Lipson Co-operative Academy is celebrating another standout musical achievement after its Year 7 choir performed at the prestigious Lord Mayor’s Choosing reception at Plymouth’s Civic Centre. 

A group of 16 talented students represented the academy with pride and professionalism as they entertained dignitaries, councillors and special guests with their vocal talents.

The annual civic event, held to mark Councillor Kathy Watkin and Councillor Chip Tofan being sworn in as Plymouth’s Lord Mayor and Deputy Mayor, was a proud moment for the city and for the Lipson students who brought the celebration to life through song.

The audience, which included Council Leader Tudor Evans, was treated to a surprise rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ and a selection of harmony-rich vocal pieces that showcased the group’s dedication and musicianship.

The students are now preparing for their next big event, The Big Sing on Monday 30th June, where they’ll perform alongside around 180 local primary pupils in the school’s Muse venue.

Lipson Academy, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, offers a dynamic and inclusive music curriculum that encourages creativity, collaboration, and personal growth. Students engage in a diverse range of musical experiences, from vocal performances in the Year 7 choir to instrumental ensembles featuring saxophones and other instruments. 

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

“We are incredibly proud of our choir. Their performance was a wonderful example of the confidence, creativity and community spirit we strive to nurture at Lipson. They represented the school beautifully and should be very proud of themselves.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

 “Opportunities like these allow young people to not only express themselves creatively, but to connect with their city and its traditions. The Lipson choir has done a fantastic job of strengthening those community ties through their music, and we’re delighted to see them take centre stage in civic events.”

Whipton Barton Federation  is proud to announce it has been shortlisted for the coveted ‘Employer of the Year’ award at the Exeter College Apprentice & Employer Awards 2025. 

The nomination recognises the school’s outstanding commitment to apprenticeship programmes and its continued support for developing the next generation of skilled professionals.

The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, 20th June 2025, at Sandy Park in Exeter. Hosted annually by Exeter College, the event celebrates the successes of employers and apprentices who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact within their sectors.

Whipton Barton Federation, as part of the Ted Wragg Trust, aims to be one of the best places to work in the South West and to achieve this, they are working hard to ensure that they welcome great people, retain great people and develop great people. 

The Trust, as part of their people strategy, is committed to supporting a wide range of apprenticeships from HR to teaching assistants and championing this route to success through their membership of the South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network. Earlier this year they launched their Apprenticeship Network to provide a supportive space for apprentices during their time at the Trust and for 12 months after they finish, to meet other apprentices and share their experience.

Louise Moretta, Executive Headteacher at Whipton Barton Federation said:

 “We are thrilled to be shortlisted for this award. Apprenticeships are an integral part of our approach to developing talent, supporting career progression, and enriching our school community. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of our staff and apprentices alike.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

 “We are passionate about supporting high quality apprenticeship opportunities across the Ted Wragg Trust as a route to success and our apprentices are deeply valued members of our team who bring with them fresh perspectives and learn skills for life. It’s an honour for Whipton Barton Federation to be recognised by Exeter College, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Exeter College to support future education professionals.”

Exwick Heights Primary School is proud to announce its selection as one of Devon Music Education Hub’s new ‘Lead Schools for Music.’ This prestigious recognition highlights the school’s outstanding commitment to high-quality music education and its ongoing efforts to inspire creativity and a love of music among pupils.

The announcement places Exwick Heights among an elite group of schools across Devon selected for their exceptional music provision and leadership. As a ‘Lead School’, Exwick Heights will play a key role in supporting the delivery of the Department for Education’s National Plan for Music Education, working in collaboration with Devon Music Education Hub and other education partners.

The Devon Music Education Hub is committed to ensuring that every child and young person can access high-quality, inclusive music education. Working in partnership with schools, educators, and cultural organisations, the Hub supports musical learning across Devon, from first experiences of singing and playing, to nurturing professional aspirations. 

Funded by the Department for Education and Arts Council England, the Hub plays a key role in delivering the National Plan for Music Education and is led by Devon Education Services. Its mission is rooted in collaboration, creativity, and equality, helping all young people develop their musical potential and supporting schools in placing music at the heart of the curriculum.

At Exwick Heights, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, children gain a firm understanding of what music is through listening, singing, playing and composing across a wide range of historical periods, styles, traditions and musical genres. Each child is given regular opportunity to express themselves musically and to develop their skills, knowledge and confidence in making music. 

Mrs Gemma Wills, Headteacher at Exwick Heights Primary School said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised as a Lead School for Music. Music plays such an important part in our curriculum and wider school life. This opportunity allows us to not only continue developing our own practice, but also to support and inspire other schools across Devon.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“This is a fantastic acknowledgment of the talent, creativity, and dedication shown by staff and pupils at Exwick Heights. We are incredibly proud of their work and excited to see how they will lead and shape music education across the region.”

Whipton Barton Federation is pleased to introduce its newest team of Infant Librarians, Macie, Evie, Noah, and Maryam, who have already made a fantastic start in their new roles.

Over the past two weeks, these enthusiastic young pupils have been busy learning how to catalogue and organise books, navigate the non-fiction section, and bring new energy to the school library.

Their work goes beyond shelving books, they’ve begun refreshing displays, developing ideas to make the space more engaging, and helping to ensure the library remains a welcoming, inspiring environment for all. Their dedication, creativity, and sense of responsibility exemplify the school’s values of citizenship, excellence, and bravery.

At Whipton Barton Federation, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, reading is at the heart of everything they do. Staff develop a strong reading culture where children are inspired to become confident, independent readers and lifelong learners. Daily "Drop Everything and Read" (DEAR) sessions take place across all year groups, offering opportunities for children to read independently or be read to by their teacher using a carefully curated selection of rich and challenging texts. 

Louise Moretta, Executive Headteacher at Whipton Barton Federation said:

 "It’s been such a joy to see our new infant librarians embrace their roles with such enthusiasm. They are already making a real difference and showing how even our youngest pupils can lead with purpose and pride."

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

 "At the Ted Wragg Trust, we believe in giving every young person the chance to shine and this initiative is a brilliant example of that. It’s wonderful to see pupils developing leadership, responsibility, and a love of reading from such an early age."

76 Year 9 students from Honiton Community College (HCC) have returned from Paris after a whirlwind adventure packed with iconic sights, shared challenges, and unforgettable memories.

Accompanied by seven dedicated staff members, the students took part in a five-day tour that included visits to the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré Coeur and Montmartre, the Louvre, and a relaxing river cruise through the heart of the city. The trip was topped off with a full day at Disneyland Paris and a cultural dive into a traditional French hypermarket.

The school, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, would like to say a massive thank you, or merci, to language teacher Lisa Cooper, the staff lead behind this extraordinary experience. Her meticulous planning, care, and commitment made the adventure possible.

Importantly, the Jack Riley Trust provided generous support to ensure that disadvantaged students could take part in the trip. Thanks to this and the school’s own efforts, all families requiring financial assistance were supported, without the need for additional fundraising.

On the Saturday morning, students braved long queues and scorching sunshine at the Eiffel Tower, where many demonstrated great determination walking up to the viewing platforms. That same day, after enjoying a scenic boat cruise along the Seine, the group narrowly missed a dramatic hailstorm, which began just after they boarded the coach.

Although poor weather on Saturday prevented students from swimming as planned, spirits remained high and they were able to enjoy pool time on Sunday instead. That evening brought new experiences for many, including tasting snails, met with a variety of reactions, and dancing the night away at a lively disco. For those who preferred a quieter evening, a friendly game of football rounded off the day.

Another memorable moment came on Sunday when the Champs-Elysées Avenue was completely car-free, offering students the rare and surreal experience of walking straight up the centre of the iconic road toward the Arc de Triomphe. This pedestrian initiative occurs just once a month and added a truly unique twist to the trip. 

The trip was not only a cultural and educational success, but also a powerful opportunity for students to grow in confidence, independence, and resilience. Honiton Community College is proud of the way its students represented the school, and themselves, throughout this memorable adventure.

Caroline Brothwood, Headteacher at Honiton Community College said:

 "This trip represents everything we value at Honiton – opportunity, culture, and confidence-building beyond the classroom. For our students to experience the Eiffel Tower, hear French spoken in real life and navigate a new city with their friends was incredibly powerful. I’m so proud of how our students represented the college – and so grateful to the staff, particularly Lisa Cooper, for making it all happen."

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

 "Trips like this ignite curiosity and create lifelong memories. I’m thrilled to see Honiton Community College delivering rich, inclusive experiences that show students the world is theirs to explore.”

Year 5 pupils from Whipton Barton Federation stepped out of the classroom and into the future this term with an inspiring visit to ‘The Gardens’, an eco-friendly housing development led by Classic Builders.

As part of their ongoing innovation project focused on designing a sustainable town of the future, the children have been exploring Passivhaus principles, cutting-edge design approaches that minimise environmental impact. On their visit they saw those very principles brought to life.

From touring homes under construction to watching the site’s towering crane in action, the pupils gained a hands-on understanding of how sustainable buildings are made. Site Manager Kevin and his team generously gave their time, answering insightful questions and showing the children features such as rainwater harvesting systems and energy-efficient construction techniques.

At the Whipton Barton Federation, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, part of their mission is to provide rich, purposeful learning that prepares children for a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow and this trip encapsulated that perfectly.

Louise Moretta, Executive Headteacher at Whipton Barton Federation said:

 "This visit was a fantastic opportunity for our children to connect their learning with the real world. Seeing sustainability in action not only inspired them, but also helped them realise their own potential to shape the future."

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

 "At the Ted Wragg Trust, we believe in giving young people meaningful experiences that raise aspirations. The curiosity, enthusiasm, and critical thinking shown by the Whipton Barton pupils on this trip is exactly what we hope to nurture in all our schools."