Students from Queen Elizabeth’s School (QE) in Crediton travelled to Brussels to visit the heart of European decision-making as part of the European Parliament Ambassador School Programme (EPAS).

Students from years 11 to 13 visited the European Commission and the European Parliament, learning about how European institutions operate and the role they play in shaping policy.

Alongside the formal programme, students explored Brussels’ cultural landmarks, including the work of Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte and the Atomium. They also experienced local culture, sampling traditional Belgian food during their stay.

Part of the Ted Wragg Trust, QE is a European Parliament Ambassador School, providing students with a wide range of opportunities to engage with civic life, politics, and global issues.

Through visits, exchanges, and participation in programmes like EPAS, students gain first-hand experience of decision-making, learn about international governance, and develop skills in leadership, debate, and informed citizenship.

Last year QE students participated in a unique Q&A session with Martin Hojsík, Vice-President of the European Parliament and also met with the Head of Unit from the Parliament’s Legal Service. The immersive experience was designed to encourage an understanding of European values and strengthen youth engagement with democratic processes.

Ms Paula Smith, Headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s School, said:

“Our students were excellent ambassadors throughout the trip, engaging fully with every part of the programme. Experiences like this provide insight into the workings of government and international organisations, while also broadening their experience and encouraging them to think about their own role as informed and responsible citizens.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said:

“Across our family of schools we are committed to giving young people opportunities for learning beyond the classroom that deepen their understanding of the world. Experiences like the EPAS visit help students gain powerful insights into how decisions are made on the global stage as well as developing the skills and confidence to make a positive contribution in their communities and beyond.”

Students at Tor Bridge High explored post-school options with employers, universities, and training providers at the school’s annual careers fair.

Exhibitors included HM Land Registry, the University of Plymouth, the University of Exeter, Babcock International Group, ATL Plymouth, the NHS, Princess Yachts and many more, giving students the chance to learn about education, apprenticeships, and career pathways.

Parents of Year 11 and 13 students were also invited in the evening to speak with experts alongside their children about options and next steps.

Part of the Ted Wragg Trust, Tor Bridge High offers a broad careers programme designed to support students throughout their time at the school. Alongside events like the careers fair, students have access to workshops, one-to-one guidance sessions, and regular information about education, training, and employment pathways. 

The programme aims to help students understand the choices available to them, develop skills for future study and work, and feel confident in making informed decisions about their next steps.

Tracy Stephenson, headteacher at Tor Bridge High, said:

“Our careers fair gives students the opportunity to meet a wide range of employers and education providers, ask questions, and explore the paths open to them. Seeing our students engage so thoughtfully shows just how seriously they’re thinking about their futures.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said:

“Events like this give young people the tools and confidence to shape their own futures. Supporting students to make informed choices is at the heart of what we do, and it helps strengthen communities by connecting young people with local employers, education providers, and opportunities in the region.”

Students, staff and families at St Luke’s Church of England School have come together to support people experiencing homelessness in Exeter.

The school worked in partnership with Smile at a Stranger – Help for the Homeless Devon, a volunteer-led group that collects, coordinates, and distributes donations across the county. 

Students packed shoeboxes with essential items such as warm clothing, toiletries and small treats, which were then passed on to charities and organisations working directly with people in need. The donations provided comfort, dignity and practical support during difficult times.

The project reflects St Luke’s commitment to kindness, compassion and social responsibility, encouraging pupils to think about others and the difference they can make in their community. 

As a Church of England school and part of the Ted Wragg Trust, St Luke’s aims to support pupils’ academic, social, physical and spiritual development, helping them to flourish both in and beyond the classroom.

Mr Harrison Littler, headteacher at St Luke’s C of E School, said:

“We are so proud of our students, staff and families for coming together to support this important cause. It’s wonderful to see our community making a real difference for people in need.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said:

“What a fantastic effort from St Luke’s. Seeing our staff, students and their families give so generously to support others is inspiring and shows the values we hope all our students carry with them.”

Pupils at Cranbrook Education Campus have been getting their hands dirty as they begin the next phase of a woodland improvement project at Elbury Farm in East Devon.

Building on the success of last year’s planting, the school’s environmental group is continuing its work to enhance the developing woodland, helping to shape a landscape that will benefit wildlife and the local community for years to come.

Working in partnership with the National Trust, pupils are planting new trees, contributing ideas to the woodland’s design and taking part in team-building activities that develop collaboration and practical skills. Each child received a certificate recognising the number of trees they planted, marking their personal contribution to the project.

The project forms part of Cranbrook Education Campus’s wider commitment to environmental education as part of the Ted Wragg Trust, giving pupils hands-on experience of sustainability and conservation. 

By taking an active role in planting and shaping the woodland, children are learning the importance of caring for natural spaces and understanding the long-term impact of their actions on the world around them.

Hannah Wickens, Assistant Headteacher at Cranbrook Education Campus, said:

“This project has given our pupils a real sense of pride and ownership. By working outdoors and contributing to something that will last for generations, they’re learning first-hand about caring for the environment, working together and making a positive difference in their local community.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said:

“Projects like this show the power of schools rooted in their communities. By working with partners such as the National Trust, Cranbrook Education Campus is giving children meaningful opportunities to contribute to their local environment while building the values, skills and confidence that will stay with them for life.”

Pupils from Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton visited the University of Exeter for a classics taster session exploring the ancient world through objects, language and everyday life.

During the trip, students examined coins from different periods to uncover the stories behind their images and traced modern vocabulary back to its Latin and Greek roots. 

They also explored life in Pompeii through surviving graffiti, from political slogans to playful messages and children’s drawings, offering a vivid insight into daily life in ancient times.

The visit also gave pupils a chance to try new experiences outside the classroom, reflecting the school’s commitment, as part of the Ted Wragg Trust, to broadening horizons and connecting with the wider community.

Ms Paula Smith, headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s School, said:

“It’s wonderful to see pupils so curious and engaged with the past, and how it connects to today’s world. Visits like this bring learning to life, open up new ideas, and offer a taste of university life.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said:

“Opportunities like this open doors to new interests and spark curiosity that we hope will stay with them for years to come. It’s wonderful to see pupils engaging so positively with the experiences offered for learning outside the classroom and those provided by higher education.”

Whipton Barton Federation is proud to announce that it has been awarded the IQM Inclusive School Award and IQM Centre of Excellence status. This national recognition celebrates the school’s commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and ambitious environment for every child and every family.

The Centre of Excellence Award was achieved following a detailed review of the school’s provision. The assessment recognised that inclusion at Whipton Barton is not limited to special educational needs but is embedded across all areas of school life. This includes support for pupils with English as an Additional Language, strong relationships with families, meaningful community partnerships, and a culture where all children are encouraged to thrive.

The IQM assessor praised the school for seeing inclusion as a living process that continues to evolve. This approach is reflected in its teaching, leadership, pastoral care, and its work with families. The school’s commitment to supporting every pupil was highlighted as a clear strength, along with a strong ethos that places belonging and aspiration at the heart of daily practice.

Achieving Centre of Excellence status places Whipton Barton Federation within an elite network of schools across the country that share and shape inclusive practice. Members of the network collaborate through cluster groups, joint continuing professional development, and professional dialogue, ensuring that schools continue to innovate and learn from one another. 

The school has also developed a Centre of Excellence action plan that focuses on continuing to strengthen inclusive teaching, extending community partnerships, and sharing expertise. 

Staff at Whipton Barton Federation, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, are pleased to be recognised for their commitment to equity, community, and the belief that inclusion should benefit all pupils. The school looks forward to building on this achievement and contributing to inclusive education on a national scale. 

Louise Moretta, Executive Headteacher at Whipton Barton Federation said:

"We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition because it reflects the values that guide our school every day. Inclusion at Whipton Barton is not a policy on a page. It is a commitment to every child and every family, and it shapes the way we teach, support, and work together as a community."

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

"Whipton Barton Federation is a school that lives its values. The team places inclusion at the heart of everything they do and always put children first. We are extremely proud to see their hard work and expertise recognised with this national award."