Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to this week’s edition of the ‘Whistle’.
As we near the midpoint of this busy term, I want to take a moment to celebrate the collective effort, professionalism, and dedication that continue to define life across our WeST schools. The past fortnight has once again demonstrated what can be achieved when teams work together with precision, care, and purpose.
Our Year 11 cohort has now completed their Autumn mock examination series - a major milestone that represents both a logistical feat and a vital step in their preparation for next summer. Delivering a mock series of this scale, across multiple schools, requires meticulous planning, coordination, and adaptability. My sincere thanks go to all colleagues involved: those overseeing timetables and venues, invigilators managing the exam rooms, and, of course, our teaching staff who have given countless hours to ensure the process ran seamlessly.
An additional thank you goes to our Year 11 teachers, who are now deeply engaged in the marking and moderation process. The insights drawn from these assessments will prove invaluable in refining teaching, guiding interventions, and shaping curriculum delivery over the coming months. Your accuracy, fairness, and dedication to “getting things right” for every student truly underpin the success of this work. Together, we are striving for 56% of our Year 11 cohort to attain a grade 5 in both English and Maths.
Beyond the exam halls (or should I say Sports Halls), there has been a palpable sense of energy and creativity across classrooms this week. From thought-provoking discussions in humanities and languages to innovative STEM projects and inspiring performances in the arts, learning is alive and thriving across WeST. It’s been particularly rewarding to see collaboration between departments and schools—a hallmark of our trust culture—where sharing ideas and expertise strengthens outcomes for all.
Another area of increasing significance in our profession is the role of Artificial Intelligence in education. AI presents exciting opportunities to enhance teaching, streamline workload, and personalize learning experiences. When used responsibly, it can help identify misconceptions quickly, provide real-time feedback, and reduce administrative burden—allowing teachers to focus more time on what truly matters: meaningful human connection with students. However, as we explore these tools, we must also remain grounded in ethics, ensuring that data privacy, safeguarding, and professional judgment remain central. Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with WeST’s AI policy on the Staff Portal—it offers clear guidance on safe and effective practice.
This week also saw colleagues complete Safeguarding Level 3 Refresher Training. Thank you for engaging so thoughtfully with this essential work. Safeguarding is not a single action but a continuous responsibility that underpins our collective moral purpose. The vigilance, empathy, and professionalism you demonstrate in keeping children safe are deeply valued and fundamental to our culture.
On Monday, Naveed Khan, Director of Education, and Amy Pearce, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, represented WeST at an afternoon tea reception at the House of Lords. Hosted by Rt Hon. Baroness Nicky Morgan, in partnership with The Engagement Platform (TEP) and ImpactEd Group, the event brought together national education leaders to explore new research on pupil engagement and wellbeing. It was inspiring to see WeST represented in this space, contributing to the national dialogue on how engagement drives both academic success and personal development.
Wishing everyone a restful weekend.
Best wishes,
Rob Haring
CEO
We were delighted to welcome David Binns to five of our secondary schools this week!
WeST Football Staff Club – Expressions of Interest
