Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to the penultimate edition of this years ‘Whistle’. As we approach the final week of the academic year, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on what has been a successful year across our trust. The many successes we’ve witnessed—from pupil outcomes and school inspections, to professional development and innovation—are the direct result of your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the children, families, and communities we serve. Thank you, once again, for everything you contribute to this shared mission.
This week, I’m pleased to share that our WeST Year 6 cohort achieved 69% at the Expected Standard in the Key Stage 2 SATs—above the 2025 national average of 62%. This is a strong collective performance and a reflection of the care and consistency with which our primary teams approach curriculum, teaching, and early intervention. These results prepare our Year 6 pupils exceptionally well for their next chapter in secondary education and affirm the strength of our foundation-stage and KS2 provision.
As always, the final week of term is marked by celebration and transition. Across our schools, leavers’ events, performances, and farewells are being held with warmth, creativity, and deep care. These moments matter immensely—they are full of significance for our pupils and their families, and I know how much thought goes into making each one memorable. Thank you for the role you play in shaping these important milestones.
Last week brought further examples of the strength and professionalism within our Trust, as Ofsted inspections were hosted at St Breward Primary School and Eggbuckland Community College, followed by notification of inspection at Manor Primary School. To all staff involved in these processes—your calm leadership, attention to detail, and commitment to improvement are deeply appreciated. Well done all!
Earlier this week, I attended the CST Leadership Summit—a valuable gathering of Trust leaders from across the country. It was an inspiring opportunity to reflect on the evolving educational landscape, share best practice, and explore the challenges and opportunities ahead. Hearing from colleagues who lead with integrity and ambition reaffirmed how closely WeST’s work aligns with national conversations.
This week also saw colleagues come together for the final Attendance Network meeting of the year. The session focused on effective strategies, trend analysis, and our shared responsibility to ensure every child is in school, every day. The strength of collaboration within this network—particularly the shared determination to reduce persistent absence—is something to celebrate. Thank you to all colleagues supporting families to prioritise attendance: your work underpins everything we aim to achieve in education.
In a different but equally important highlight, the central admin team hosted a work experience placement for a student from one of our WeST secondary schools. It was a joy to support a young person exploring their future pathways and to demonstrate the range of professional roles within our Trust. Thank you to everyone who made the experience so welcoming, purposeful, and aspirational. Across the Trust, work experience placements have brought enthusiasm and fresh perspective to many teams—a real reminder of the power of opening doors for our young people.
As we approach the final days of term, I hope you can take a moment to reflect on all that has been achieved this year—not just in outcomes and milestones, but in relationships built, challenges overcome, and futures shaped. Whether your role is in a classroom, kitchen, office, or site team, your contribution is felt and valued across WeST.
With appreciation and best wishes,
Rob Haring
CEO
