Dear Colleagues,
As we continue to move forward with clarity and optimism, I am pleased to bring you this week’s Whistle. It has been a week shaped by strategic progress, leadership development and the rich activity taking place across our schools.
Welcoming Our New Chief Operating Officer
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Ottewell as our new Chief Operating Officer (COO), joining us very soon.
Paul joins Westcountry Schools Trust at an important strategic point, bringing extensive leadership experience from public service, including a long career in the Royal Navy, alongside a strong commitment to values‑led, human‑centred leadership. His background includes senior operational, governance and delivery roles, with a clear focus on safeguarding, accountability and enabling others to do their best work.
On accepting his appointment, Paul said:
“What drew me to WeST was the strong sense of mission and the way people genuinely put children and young people first. The values feel lived rather than stated, and that really matters to me. I’m looking forward to listening, learning and working alongside colleagues across the Trust to support our schools to deliver the very best education for every child.”
As COO, Paul will work closely with the executive team and Trustees to ensure strong, ethical and effective operational leadership across the Trust. We very much look forward to welcoming him.
I am also pleased to confirm that recruitment for our Director of Education, Primary is now live >>>. This follows the planned adjustment in working pattern for our exceptional Director of Primary, Sue Costello, who will be reducing her hours and shifting some of her responsibilities.
With 23 primary schools, strong school‑to‑school support and a dedicated group of primary leaders and teachers across WeST, this is a substantial leadership opportunity. It will suit an experienced headteacher with a proven record of systems leadership.
Trustee Strategic Planning and WeST 2030
This week, Trustees and I worked together to finalise our five‑year Trust strategy, WeST 2030: Every Child Achieving. Our commitment to every child reflects our focus on compassion and inclusion; achieving speaks to our ambition for every young person to leave school as a confident, rounded and academically strong individual.
Two themes are emerging strongly:
- Technology and AI that reduce administrative burden and free resources for children
- Civic responsibility, positioning schools as anchor institutions supporting families and communities
Our local governance model continues to strengthen, with eleven new Chairs in place and growing staff and parental engagement across our Community Councils.
Highlights Across Our Schools
The spirit of WeST has been evident in classrooms, performances, laboratories, sports fields and community spaces this week.
Creativity, Performance and Enrichment
At Boringdon Primary, Year 5 pupils produced impressive space‑themed stop‑motion animations, showcasing teamwork, imagination and careful design planning. Meanwhile, Chaddlewood Primary pupils deepened their understanding of materials and mixtures through practical experiments that encouraged problem‑solving and curiosity.
Our secondary schools also demonstrated remarkable creative energy. Eggbuckland Community College is preparing for its production of Annie Jr., with students working hard on staging, characterisation and musical performance. In addition, Eggbuckland is participating in the national DesignLab Nation programme, a V&A‑led initiative connecting schools with museums, galleries and creative industries. Through this work, students engage in in‑depth design projects that develop technical skill, broaden cultural understanding and reinforce the essential role that art, design and technology play in young people’s education.
At Ivybridge Community College, students are in the final stages of technical rehearsal for Little Shop of Horrors, bringing together lighting, sound and performance with real professionalism. And Plymstock School launched its KS3 Performing Arts Clubs with a West End theme, offering students new opportunities in dance, drama and musical theatre.
Learning, Literacy and Academic Excellence
We have also seen academic achievement and literacy celebrated widely this week.
Woodford Primary received national recognition from the Secretary of State for Education, praising the outstanding outcomes achieved by disadvantaged pupils. This is a powerful reflection of the commitment of staff and the ambition of pupils.
At Oreston Community Academy, weekly certificates recognised students who have demonstrated perseverance, progress and positive attitudes. Ashburton Primary also continued to strengthen provision through recruitment, reflecting ongoing investment in high‑quality learning environments.
Secondary examples were equally strong. Plymstock School provided high‑quality STEM enrichment through its visits to the Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre, allowing Year 12 students to explore advanced scientific equipment first‑hand. Their younger learners engaged in reflective sessions exploring ambition, identity and personal pathways.
At Ivybridge, students excelling in the Alphabook Reading Challenge enjoyed a celebratory film event recognising their commitment to reading.
Sport, Challenge and Outdoor Achievement
The Year 9 Elite Netball Squad at Ivybridge won the County Shield at Exeter University, demonstrating outstanding teamwork and determination. Ten Tors training across our schools continues to build stamina, resilience and navigational skill, with pupils braving tough winter conditions to prepare for the challenge.
During my visits to Camelford and Otterham primaries this week, it was clear how central physical activity and outdoor learning are to everyday life. At Otterham, one young pupil provided a thoughtful and confident tour of his school, speaking proudly about the activities and spaces that support learning and play.
Sir James Smith’s Community School also reported football fixtures that highlighted perseverance, sportsmanship and pride in representing the school.
Community, Care and Digital Wellbeing
Camelford Primary continues to welcome families warmly, showcasing its provision and encouraging new admissions. Recruitment activity across several primary schools, including Camelford and Ashburton, reflects their ongoing development and responsiveness to local needs.
Online safety was also strengthened through guidance shared by Eggbuckland Community College, offering families practical advice on safeguarding children using Snapchat.
And Plymstock School celebrated the achievements of Isla, whose recent media appearances have inspired many and highlighted the resilience and determination of young people across our Trust.
Across WeST this week, we have seen leadership strengthened, strategic priorities clarified and school life enriched through creativity, academic curiosity, community involvement and sporting commitment.
Thank you for the professionalism, care and ambition you bring to your work each day. It remains a privilege to lead this Trust with you.
Warm regards
Nat
Nat Parnell
CEO
