Dear Colleagues,
As we conclude this Term 1, it’s inspiring to reflect on the dedication, expertise, and collective spirit that define our WeST community. Across our schools, colleagues have once again come together to share best practice, drive improvement, and ensure every child thrives. From curriculum development to pastoral care, the energy and commitment shown by staff continues to shape a culture of excellence and compassion. It is this shared determination and moral purpose that make WeST such a special and impactful trust.
Last week, the Department for Education (DfE) published the national GCSE performance data—an important moment that allows us to take a reflective look back on how our Year 11 students performed compared with national averages. The KS4 performance tables give valuable insights into how effectively we are supporting our young people, particularly those for whom education can be a transformative force.
Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, often reminds us: “We should measure ourselves by how well we support disadvantaged students, because if we get it right for them, we get it right for everyone.” This sentiment resonates strongly across WeST. It aligns perfectly with our moral purpose and our drive to ensure that every child—regardless of background—achieves their full potential.
This same principle was echoed recently by both Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, and Professor Becky Francis, Chief Executive of the Education Endowment Foundation. Each highlighted the importance of securing passes in English and Maths, particularly for disadvantaged pupils. These qualifications are not just academic milestones; they are life-changing achievements that open doors to future learning, employment, and opportunity. As educators, we see daily how success in these core areas builds confidence, aspiration, and resilience—the building blocks of future success.
With this in mind, it is fantastic to celebrate the strong performance of our schools in achieving strong passes (grades 9–5) in English and Maths for disadvantaged students:
- Ivybridge Community College – 56.4%, ranking 2nd in Devon (behind only the selective grammar school).
- Coombe Dean School – 40%, 4th in Plymouth (with the top three positions held by selective grammar schools).
- Plymstock School – 38%, 5th in Plymouth, once again performing strongly alongside Coombe Dean
- Callington Community College – 33.3%, 3rd in Cornwall
A huge well done to all four schools—and a particular congratulations to Ivybridge and Coombe Dean for leading the way as the highest-performing non-selective schools in Devon and Plymouth respectively. These are outstanding achievements that demonstrate not only academic strength but high-quality teaching, and a deep commitment to equity.
Continuing this theme, our current Year 11 pupils are now in the midst of their first round of mock examinations. This represents an important milestone in their educational journey—an opportunity to experience formal exam conditions, consolidate learning, and identify areas for growth ahead of the summer. We know that these moments matter. They build confidence, independence, and focus. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all colleagues supporting students through this demanding period—your encouragement and guidance make a genuine difference to their outcomes and wellbeing.
This term has been a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we work together with purpose and unity. From the exceptional teaching taking place every day in classrooms, to the thoughtful leadership shaping improvement across schools, to the quiet acts of kindness that define our culture—WeST continues to make a difference where it matters most. The collective wisdom, energy, and compassion of colleagues across our trust are what make us stronger together.
As we look ahead to Term 2, let’s continue to build on this momentum—sharing, supporting, and challenging one another to keep improving. Our impact is visible not only in data and inspection outcomes, but in the lives we change and the futures we help to shape.
Thank you all for your unwavering commitment and care. Wishing everyone a restful, well-earned break—you deserve it.
Best wishes,
Rob Haring
CEO
On Wednesday, Morley Meadow Primary School enjoyed an inspirational visit from the author Tom Palmer who has written many fiction books based on football, running and History. The visit was a prize from the Plymouth Schools Library Service following Morley Meadow’s success in the Summer Reading Challenge.
The children loved meeting him and personally having their books signed. Tom was also very impressed by the children’s enthusiasm for reading and writing.
