Students from Isca Academy have returned from an extraordinary educational trip to Malaysia with World Challenge, where they had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture, wildlife conservation efforts, and vibrant cities. World Challenge facilitates truly life-changing experiential school trips outside the classroom, to destinations all around the world and the students raised the funds for the trip themselves through a variety of sponsored activities including organising craft sales and climbing Mount Snowdon.

The group took part in an exciting white water rafting adventure on the Kampar River in Gopeng, where students tested their teamwork and resilience. They also visited the Batu Caves, a series of stunning limestone caves and temples that are a hallmark of Malaysia’s cultural heritage.

As the adventure continued, students explored the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur at night, with a highlight being a visit to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and the KCC Light Show, an awe-inspiring display of lights and colour that captured the imagination of all.

The team of students worked together to also lead sustainable tree planting initiatives and enjoyed a traditional cultural experience, including making banana chips and learning to prepare authentic Malaysian curry puffs. They also took part in an extraordinary experience in Padang Kemunting, where students were involved in turtle conservation efforts, including egg collection, incubation, and the release of 220 Hawksbill Turtles into the wild.

The group then ventured to Taman Negara Endau Rompin National Park, where they took part in sustainable conservation awareness work with a specific focus on eco-tourism and camped in the rainforest, soaking up the diverse species that depend on this fragile ecosystem.

The trip to Malaysia has been a resounding success for Isca Academy, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, showcasing the school's commitment to broadening students' horizons and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to navigate a globalised world.

Mrs Vicki Joyce, Headteacher at Isca Academy said:

“This trip has been truly unforgettable. It has provided our students with an amazing opportunity to engage in hands-on learning about wildlife conservation, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability. It has also been a chance for them to build lasting memories while developing a global perspective on the world around them.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“I am so proud of what our students have achieved on this trip. It sounds like it has been an incredible journey of learning and discovery, and a perfect example of how Isca’s school community strives to offer opportunities that go beyond the classroom. This experience will undoubtedly inspire students to continue their educational journey as global citizens, committed to making a positive impact on the world.”

  

 

 

Whipton Barton Federation is thrilled to have been part of the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme over the past few months. Funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and supported by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England, the PINS programme aims to enhance support for neurodiverse children across schools. 

The term ‘neurodivergent’ includes, but is not limited to, conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, anxiety, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, developmental language disorder, foetal alcohol syndrome, and other forms of developmental learning differences and needs, whether diagnosed or as yet undiagnosed.

As one of the selected schools in Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay, Whipton Barton Federation has worked hand-in-hand with local authorities and parent carer forums to develop strategies that improve both educational and health outcomes for neurodiverse pupils.

Building on the success of the Autism in Schools model, the PINS programme emphasises early intervention, ensuring that children receive the right support before the need for intensive help arises. With around 15% of children in Devon either diagnosed with or awaiting an assessment for a neurodivergent condition, Whipton Barton Federation recognises the growing need for structured support. 

The programme’s key objectives include:

 -  Early Identification: Identifying children with additional needs, whether formally diagnosed or not, to ensure they receive the right support.

 - Parental Support & Inclusion: Cultivating an inclusive school community where parents feel heard, supported, and actively involved.

 - Whole-School Approach: Fostering a school-wide understanding of neurodivergence, helping all pupils thrive together.

As part of the initiative, Whipton Barton Federation, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, carried out a comprehensive self-assessment, engaging school leaders, the governing body, pupils, and parents to identify strengths and areas for improvement. The school also hosted a series of parent workshops and coffee mornings, supported by professionals, to encourage open dialogue and further strengthen the support network for families. Parents shared their appreciation for the school’s early identification strategies and the warm, welcoming environment created for their children.

To bring the programme to a celebratory close, Whipton Barton Federation marked Neurodiversity Celebration Week with a wonderful whole-school event. Parents of neurodivergent children were invited to participate in a collaborative art activity, where 45 families, with the help of staff, created beautiful pieces celebrating their children's unique strengths. The event was a joyful celebration of the diverse talents within the school community, accompanied by coffee, cake, and shared moments of connection.

Whipton Barton Federation looks forward to continuing its work and sharing best practices with other schools, working together to promote positive change for neurodiverse pupils across the region.

Louise Moretta, Executive Headteacher at Whipton Barton Federation said:

"The PINS programme is a vital step toward ensuring all children, regardless of their neurodivergence, receive the support they deserve. At Whipton Barton Federation, we’re proud to be setting the standard for how schools can lead the way in supporting neurodiverse pupils, and we’re excited to share our successes with others across the region. This work is a true reflection of our commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive environment for all pupils."

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

"We want every child and their family to feel valued, supported, and have a strong sense of belonging. We are committed to continuing our work to make sure every one of our schools is a truly inclusive environment where children are safe, connected, and supported to thrive. We are so proud of Whipton Barton Federation’s hard work as part of the PINS programme and their school initiatives to foster understanding and belonging, including their fantastic art event to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week. I also want to thank Devon County Council and NHS Devon for their collaborative efforts on this important project.”

  

 

 

Three talented Year 9 students from West Exe School, Sophia, Tia, and Mason, have successfully secured funding for a social action project after pitching their plan to a Dragons' Den-style panel in Reading as part of the AQA/Dame Kelly Holmes Trust ‘Unlocking Potential’ programme. 

The event, held earlier this month, provided students with the opportunity to showcase their ideas and skills, with their pitch for a project working with a local primary school earning them a well-deserved victory.

The ‘Unlocking Potential’ programme, run jointly by AQA and the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, aims to empower young people by developing their leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. The project is designed to support students in reaching their full potential by challenging them to come up with ideas that will have a positive impact on their community. 

In their pitch, Sophia, Tia, and Mason demonstrated how they planned to use their project to engage with younger students at a local primary school, providing mentorship and support that will have a lasting effect on both groups.

The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust was founded in 2008 by double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes to support retired athletes in transitioning from sport. Through mentoring programmes, the trust uses the skills and experience of athletes to inspire and transform the lives of young people. 

The school, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, prides itself on the West Exe Offer which includes an exciting extra-curricular programme including, the jazz band, Model United Nations, Ten Tors, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, climbing and school productions. Over 100 students each year also volunteer for their growing Student Leadership Team which includes Student Parliament, the Green Team, Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, Primary Mentors, Sports Leaders and many more roles within the school community.

Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

“Everyone at West Exe School is incredibly proud of Sophia, Tia, and Mason for their outstanding achievement in securing funding for their social action project. This is a fantastic example of how our students are not only developing academically but also gaining valuable life skills through initiatives like the Unlocking Potential programme. Their commitment to making a positive difference in the community is inspiring, and we can’t wait to see how their project unfolds.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“At the Ted Wragg Trust, we are committed to helping students with their academic and personal development, offering enriching opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Taking part in the Unlocking Potential programme is a great way to nurture young people’s leadership skills while also encouraging them to give back to their communities. We are proud to see students from West Exe School embrace this opportunity, and we look forward to following the success of Sophia, Tia, and Mason as they complete their project.”

Parents, teachers, and children at primary schools across the Ted Wragg Trust are celebrating after the release of Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) level performance measures for Year 6 pupils who completed their studies in summer 2024. The results have shown remarkable progress, with schools in the trust exceeding national averages and making huge strides in improving outcomes for their pupils.

In a standout achievement, 74% of Year 6 pupils in Ted Wragg primary schools reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths – a significant 13% higher than the national average of 61%. This places the Ted Wragg Trust’s primary schools among the top 11% of all schools nationally by this key measure.

What’s more, the performance of disadvantaged pupils has seen an even more impressive rise. A total of 66% of disadvantaged pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, 20% higher than the national average of 46%. This places the trust into the top 7% of all trusts in the country for this metric and secures its place in the top 5% in the South West, where it ranks 3rd overall.

These results reflect the hard work and dedication of staff, students, and families at the trust’s primary schools, including Cranbrook Education Campus, Exwick Heights Primary School, Marine Academy Primary, and Whipton Barton Junior School.

The Ted Wragg Trust continues to build on its reputation for providing high-quality education and support, with these results further cementing its position as a leader in school performance. As part of this commitment to providing the best possible learning experience, schools within the trust offer students an exciting range of enrichment activities to bring learning to life. 

Marine Academy Primary and Exwick Heights Primary School both recently took pupils on trips to Paris to not only broaden their horizons but also help to build children’s confidence and personal growth by getting them out of their comfort zones. Whipton Barton pupils also recently enjoyed learning outside of the classroom with an interactive Saxon history lesson at Escot Park.

The trust’s approach, which focuses on a holistic, child-centred education, has proven to be effective in supporting all pupils, with a clear emphasis on creating the right environment for learning, empowering teachers, and focusing on the well-being and development of every child.

This year’s performance results mark a significant step forward in the trust’s mission to provide every child with the best start in life, and the Ted Wragg Trust is excited to continue delivering positive outcomes for all its students and schools.

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“Seeing the trust performance data for primary schools this year is one of my absolute proudest moments as CEO, and I want to extend a huge congratulations to our students, families and colleagues. These outcomes are a testament to our staff’s dedication, expertise, and commitment to every child’s success. Their hard work is making a tangible difference, and these improvements show that our approach is not just working but leading the way. We know there is still more to do, and we are determined to continue this momentum, working collaboratively with our families and partners, to ensure every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

  

 

Honiton Community College (HCC) Sixth Form students have stepped up for mental health in their final 24-hour charity challenge, which raised much-needed funds for the Exeter, Mid, and East Devon branch of the Samaritans.   

For over a decade, the school’s Sixth Form has led a series of 24-hour charity events, raising more than £26,000 for local causes. This year’s challenge saw staff and students aim to walk continuously for 365 kilometres in honour of the 365 days a year the Samaritans operate, and they actually managed a whopping 845 kilometres, all while raising vital funds for the charity’s life-saving services.  

As it stands, a massive £2,699 has been raised for the Samaritans from over 120 supporters, the second highest amount ever raised by the Sixth Form.   

The event, which took place in the school’s Post-16 Centre, saw participants walking on cross-trainers, with each person signing up for 10-minute slots. Music, fun, and team spirit fuelled the walkers as they worked together to achieve the total distance, with the goal of raising awareness for mental health support and encouraging community participation. 

This year’s event also brought together some students from the first ever cohort at the school's Sixth Form together with the final cohort, allowing attendees to close the doors on the Sixth Form on a positive and inspirational note.  

The students have raised enough funds to help the Samaritans continue their crucial work, providing emotional support to anyone in need, 24 hours a day.  

At Honiton Community College, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, they put a great emphasis on pastoral care to ensure that each student feels understood, respected and safe. Their pastoral systems provide excellent care, guidance and support so that students know who to turn to if they are experiencing any of life’s challenges. The Samaritans have worked closely with the school to raise awareness about mental health to support these pastoral systems.  

Caroline Brothwood, Principal at Honiton Community College said: 

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ passion and commitment to making a difference in the community. Their dedication to supporting causes like the Samaritans shows just how much they care about the well-being of others. Also, a huge thank you to all the staff for their hard work making this event possible, and a special thanks to our Assistant Head and Director of Post 16 Selena, whose passion was fundamental to making this event such a success. This final challenge is a fitting way to leave a lasting legacy of kindness, awareness, and compassion.“   

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said: 

“It is truly inspiring to see our students take on this challenge in support of such an important cause. The legacy of the Sixth Form is one of service, empathy, and leadership, and this final event is a perfect example of how students have made a tangible difference in their local community. We’re all incredibly proud of them and their dedication to making mental health support more accessible to those who need it most.” 

  

  

Sidmouth College hosted a highly successful Clubs Fayre this term, bringing together a diverse range of local clubs and organisations to showcase opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities.  

The event was a vibrant display of the many exciting clubs available in the community, offering students the chance to try something new, pursue hobbies, and join like-minded groups. 

The fayre, organised in partnership with Live Sidmouth and Sidmouth Town Council, saw a wide range of local clubs participating, from sports teams to creative arts groups, volunteer organisations, and more. Those at the event included: 

• Young Devon 
• All Stars Cricket 
• East Devon Dance Academy 
• Sidmouth Running Club 
• Junior Vikings 
• Sidmouth District Girl Guides 
• Army Cadets 
• Sidmouth Netball Club 

The event also featured the launch of the Youth Hub Directory, a comprehensive guide for young people in Sidmouth to discover and connect with local activities. This invaluable resource provides information on various clubs and organisations in the area. Students and parents are encouraged to check out the directory by visiting this link: Youth Hub Directory. 

Sidmouth College, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is a vibrant and inclusive school, committed to providing students with a well-rounded education. By offering a wide range of extracurricular activities, the school aims to nurture the individual talents of each student, encouraging a passion for lifelong learning and personal development. 

Mrs Lisa Whitworth, Headteacher at Sidmouth College said: 

"We're thrilled with how the Clubs Fayre went. It was wonderful to see so many students excited about exploring new opportunities outside of the classroom. Our students are incredibly lucky to have access to such a wide variety of clubs and activities, and we hope today’s event has sparked interest in discovering something new." 

Moria Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said: 

“We are proud to see our students engaging with the community and discovering the wealth of opportunities available to them. The Clubs Fayre highlights the importance of extracurricular activities in creating well-rounded individuals. We look forward to seeing our students continue to grow, both inside and outside the classroom.”