Dear Colleagues,
As we move further into the new term, it has been another inspiring and energising week for our Trust. What follows brings together the latest updates, celebrations and developments from around WeST. Thank you, as always, for everything you do to create such vibrant, ambitious and caring school communities.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: A Significant Step Forward
This week marked the inaugural meeting of our new Diversity Reference Group, a milestone in our commitment to ensuring that all voices across WeST are represented and heard.
The group brought together colleagues with a wide range of lived experiences, perspectives and characteristics. Delegates left feeling energised by the clarity of our ambition to make equality, diversity and inclusion a visible, embedded priority across the Trust.
Early feedback has already surfaced several quick wins, particularly around communication approaches, which we will implement swiftly. The group will play a crucial role in informing policy development and ensuring that decisions made at the highest level are enriched by diverse perspectives. This is an important moment for WeST, and I am genuinely excited about the impact this group will have.
Partnership Visits: Sharing Success Beyond WeST
On Tuesday, I was delighted to visit Plympton Academy as part of our RISE support work. The school hosted Dr Tim Coulson, Director General of the Regions Group, providing a valuable opportunity to showcase the positive impact of our partnership.
Later in the afternoon, we joined colleagues at Lipson Academy, where Dr Coulson met with CEOs and Trust leaders from across Plymouth. The session explored how place-based work has contributed to improving outcomes in the city and was both affirming and energising.
School and Trust Leaders Forum: Collaborative Leadership in Action
It was a privilege to host our School and Trust Leaders Forum at Morley Meadow this week. The event brought together all primary and secondary heads, guests from neighbouring trusts and members of our School Development Team.
The agenda was rich and ambitious, covering AI strategy, collaborative leadership approaches in the primary phase and the continued development of our Trust-wide curriculum proposals.
A major focus of the day was our refreshed five-year development plan, W2030: Every Child Achieving. The latest draft places significant emphasis on two new strategic pillars:
- Civic responsibility – strengthening the role of our schools as anchor institutions within their communities.
- Character and enrichment – ensuring that all young people benefit from experiences beyond their immediate environment.
Core Services will see the draft next week before it returns to Trustees for approval by the end of January. There was a real sense of excitement about what this plan can help us achieve together and I look forward to sharing more soon.
Strengthening Our SEND Practice
On Monday, colleagues joined a highly impactful SEND twilight session led by Gemma Tully. Her clarity and expertise helped deepen our collective understanding of inclusive practice. The thoughtful discussions demonstrated our strong commitment to getting provision right for every learner.
This aligns closely with the partnerships we are developing with SEND specialist organisations. We were pleased to welcome a partner from Ascend School to our School Development Forum, and further work, particularly at South Dartmoor, is in motion and will be announced soon.
Safeguarding: A Shared Commitment
On Friday, Richard Woodland led an important Trust-wide safeguarding training session. Safeguarding remains everyone’s responsibility, and sessions like these strengthen the culture of vigilance, care and confidence that protects our children and young people every day.
Thank you to everyone who joined and contributed so thoughtfully.
Celebrating Excellence Across Our Schools
A selection of highlights from around WeST this week-
Civic Engagement and Academic Recognition:
- Coombe Dean School began 2026 with a remarkable visit to 10 Downing Street, where 20 students from Years 10 to 13, accompanied by staff, experienced British politics first hand.
- Back on site, Coombe Dean also hosted a Celebration Breakfast recognising dedication and success across the school community.
- Across all WeST secondary schools, students in Years 7 to 9 began their Key Stage 3 core assessments, which continue throughout January.
Sporting Achievement and Outdoor Adventure
- The U13 Girls Cricket Team at South Dartmoor Community College has qualified for the Chance to Shine County Finals in March, strengthening the college’s reputation as one of the top 25 state schools for cricket nationally.
- In netball, pupils in the Camelford Cluster represented their schools superbly, demonstrating skill, resilience and teamwork.
- Ten Tors training is well underway, with students braving icy conditions on the North Moor as preparation intensifies for the 35, 45 and 55 mile challenges.
A Special Moment Ahead
On Monday, I have the honour of officially opening the new Boringdon Preschool. This is a hugely exciting development for the school and for our Trust and I am very much looking forward to celebrating this milestone with the community.
Thank you once again for everything you bring to WeST. Each week reveals yet more examples of your dedication, expertise and care for the young people we serve. It remains a privilege to lead this Trust alongside you.
Warm regards,
Nat Parnell
CEO
