Students from Exmouth Community College jumped at the chance to experience life at one of the world’s best universities this term.

Dozens of students from years 10, 11 and 12 made the trip to Oxford for a day at Exeter College, the University of Oxford’s link college for schools in the south west.

The group took part in some critical thinking and academic taster sessions, before being treated to lunch in the refectory and a tour of the college. 

The visit is just one of the events Exmouth Community College runs each year to prepare students for what comes next on their academic journey. As part of the Ted Wragg Trust, the college has a strong focus on helping students make well-informed and ambitious decisions about their futures.

The college is also part of the Somerset, Devon and Cornwall Residential Programme run in partnership with the same Oxford college. The programme is designed to give year 12 students from under represented backgrounds a taste of life at Oxford and raise their confidence before applying to an elite university. 

Closer to home, ECC has forged strong relations with the University of Exeter, through its ‘Exeter Scholars’ programme. The programme is designed to give students the opportunity to find out more about university, develop a passion for a chosen subject, and gain first-hand experience of student life at their local university.

Tom Inman, Headteacher at Exmouth Community College said: 

 “At Exmouth Community College, we are big believers in nurturing ambition and wish to further develop the opportunities for our young people to fulfil their considerable potential. The Oxford trip was a great  success - it was a real joy to hear our students so excited about all the possibilities the future holds. We look forward to building on this with our exciting new 'scholars' programme".

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust said: 

 “Trips like these are much more than a day out exploring somewhere new, they’re about our students being inspired for the future. At the Ted Wragg Trust, we are committed to helping all our students realise their full potential and I'm delighted to see our students embracing these opportunities.” 

Students at Tor Bridge High enjoyed a lyrical feast with world champion freestyle rapper Rob Bradley at their annual Poetry Week this term.

Years 7, 8 and 10 were treated to a blend of rhythm, rhyme, and storytelling in a series of scintillating sessions with the poet and songwriter. With performances spanning New York clubs to European festivals, TED talks, published poetry, and music under the name Jack Flash, Rob has inspired and captivated audiences across the globe.

His work with students at Tor Bridge High set the tone for a weeklong celebration of the spoken word. It culminated on National Poetry Day when students and staff came together to read their favourite poems aloud at the school’s much loved ‘Poetry & Pastries’ event.

Part of the Ted Wragg Trust, Tor Bridge High is committed to providing its students with opportunities to expand their outlooks and encouraging a lifelong love of reading. The English curriculum at the school brings together a rich collection of literary texts from the English canon as well as works from other cultures. This varied reading encourages students to reflect on their moral, social, spiritual and political development, helping them grow into thoughtful and well rounded young people.

Tracy Stephenson, Headteacher at Tor Bridge High, said: “I would like to give huge thanks to Rob for sharing his love of language with our students. We very much agree with him that everyone has a story to tell so it was a joy to see our students throwing themselves into Poetry Week once again. It’s a real highlight of the year and they all made us proud by engaging with his workshops with such enthusiasm.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “Our mission is to transform lives and Rob Bradley’s visit to Tor Bridge High shows how poetry can do exactly that. His work with words has taken him right around the world, what an inspiring example for our students! We are delighted to support events like this across our family of schools that spark a passion for reading in young people.”

Pupils from Marine Academy Primary stepped back in time this term to learn about prehistoric earth. Everything they had learned in the classroom was brought to life with a trip to Dinosaur World in Torquay. The indoor exhibition gave the Year 1 children the opportunity to explore and interact with lifelike exhibits. 

This was a great way to enrich the learning that the children have undertaken about dinosaurs in their history lessons this term.

The Plymouth school, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, has a strong focus on nurturing young learners and helping them grow into confident, curious individuals. As part of their ongoing efforts to bring learning to life and give children the joy of shared experiences, Marine Academy Primary funds six extracurricular trips or visits for every pupil each year.

Their history curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, build strong foundations and help children think and act like historians. From Reception, pupils begin exploring the idea of the past through personal memories, celebrations and significant figures, gradually developing their understanding of time. 

Georgina Reid, Headteacher at Marine Academy Primary, said:

“This day out was a fantastic experience for our Year 1s, giving them the chance to get close to the creatures they’ve been learning about. They had a lot of fun together and were all great ambassadors for the school."

Siobhan Meredith, Executive Director of Education at the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“Trips like this turn learning into something memorable. At the Ted Wragg Trust, we want every child to feel excited by their education, because when learning is joyful and engaging, children thrive.”

Youngsters from Cranbrook Education Campus (CEC) have been learning how to save lives this term.

Year 4 children took part in interactive workshops designed to build their confidence should they ever have to deal with a  cardiac emergency. In hands-on sessions run by the organisation Jay’s Aim, the pupils learned how to recognise a potential emergency, call for help, and start basic CPR.

Founded in memory of 28-year-old dad James (Jay) Osborne, Jay’s Aim works to reduce the rate of sudden cardiac deaths among young people across South West England. Every week in the UK, an estimated 12 people under the age of 35 lose their lives to undiagnosed heart conditions, often without any warning signs. According to the British Heart Foundation, these tragedies are preventable and Jay’s Aim is arming people with the skills they need to prevent them.

CEC is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, which invited the charity back for a session with staff across its schools as part of tEdFest 2025, the trust’s flagship ‘Festival of Learning’. It was one of over 250 workshops, keynotes and training sessions put on for the staff who work across the trust’s schools. And Year 8 students across the trust’s family of schools will now also be benefitting from the same training during the school year.

At Cranbrook Education Campus, they celebrate every success and encourage learners to live by their five PERKS of being #Crantastic values: Proud, Engaged, Ready, Kind and Safe. Pupils are rewarded for demonstrating these values both in lessons and around campus, helping them to thrive academically and personally. 

Hannah Wickens, Assistant Headteacher (Primary Behaviour & Attitudes) at Cranbrook Education Campus said:

“At Cranbrook Education Campus, we believe in preparing young people for real life. The sessions were brilliant, it was great to hear the pupils leave saying they felt ready to help if someone needed them.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“Jay’s Aim does a wonderful job of preparing people with the knowledge they need to assist in an emergency, and we’re pleased that students across our family of schools will be benefiting from this training throughout the year. I know our staff found their lifesaving training just as rewarding and empowering as the children at Cranbrook.”

Lipson Co-operative Academy was thrilled to host an inspiring jazz improvisation workshop in partnership with internationally-renowned saxophonist Tommaso Starace.

Mr Starace has released a series of acclaimed albums demonstrating his cinematic, melodic, and innovative approach to jazz. Praised for his lyrical sensitivity and creative interpretation, he has performed and collaborated with jazz greats such as Dave Liebman, Kenny Wheeler, Billy Cobham and Dario Marianelli.

Students from Lipson and other local schools had the unique opportunity to learn directly from Tommaso, exploring the art of jazz improvisation and experiencing firsthand the creativity and excitement of live performance. The budding musicians tried out new techniques and expressed themselves through improvisation. Staff and students alike described the workshop as a memorable and uplifting experience.

At Lipson Co-operative Academy, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust the music curriculum is designed to be dynamic, inclusive, and hands-on. Students can also participate in a wide range of ensembles and performances and the music academy at the school offers intensive daily practice and instrument tuition. 

Mr Martin Brook, Headteacher at Lipson Co-operative Academy said:

“It has been an absolute pleasure to welcome Tommaso and students from across the city for this workshop. The energy and talent in the room was remarkable, and it’s wonderful to see our students inspired in such a creative way.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

"It’s brilliant to see our students engaging so enthusiastically with music as part of the schools’ ambitious music curriculum. Workshops like this, led by world-class musicians such as Tommaso Starace, provide unforgettable experiences that inspire a lifelong love of the arts."

Lipson Co-operative Academy proudly took centre stage at the Department for Education’s ‘RISE Achieving and Thriving Conference’, held at Sandy Park, Exeter last month, a day dedicated to raising attainment and ensuring success for every child across the South West.

The event opened with a vibrant performance from Lipson’s talented school choir and band, whose energy and musical skill set the tone for a day of inspiration and collaboration. Their performance showcased the strength of Lipson’s growing music programme and the confidence and dedication of its students.

The conference brought together secondary school leaders from across the region to hear from keynote speakers including Bridget Phillipson MP, the Secretary of State for Education. Attendees explored strategies to close the attainment gap and support disadvantaged students to thrive.

Lipson headteacher Martin Brook led a breakout workshop on enrichment, sharing how the school is bucking the national trend in outcomes for white working-class boys. His session highlighted the power of enrichment in raising aspirations and achievement.

Siobhan Meredith, executive director of education at the Ted Wragg Trust, facilitated a workshop on transition, offering practical strategies to support pupils from Year 6 into secondary school and beyond.

Other sessions included insights on literacy, parental engagement, and key stage transitions and the day concluded with reflections from Tim Coulson, chair of the RISE Board. The Department for Education’s RISE (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence) programme is on a mission to break the link between a young person’s background and their future success. 

Backed by a £20 million investment from the DfE, RISE brings together expert advisers to deliver targeted support to schools in need, while also offering universal guidance to all schools across the region. Through bespoke interventions, peer-to-peer collaboration, and the sharing of best practice, RISE is helping schools overcome barriers and raise attainment for every child.

Mr Martin Brook, Headteacher at Lipson Co-operative Academy said: “Events like this are vital in bringing educators together to share what works. It was fantastic to see Lipson’s students open the day with such confidence and joy, a true reflection of the school’s commitment to enrichment and opportunity. We’re proud to be part of a community that’s working hard to close the attainment gap and ensure every child can achieve and thrive.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said: “Watching Lipson’s students perform for the Secretary of State was a truly proud moment. Their music set the tone for a day focused on equity, aspiration, and opportunity, values we hold at the heart of the Ted Wragg Trust.”