Dear Colleagues,
Celebrating Community and Connection at Ashburton Primary School
At the end of last week, Ashburton Primary School was delighted to welcome Sir Mel Stride MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, for a visit that perfectly captured the warmth, ambition, and community spirit that define WeST schools. Accompanied by Councillor Stuart Rogers, Sir Mel met with Acting Headteacher Annette Layland and School Improvement Lead Nathan Kemp to discuss the positive developments taking place at the school, including estates improvements and exciting plans for a new playground. This project, a collaboration between the PTA and Westcountry Schools Trust, exemplifies what can be achieved when schools, families, and communities work together.
Sir Mel spent time visiting classrooms across the school. In Reception, he enjoyed a festive conversation with pupils and was impressed by their confident knowledge of Santa’s reindeer. In Year 1, children shared what they were most looking forward to at Christmas—made all the more special by a surprise visit from Father Christmas himself. He also met with the School Council to discuss democracy, answering thoughtful questions about life as an MP, before ending his visit in Years 3 and 4, where pupils were enjoying Christmas crafts alongside family members.
Sir Mel left full of praise for the school and kindly offered to support a future visit to the House of Commons—an opportunity the school community is already excited about.
A Fond Farewell
As this is the final Weekly Whistle of the Autumn Term, it is also the last that I will write as CEO of Westcountry Schools Trust. I do so with immense pride, gratitude, and a full heart.
It has been an absolute privilege to lead WeST. Every day, I have been inspired by the professionalism, commitment, and compassion of colleagues, and by the achievements, both great and small, of the children and young people we serve. We are a strong family of schools, deeply rooted in our communities and united by a shared moral purpose: ensuring that every child, regardless of background or starting point, has the opportunity to succeed.
Our Trust is built on the shoulders of remarkable colleagues, people who go the extra mile without hesitation; who live out our value of compassion through their actions; and who care deeply for children, families, and one another. It is this culture of warmth, professionalism, and collaboration—that makes WeST such a special place to work and learn.
We are in a strong position because of the work undertaken every day across our schools: great people working together through professional communities, within schools and across the Trust, always focused on improving outcomes for children. That collective endeavour gives me enormous confidence in the future.
I will miss the daily heartbeat of school life more than I can say. However, I leave knowing that WeST will continue to go from strength to strength under the leadership of Nat Parnell, our incoming Interim CEO. I wish Nat every success and know he will receive the same generous support that I have been fortunate to enjoy.
I must also make special mention of Heather Greaves, who leaves the Trust at the end of this term. Heather has been an outstanding colleague, exceptionally capable, endlessly supportive, and always kind. She has an enviable ability to get things done well and in the right way. She will be deeply missed, but we wish her every happiness as she begins a new chapter in Australia.
Festive Celebrations
Finally, many congratulations to everyone involved in Carol services, nativity plays, Christmas markets, and festive events across our schools. These moments of joy, creativity, and togetherness are a wonderful reflection of the warmth and care that sit at the heart of WeST.
I wish you all a peaceful and joyful Christmas, and the chance to spend precious time with family and friends.
Thank you—for everything.
Rob Haring
CEO
Rob’s journey with us began at the very start – he didn’t just lead the Trust, he created it. His vision, determination, and belief in the power of education laid the foundation for everything we have achieved. What began as an idea has grown into a thriving community of schools, united by shared values and a commitment to excellence, thanks to Rob’s foresight and dedication.
Heather has been the backbone of our administration, bringing clarity, efficiency, and warmth to every task. As Business Administration Manager and EA to the CEO, she has supported leadership with professionalism and care, ensuring that the Trust’s operations ran seamlessly.
WeST Football Staff Club – Expressions of Interest
Westcountry Schools Trust is seeking a dynamic Chief Operations Officer to lead and transform operational services across its family of 31 schools in Devon, Plymouth, and Cornwall. The COO will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the Trust’s operations strategy, ensuring high-quality, efficient, and cohesive support for all schools. Working closely with the CEO and executive team, the COO will drive continuous improvement, foster collaboration, and champion WeST’s core values of collaboration, aspiration, integrity, and compassion. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on the education and wellbeing of thousands of children by strengthening the operational foundations that enable great teaching and learning across the Trust. For more information, please click 
Hele’s School are seeking to appoint a Science Technician. The successful candidate will support and contribute to the achievement of the School’s Mission and strategic objectives by working as a member of the Science Team, providing effective, flexible and efficient practical support to the Science Department.