

To read more, please click here.

Word Of The Week!

This week's word is "resonance".

Definition: a powerful word that reflects meaningful connections, shared understanding, and lasting impact.

Reason: I have chosen "resonance" as this week's word is to emphasise how great ideas, strong relationships, and meaningful learning experiences don’t just happen-they resonate over time, shaping futures and strengthening connections. It speaks to how a message, whether in leadership, teaching, or community engagement, can echo beyond the present moment, inspiring growth and unity across the trust.

It also ties into how all of our schools within the trust align and amplify one another's strengths, ensuring that the collective impact resonates far beyond individual efforts. 

SEND Provision in Mainstream Schools - Expressions of Interest

We have all noticed changes in the cohort in our mainstream schools. Mainstream schools are expected to cater to an increasingly wider and more complex range of SEND needs. WeST is embarking on an exciting project alongside Kernow Learning Trust with the aim of better supporting the children within our trusts who are falling between the cracks of mainstream and specialist provision but are placed in our mainstream schools.

Our ultimate aim is to provide bespoke teacher-led SEND classrooms within our schools to meet the most complex needs of our pupils. Our goal is to open our first provision in September 2026 and use this as a starting point to grow across more of our schools. This is likely to be a KS1 provision.

These provisions need to be run by specially trained teachers. We want these teachers to come from within our trust. To that end, we will be delivering a programme of training to selected teachers during the academic year 2025-26. There will be 10 sessions throughout the year with opportunities to engage in CPD and visit specialist provisions. There will be a mix of online and in-person sessions which will be based in our training room in Camelford, co-delivered by members of WeST, Kernow and SEND specialists. As there will be a commitment to attend all training sessions, we ask that you seek support from your headteacher before expressing your interest.

Entry onto the course will not guarantee a placement in a bespoke classroom in the first year, but there will be opportunities as the project grows. While on the programme, teachers will continue on their current contracts.

If you would like to put yourself forward for a place on the course, please write a paragraph detailing why you feel you would be suited to the course and send it to gmallard@westst.org.uk by 21st May 2025.

Please include:

  • Your motivation and passion for working with pupils with complex needs.
  • Demonstration of your experience and how this relates to the purpose of the long-term project.

Following this you will be notified if you have been put forward to the selection process day on 11th June.

{item_alt_tag}

 

 

Meaningful May

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Internal Vacancies: 

Boringdon Primary School is seeking to appoint an inspirational and creative Year 6 Class Teacher to join their accomplished and dedicated team in September 2025. This role also includes an additional TLR2a payment, and it can be discussed that the role is a potential secondment. The candidate would also join the Senior Leadership Team as both the English and Personal Development Leader. If you are an established leader or if you are ready for the next stage in your career, Boringdon look forward to hearing from you. To arrange a tour or for an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Matt Stace (Headteacher) on 01752334024 or matthewstace@boringdon.plymouth.sch.uk

Westcountry Schools Trust is seeking to appoint Primary SENDCOs. The successful candidates will lead the strategic development of SEND provision, ensuring universal provision is embedded in all classrooms while maintaining the SEND register and overseeing targeted support. Responsibilities include liaising with colleagues to model best teaching practices, leading the identification and assessment of SEND pupils, monitoring teaching and learning to overcome barriers, and ensuring compliance with statutory obligations as per the Code of Practice. For more information please click here. Closing date: 2 June 2025.

 

Recruitment update:

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

Chaddlewood Primary School are seeking to appoint the following vacancies:

Key Stage 2 Class Teacher Job Share: If you have the commitment and dedication to work in a school that is continually striving to ensure the highest possible standards of pupil achievement, personal development and well-being, your application would be very welcome. Closing date: 2 June 2025.

Key Stage 1 Class Teacher: If you have the commitment and dedication to work in a school that is continually striving to ensure the highest possible standards of pupil achievement, personal development and well-being, your application would be very welcome. Closing date: 2 June 2025.

For more information on these vacancies please click here.

Coombe Dean School are seeking to appoint a Cover and Behaviour Inclusion Supervisor - The successful applicant will demonstrate an understanding of the issues related to the motivation of students and have a good education with a minimum of 5 GCSEs A-C or equivalent. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 2 June 2025.

Ivybridge Community College are seeking to appoint 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.

Head of Music - The successful candidate will gain a wealth of experience from working across the College, whilst receiving support and guidance from the Leadership Team. Closing date: 19 May 2025.

For more information on these vacancies please click here.

Plymstock School are seeking to appoint the following vacancies:

Head of Art and Photography - The successful candidate will be an outstanding classroom practitioner with the commitment, energy and vision to lead our Arts team and to guide and inspire our students to develop their abilities to the full. Closing date: 19 May 2025.

Head of Health and Social Care 0.8FTE - The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and committed teacher to lead our Health and Social Care team on a part-time 0.8FTE basis.  Experience of working in the healthcare sector would be an advantage, but not essential.  Closing date: 19 May 2025.

For more information on these vacancies please click here. 

Westcountry Schools Trust are looking to fill the following vacancy:  

Secondary Initial Teacher Trainees (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. For information, please click here. Closing date: 20 June 2025. 

{item_alt_tag}