The ‘Singing Children of Africa’ have visited Exmouth Community College (ECC) this term to take part in an exciting performance with ECC students. The group visited the college as part of their national tour. 

The ‘Singing Children of Africa’ began in 2006 when the founder of the charity Educate the Kids formed a group of 24 pupils from Kenya for a UK tour. The children’s energy, songs and dance quickly won over audiences, raising enough to build an orphanage and later support new school facilities. 

Over the years, the tours have given hundreds of children life-changing experiences, boosting confidence, cultural awareness and education. Today, the group continues to inspire with performances that celebrate resilience, joy and the power of education.

Through her close links with the charity, Mrs Phillips, the Head of Expressive Arts at ECC arranged for the visitors to take part in dance and drama workshops with students from the college. In addition, the choir performed alongside students from ECC in a range of music and dance pieces in an uplifting evening event.

All proceeds from the joint performances, which raised over £1k went to Educate the Kids to help fund children from the most deprived areas near Mombasa in Kenya to attend school. 

At Exmouth Community College, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust,  the Music Department offers students a vibrant, creative environment led by a team of active professional musicians. Based in purpose-built facilities with recording studios, Mac suites, classrooms and practice rooms, the department provides a curriculum that develops performance, composition, listening and cultural understanding across a wide range of styles. 

Alongside lessons, students can take part in a rich programme of extra-curricular opportunities, from ensembles and public performances to biennial tours and full-scale musical productions, all designed to inspire a love of music and the joy of performing in the community.

Tom Inman, Headteacher at Exmouth Community College said: “It was a privilege to welcome the ‘Singing Children of Africa’ to our college. The energy, joy and talent they shared with our students was truly inspiring, and the workshops and joint performance created a memorable experience for everyone involved. This event captured the power of music and dance to connect cultures and communities, and we are proud that our students had the opportunity to be a part of it.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust said:“At the Ted Wragg Trust, we believe education should broaden horizons and build connections across the world. The visit from the ‘Singing Children of Africa’ gave our students the chance to learn, perform and celebrate alongside an incredible group of young people. The funds raised will make a real difference in the lives of children in Kenya, and this partnership demonstrates the true impact of education, creativity and community coming together.”

Sidmouth College has welcomed a new headteacher this academic year. Mr Alex Evans took up the post at the beginning of September, succeeding Lisa Whitworth, who has led the school as Interim Headteacher over the past year.

Mr Evans joins the college from St Luke’s Church of England School in Exeter, which is one of the top-performing schools in Devon for student progress. He spent six years there as part of the senior leadership team. Both schools are part of the Ted Wragg Trust, a growing family of schools across Devon dedicated to transforming the lives of young people. 

Staff and students have already begun to get to know their new Headteacher and parents will have the opportunity to meet Mr Evans this half term on two separate evenings.

Mr Evans is taking the helm of the college at a particularly exciting and positive time. This year’s A-Level students achieved the strongest set of results seen in recent years, with a clear rise in average grades that reflects the excellent progress being made across the school.

At GCSE, results were equally impressive. There was a remarkable 10% increase in the number of students achieving a good pass (grade 5 or above) in both English and Maths. This success means Sidmouth College is now performing above the national average for both grade 4+ and grade 5+ outcomes, based on the 2024 figures.

At Sidmouth College, every learner is supported to believe in themselves and succeed in fulfilling their potential, inspired to lead happy, healthy and successful lives in a rapidly changing world. Through inspirational teaching, a high-quality and relevant curriculum, and opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, students achieve outstanding outcomes and develop the skills they need for the future. 

Alex Evans, Headteacher at Sidmouth College said:

“I am delighted to join the Sidmouth College community. From my very first visit, I was struck by the warmth of the staff, the care shown to students, and the strong sense of belonging here. Sidmouth has an excellent reputation, and the brilliant results achieved by students this summer are a real testament to their hard work and the dedication of staff. I am excited to work with students, staff, and families to build on these successes and ensure every young person achieves their potential."

Chair of Governors at Sidmouth College, Ann Denner, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Alex to Sidmouth College, he brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record in improving the quality of education for students. We are looking forward to working with Alex and the amazing team of staff at the college as they continue to ensure our students thrive and succeed.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“We are thrilled that Alex has taken on the role at Sidmouth College. His experience, track record and commitment to our values make him an excellent leader for the school’s next chapter.”

Year 7 students atIsca Academy have taken part in a live stream event with renowned author Joseph Coelho this term. 

Joseph Coelho is an acclaimed British poet, playwright, and author of children’s books, celebrated for his dynamic performance poetry and popular works such as the Luna Loves… series and the CLiPPA-winning Werewolf Club Rules!. He served as Waterstones Children’s Laureate from 2022 to 2024 and was awarded an OBE in 2024 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to children’s literature.

The students had been given a copy of his book Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter, to read over the summer holidays as part of their transition programme from primary school. During the online session, Joseph talked with the students about his life, his job as an author, his inspirations, his books and his ambitions for the future. Students had the unique opportunity to ask questions and discuss the book together with Joseph which they loved. 

At Isca Academy, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, their English curriculum is designed to inspire a love of reading and develops confident, critical thinkers. Students explore a rich variety of texts, from Shakespeare and Dickens to contemporary poetry, while building their own voice through creative and academic writing. 

Mrs Vicki Joyce, Headteacher at Isca Academy said:

“It was fantastic to see our Year 7 students so engaged and inspired by Joseph Coelho. Events like this bring reading to life and show our students that books can open doors to creativity, imagination, and ambition. Experiences like these perfectly complement our English curriculum and encourage students to develop their own voice.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“We are thrilled that students at Isca Academy had the opportunity to meet such an accomplished author. Joseph Coelho’s passion for storytelling and literature is truly infectious, and this kind of engagement highlights the trust’s commitment to inspiring young people and encouraging a lifelong love of reading.”

Maths A-level students Queen Elizabeth’s School (QE) have taken part in an exciting and successful day at the University of Plymouth, exploring degree and career paths in mathematics. 

The group excelled in a variety of hands-on workshops, with student Willem Snowdon receiving the top score in the maths challenge and the QE whole group winning the cryptography workshop. Students also took part in a fascinating session about fluid dynamics, a branch of study concerned with the motion of liquids and gases.

At QE, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, their A Level Maths course covers both pure and applied content alongside geography topics. Year 12 and 13s study ‘The Living World and Physical Landscapes in the UK’, focusing on rivers and coasts, as well as core mathematical areas such as binomial expansion, radians, trigonometric functions and trigonometry and modelling. 

Year 13 begins with pure mathematics including parametric equations, differentiation, numerical methods, integration and vectors, followed by regression, correlation and hypothesis testing, conditional probability, moments, and forces and friction. 

A mathematics degree opens the door to a rewarding career in many sectors including science, engineering, finance, government, medicine and education. Graduates from the University of Plymouth have progressed to a wide range of interesting jobs or postgraduate study. Recent employers include KPMG, GCHQ, Lloyds Banking Group, the Met Office, Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit, and Siemens.

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

“We are incredibly proud of our students for the way they threw themselves into the challenges at Plymouth University. Their success in both the individual and group activities shows not only their mathematical ability but also their teamwork and problem-solving skills. Opportunities like this bring classroom learning to life and help our young people see the exciting pathways maths can open up.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“At the Ted Wragg Trust we want every student to be inspired by learning and to see the possibilities that education creates. This event at the University of Plymouth is a brilliant example of how our schools can connect students with future careers in areas as diverse as engineering, science and finance. Congratulations to the QE students for representing their school so well.”

Tor Bridge High is pleased to announce this Youth Mental Health Day that the school has been awarded the Bronze Mental Health Charter Mark, which recognises Tor Bridge High’s exceptional commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of students and staff alike.

The charter mark celebrates schools that have a strong focus on young people’s emotional wellbeing and Tor Bridge High wants to thank their fantastic Student Ambassadors who play such a key role in supporting positive relationships and mental health across the school.

To achieve bronze status, staff at Tor Bridge High carried out a thorough audit of mental wellbeing in the school to inform their work. They then focused on developing support in three key areas, attendance issues caused by anxious feelings, lack of confidence in relationships and meeting student needs in the classroom.

As a result of this focus, they implemented a team of highly skilled staff in a new ‘Attendance Hub’, where students and families are supported and provided with daily contact, encouragement, and emotion coaching. The school also created 'check-in zones,' staffed by adults who are skilled in trauma, building wellbeing and developing strong relationships.

All staff were trained in ‘RULER’ which helps staff to recognise their own emotions and understand how this impacts them and others. This is the first stage in a three-year implementation plan that will be extended to students next year and their parents and the wider community the following year. As part of this work, Tor Bridge teachers are continuing to develop their skills in ‘Adaptive Teaching’ which aims to improve their skills at meeting individual student needs. All teachers and support staff are attending weekly practice sessions on how to meet a wide range of special educational needs.  

All schools in the Ted Wragg Trust, which Tor Bridge High is a part of, are undertaking the Mental Health Charter Mark and St Luke's Church of England School, Isca Academy, Marine Academy Primary and Exwick Heights Primary School have all also received the Bronze Award already.

Youth Mental Health Day (19th September) aims to get young people talking about how to improve mental health. It aims to provide hope and positivity, and to break the stigma surrounding mental health. This year's theme, Share Support, encourages young people and those around them to connect, share, and access clinically-informed mental health resources.

Tracy Stephenson, Headteacher at Tor Bridge High, said:

“Everyone at Tor Bridge High is delighted that we have been awarded the Bronze Mental Health Charter Mark in time for Youth Mental Health Day. As a school, our mission is to transform lives, strengthen our communities and make the world a better place. We do this through our core values of Courage, Love and Ambition and I am so proud of all the staff and students who embody these values to ensure we support the mental health of our entire school community.”

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

“I want to extend my congratulations to everyone at Tor Bridge High for this achievement. We know how important emotional wellbeing is to enabling young people to grow, learn, and go on to live a life of opportunity. That’s why all our schools are continuing to strengthen their efforts to support students with their mental health, helping them to build their mental resilience and wellbeing both now and in the future.”

Before the summer break, 90 students from All Saints Academy Plymouth (ASAP) returned from an unforgettable four-day trip to Paris. The group was made up of 80 Year 7s, as well as 10 GCSE French students who used the opportunity to not only practice their language skills but also work with the staff on the trip to complete their work experience.

The trip included visits to various landmarks around the French capital, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Sacre Coeur, the Eiffel Tower, and the Gardens of Luxembourg, where the students wrote postcards in French about the sights they had seen. 

They also enjoyed a boat cruise along the River Seine, allowing them to see the city from a different point of view, and passed further monuments such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum. 

Visiting all of these sites would be impressive enough on any ‘normal’ day, but the trip included Bastille Day, the French national holiday when the population of the city rises by hundreds of thousands of people.  Due to the celebrations, from a vantage point at the Sacre Coeur, they were able to watch a fly past go over the city of more than 100 different aircrafts. 

 A highlight for many of the children was of course a visit to Disneyland Paris. Students had the opportunity to explore the park with their friends, meet some of the famous Disney characters, put their bravery to the test on some of the scarier rides and watch some of the brilliant music parades that Disney is so well known for. 

When asked how their day in Disneyland was, students’ replies included ‘it’s a dream come true’, ‘the rides were wicked’ and ‘can we just stay another day and come back tomorrow. ASAP, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust,  will be running this trip again next summer, with the aim being to take 100 students to the French capital. 

 Brittanie Tonge, Associate Assistant Head Teacher at All Saints Academy and organiser of the trip said:

“This was the first of our annual trips to Paris, and it was an absolute delight to provide so many of our students with this opportunity. As the French lead at All Saints, it was wonderful to see so many of our students engage with the French language and culture. The students were a credit to the school, and we received so many compliments with regards to their conduct in the city and at Disneyland. In visiting Paris, our students have met their ASAP pledge to ‘visit a capital city’ and continue to access our incredible extra curriculum offer.”

 Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said: 

"At the Ted Wragg Trust, we believe that education should broaden horizons and create lifelong memories. This trip to Paris gave our students a chance to immerse themselves in another culture, practice their language skills, and experience some of the most iconic landmarks in Europe. We are incredibly proud of the staff who organised such a rich programme, and of the students who represented All Saints Academy Plymouth with maturity, curiosity, and joy."