Exmouth Community College Sixth Form is excited to announce a proposed collaboration with the Exeter Regional Talent Centre (ERTC) to establish a Post-16 Football Academy, launching as early as the 2025/26 academic year. 

The planned academy would allow Sixth Form students to combine their academic studies with high-quality football coaching and competition, thanks to ERTC’s experienced team of UEFA-qualified coaches. The programme aims to support students with both sporting excellence and academic achievement, ensuring future career and education pathways remain fully open. 

The Exmouth Sixth Form Football Academy would offer: 

• A full Sixth Form academic curriculum 

• Two high-quality training sessions per week 

• One weekly competitive fixture 

• Access to tailored pastoral and physical development support 

The success of the proposal is dependent on securing a minimum number of committed students by the end of May 2025. Final selection activities and confirmation of places will take place by the end of June. 

The school, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust,  held an information evening for interested families on Wednesday the 30th of April. The event was a big success with lots of enthusiastic attendees.   

Tom Inman, Headteacher at Exmouth Community College said:  

"We are always looking for ways to extend opportunity and ambition for our students, and this proposed partnership with ERTC is a brilliant example of that. It will allow students to follow their passion for football while continuing to thrive academically—preparing them not just for the next match, but for life." 

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

"This is a great example of how we’re nurturing and supporting the full development of young people. By partnering with ERTC, Exmouth Community College is combining academic excellence with sporting opportunity, giving students the best chance to flourish both on and off the pitch." 

The Ted Wragg Trust has been shortlisted for a Tes Award in the category of ‘Trust Team of the Year (10 schools or more)'.

The Tes Awards, which have been dubbed the ‘Oscars of Education’, are an annual celebration showcasing the achievements of staff and schools. Since 2009, the awards have highlighted the outstanding efforts and achievements of schools and brought the sector together to celebrate excellence in an inclusive national event. The winners will be announced on the 20th of June at a ceremony in London.

The Trust has been shortlisted for the ‘Trust Team of the Year (10 schools or more)’ award in recognition of their success in improving student outcomes, making a positive impact on their local communities, and leading with innovation and civic duty at the heart of everything they do.

Their vision is that each child’s educational experience should be tailored to their individual needs, with leaders empowered to make decisions based on their local context. The Trust firmly believes in supporting schools in a way that reflects the unique challenges and opportunities within different regions, whether in Exeter, Plymouth, or Mid Devon. This approach allows them to nurture safe, connected, and successful learning environments for all students.

The Trust’s focus on student engagement—making school a place students want to be—has helped shift school culture from a focus on attendance to concentrating on emotional and academic success, helping to close the disadvantage gap and ensure that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed.

The Ted Wragg Trust is committed to making a positive impact on the communities it serves, using a place-based approach and creating community hubs around schools, offering support from early years to career. Its school improvement strategy centres on developing a sense of belonging for each child and prioritising joy in education.

The Ted Wragg Trust has had a significant and positive impact on the schools it oversees. Since joining the Trust, all schools have been rated Good or better by Ofsted, with several primary schools specifically commended for their strong Disadvantaged Student (DS) results. Secondary schools within the Trust collectively outperform the national average for 5+ GCSEs in English and Maths.

The recently released Multi-Academy Trust level performance measures for Year 6 pupils show remarkable progress, with 74% of Year 6 pupils having reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths – a significant 13% higher than the national average and placing the Trust’s primary schools among the top 11% of all schools nationally.

Thanks to Fusion Services, set up by the Trust in 2021 to manage trading activities such as cleaning and lettings, the Trust has reinvested almost half a million pounds a year back into front line support in schools, helping to make the best use of facilities and create more opportunities to engage with the wider community.

Additionally, the Trust is dedicated to creating a supportive environment for its employees. The aim is to make the Trust the greatest place to work in the South West, focusing on high-quality development, employee satisfaction, and creating a positive, collaborative work culture.

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“I’m delighted that the Ted Wragg Trust has been shortlisted for this prestigious award which is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of everyone in our school community. I’m so proud of all our staff, students and families for making this possible. Our vision is that all children should be able to walk to their local school and receive an excellent education centred around ambition, inclusivity, and community strength.

“At the core of our approach is the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, no matter their background or circumstances. We are dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening communities through excellent education and are excited to continue this hard work to support every student to thrive.”

Jon Severs, Editor of Tes Magazine, said:

“We’ve seen some incredible entries nominated in this year’s awards. The Tes Schools Awards are a highlight of the year, and it’s important that we properly recognise the fantastic work that's been done in education across the academic year.”

A group of six students from Lipson Co-operative Academy recently embarked on a transformative journey as they participated in the first of six ecotherapy sessions at Poole Farm, a community farm nestled in the heart of Plymouth’s beautiful 147-hectare Community Park. 

Ecotherapy is a therapeutic approach that harnesses the benefits of nature and outdoor activities to enhance mental and physical well-being. It is grounded in the belief that humans have a natural, intrinsic connection to the environment around them.

The day began with a scenic woodland walk, where students explored the beavers' habitat and took in the natural beauty surrounding them. They then fed pigs and ducks, gathered freshly laid chicken eggs, and wrapped up the day by lighting a campfire and toasting marshmallows. The experience gave students the chance to connect with nature and engage in activities that improved both their mental and physical well-being.

Poole Farm offers a range of educational and well-being initiatives through its connection to nature. With a focus on conservation, health, and well-being, the farm provides a safe and enriching space for community engagement and education. The ecotherapy sessions at the farm are designed to provide students with a unique opportunity to explore nature in a fun and educational way. 

With a focus on sustainable land management and nature-based learning, Poole Farm invites individuals and groups to reconnect with the outdoors and explore the many benefits of nature therapy. The farm is entirely community-driven and supported by volunteers, with a mission to provide a high-quality, species-rich natural space for Plymouth’s residents.

Lipson Co-operative Academy, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust,  is committed to providing its students with a well-rounded education that includes opportunities for personal development, academic achievement, and mental health support. Through innovative programs like ecotherapy, the school aims to build resilience, well-being, and community involvement among its students.

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

“We are incredibly grateful to Poole Farm for hosting us and giving our students the opportunity to engage in such a meaningful experience. It’s heartwarming to see them so fully immersed in nature, learning new skills, and enjoying activities that promote both personal growth and teamwork. The ecotherapy sessions are a perfect complement to our commitment to developing the whole child, and we look forward to the upcoming sessions.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“We are delighted to see Lipson students engaging with ecotherapy at Poole Farm. This initiative not only supports their mental and physical well-being but also offers them the chance to connect with nature. Programmes like these are integral to building resilience, a sense of community, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world, which will benefit them for years to come.”

Students from All Saints Academy Plymouth (ASAP) have started taking part in Empowering Girls mentoring sessions. A selection of Year 9 girls are working with inspirational local women who have volunteered their time for six weeks to support them.

The aim is to have the programme running throughout the year so that as many girls as possible can take part and benefit from the mentors’ skills and experience.

The mentors hope to build up the girls' communication skills and confidence to help them while they are still at school and in the future. The mentoring arrangement can also lead to work experience placements when they are in Year 10.

The mentors for this programme represent a wide variety of industries and the Empowering Girls programme has been designed to support girls with their confidence, raise aspirations and provide students with positive female role models.

The school has also started an inhouse programme of events where they invite speakers from across Plymouth to share their career experience. So far this has included speakers from Vosper’s marketing department, Plymouth City College and Caerus.

All Saints Academy Plymouth, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, aims to provide young people with access to the best opportunities and raise aspirations by showing students what they could become. Staff help students feel confident in their next steps and get every student on track for a bright future in a career that they will find fulfilling.

The school’s wider commitment to student development is reflected in a range of extracurricular activities aimed at boosting skills and encouraging creativity. Students can take part in clubs such as the Lego Engineering Club, which is part of a national and international competition involving coding and problem-solving; Green Power Club, where students design and race electric cars; and Chess Club, where young minds can test their strategic thinking skills.

Additionally, the Plymouth Argyle Premier League Inspires Community Project offers students an opportunity to build resilience and learn valuable skills through community-based activities. For students looking for something more hands-on, the Chicken and Chat and Takeaway Cooking Club—run in partnership with Barnardo’s—encourages creativity in the kitchen while promoting social skills and community building.

Scott Simpson Horne, Headteacher at All Saints Academy Plymouth said:

“We are incredibly proud to be part of the Empowering Girls mentoring programme here at All Saints Academy Plymouth. We are committed to helping grow the next cohort of female leaders across Plymouth. This is not just about supporting our girls during their school years but empowering them for life after school. The chance to engage with such inspirational female mentors is invaluable, and we are excited to see how this initiative helps build confidence, increase aspirations, and open up exciting career opportunities for our students.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“At the Ted Wragg Trust, we are committed to providing young people with the best possible opportunities to help them thrive. I am delighted that All Saints Academy Plymouth is taking part in the Empowering Girls programme, as it’s a perfect example of how we are ensuring that every student has the chance to reach their full potential. By offering mentoring, career insights, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, we are helping our students develop into confident, skilled, and forward-thinking individuals ready to take on the challenges of the future.”

Students at Isca Academy have been given a unique and exciting opportunity to cast their votes on important local issues, making their voices heard in the community. 

This term, each tutor group received information provided by the Devon Youth Council, outlining key issues that directly impact their local area. After reviewing the material, students were able to vote for the Devon specific topic they care most about and the votes were then counted and shared with the Youth Council, allowing the students to directly influence local policy. Students were able to select from topics including mental health support, public transport, the environment, inequality and inclusion.

Devon Youth Council is a group of 11-23 year olds who aim to get the voice of young people heard and make a positive change. Devon Youth Council Network members have the opportunity to work alongside Devon’s key decision makers and if a young person wants to make a difference in their community or bring about a positive change surrounding a specific issue, then Devon Youth Council can help support them to do this.

Isca Academy, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is committed to civic engagement and offering students a real chance to actively participate in shaping their community. The votes cast will play a role in guiding decisions on local issues, proving that every vote truly counts.

Kate Hutchings, Senior Leader Personal Development & Community at Isca Academy said:

“We are thrilled that our students were able to participate in this important voting process. Giving them the opportunity to engage in local issues and directly influence policy is a powerful way to promote civic responsibility. At Isca Academy we are committed to developing the whole child, and this experience demonstrates how we encourage our students to take an active role in their communities and understand the impact of their voices.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“Supporting students in becoming active citizens is at the heart of our mission at the Ted Wragg Trust. We are proud of the students at Isca Academy for their thoughtful engagement in this voting initiative with the Devon Youth Council. Their participation in local decision-making is a wonderful example of how we are nurturing the next generation of leaders and changemakers.”

All Saints Academy Plymouth (ASAP) is celebrating a major victory after Headteacher Scott Simpson-Horne won the prestigious Head of Fish competition, part of the Fish in Schools Hero programme. 

The competition saw school leaders from across the country demonstrate their commitment to teaching practical life skills to students, and Mr. Simpson-Horne's creativity and passion for healthy eating stood out.

Mr Simpson-Horne, who is deeply committed to promoting health and wellbeing among students, eagerly took up the challenge to teach a hands-on lesson about cooking a healthier version of fish and chips. 

The demonstration, which took place with a group of Year 7, 8 and 9 students showcased a variety of fish types – salmon, cod, and basa – alongside oven-baked sweet potato wedges, homemade tartare sauce, and a freshly made salad. The lesson was designed to teach students not only cooking techniques but also key topics such as sustainability, shopping locally, and budgeting for healthy meals.

As part of the competition, Mr. Simpson-Horne’s session included an interactive approach, allowing all students to participate in each element of the cooking process. Many students were introduced to new foods they had never tried before, and the session culminated in everyone enjoying the food that had been prepared. 

In the end the judges decided that All Saints was the ultimate winner but also picked two runners up. Each of the schools will now receive £100s worth of fresh fish from Wing of St Mawes – The Cornish Fishmonger, which will be used in food and nutrition lessons.

All Saints Academy Plymouth, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is committed to, not only academic excellence, but also the personal development of students, ensuring they learn life skills that promote healthier lifestyles, sustainability, and independence.

The Fish in Schools Hero programme aims to give students the chance to prepare, cook, and enjoy fish before they leave school, helping them develop a lifelong appreciation for seafood. The initiative is funded by the Fishmongers’ Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust and managed by the Food Teachers Centre and ensures that food teachers across the UK have the confidence and training to introduce fish-based dishes into the curriculum. 

Launched in 2020, the programme now extends throughout the UK. Head Of Fish is a yearly initiative open to all schools nationally to encourage headteachers to teach a lesson with fish to a class of Years 7, 8 and 9s. With the headteacher acting as a role model, they hope that it will encourage more students to prepare cook and taste fish and seafood. The programme is supported by local heroes: fishmongers, fish-loving chefs and fish suppliers. For more information, please visit https://foodteacherscentre.co.uk/fish-heroes/

Dr Eleanor Adamson from the Fishmongers Company said:

“I am extremely impressed by the willingness of Head Teachers across the country to put on an apron and teach a practical lesson with fish to KS3 students”.

Louise Davies, founder of the Food Teachers Centre said:

“I was particularly impressed with the creativity and passion shown by the All Saints Academy Head Teacher and the way that students were so obviously engaged with the lesson”.

Simon Gray, Food Teachers Centre, Senior Associate and the Fish in Schools Hero Programme Manager said: 

“The Head Teacher looked as though he was really enjoying himself, there was great interaction with the students and use of IT evidenced in the photographs. He was a standout for all the judges.”

Scott Simpson Horne, Headteacher at All Saints Academy Plymouth said:

“I’m passionate about helping students develop essential life skills that they can carry with them beyond school. It was also an opportunity to have a bit of fun and cook together – who wouldn’t jump at the chance of doing that?! As you know, our children are just brilliant and having the opportunity to share a ‘home-cooked’ meal with them was a real highlight.”