Lipson Co-operative Academy is celebrating an outstanding achievement as Sixth Form student Eri Olugbeminiyi has been named Plymouth’s ‘Student of the Year’ at the 2025 Plymouth Youth Awards.

Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and sponsored by Plymouth City Council, in partnership with YMCA Plymouth and Discovery College, the awards recognise inspirational young people aged under 21 who have made a significant difference in their communities, overcome adversity, and demonstrated remarkable personal achievement.

Eri, who is 16, arrived in the UK just four months before sitting his GCSEs, a challenge he met with courage and determination. He went on to achieve top grades, including grade 9s in Double Science and Religious Studies, and 8s in Maths and English. Now studying A Levels in Chemistry, Biology, and Maths, Eri aspires to become a doctor.

Beyond the classroom, Eri has made a lasting impact at Lipson Co-operative Academy, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust. He founded a student mentoring group to support Year 11 students, initially running the programme alone. It has since expanded to support up to 20 students, with other Sixth Formers now joining the effort. He also volunteers at Age UK, offering his time to support elderly members of the community.

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

"Eri is an exceptional young man. His journey is nothing short of inspiring, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of his resilience, generosity, and leadership. He is not only excelling academically but also shaping a culture of kindness and service within our school."

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

"Eri embodies everything we stand for as a trust, compassion, courage, and commitment. Everyone at the Ted Wragg Trust is incredibly proud of him. His academic success is remarkable, but it’s his selflessness, leadership, and drive to uplift others that truly set him apart.”

Reception and Year 1 pupils from Matford Brook Academy, (MBA) have rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into the joys of farm life during a hands-on visit to Drake’s Farm.

Guided by the friendly and knowledgeable farmer Kim, the young learners discovered what it takes to care for animals such as sheep, goats, rabbits, and chicks.

At Drake’s Farm they know that being outside is fun, interesting, exciting and important for children’s learning and development. The staff there know that some of the key learning outcomes from working with the farm animals include:

• Enhanced confidence
• Respect for animals and the great outdoors
• To learn and care for animals
• Understanding about where our food comes from
• Physical development and coordination
• Language and communication development
• Social interaction
• Emotional development and self esteem
• Fine and Gross Motor Skill development

The trip was not only educational but also a shining example of the pupils’ exemplary behaviour. Representing the school with pride, they embodied MBA’s core values of community, kindness, and curiosity, impressing both staff and farm guides alike.

The visit to Drake’s Farm is part of the school’s commitment to enriching learning experiences beyond the classroom. These real-world opportunities help pupils build confidence, deepen understanding, and develop a love of lifelong learning.

MBA, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, provides an excellent education and broad opportunities for children, rooted in the core understanding that, in order for children to thrive both now and in their future, they need to believe that the greatest influence on their lives is themselves.

Hannah Rose, Acting Headteacher at Matford Brook Academy said:

"It was wonderful to see our pupils so engaged and enthusiastic during this visit. From feeding animals to asking thoughtful questions, they truly made the most of this opportunity, and did so with kindness, respect, and joy."

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

"At the Ted Wragg Trust, we believe in transforming lives through education, and that includes experiences that bring learning to life. This visit is a perfect example of how our schools build community, connection, and curiosity in everything they do."

As the world comes together to recognise World Refugee Day on the 20th of June, Cranbrook Education Campus, (CEC) has marked the occasion with a powerful message of compassion, community, and inclusion, led by its pupils, staff, and wider school community.

World Refugee Day, created by the United Nations, honours the strength and courage of refugees worldwide. Celebrated annually since 2001, the day raises awareness of refugees’ rights, needs, and dreams, helping mobilise support so they can not only survive but thrive.

At CEC, this year’s tribute came in the form of a moving performance by the school choir of the song "Chosen Family", which they debuted at the CEC’s Awards Evening. The song celebrates the school’s core value of inclusive kindness and resonates deeply with the stories and resilience of the many pupils and families seeking asylum within the school community.

Over the past year, CEC has extended its outreach and enrichment work for refugee families and those seeking asylum, building partnerships with local churches, businesses, and volunteers.These partnerships have helped provide:

• Fully funded enrichment trips for all Year 6 to Year 10 asylum-seeking pupils, including a two-night residential experience for Year 6.
   
• Over 200 winter coats and other clothing essentials distributed to those in need.
   
• 120 Christmas gift boxes and a Christmas shop where pupils could choose and wrap presents for their loved ones.
   
• £1,000 raised to support pupils with essential needs like prom outfits and school activity fees.
   
• Homework clubs, cookery classes, and English language support, with help from volunteers and native speakers.
   
• Hotel-based parents’ evenings, safeguarding visits, and transition support for families moving to or from the area.
   
• Participation in external community events like the Exeter Respect Festival and Honiton FSA Art Exhibition.

As schools around the world join in events to mark World Refugee Day, Cranbrook Education Campus, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, stands proudly among them, a beacon of what is possible when education and compassion go hand in hand.

Stephen Farmer, Head of Campus at Cranbrook Education Campus said:

“At Cranbrook Education Campus, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, welcome and supported, regardless of their background or journey. Our ‘Chosen Family’ performance was a heartfelt reminder that inclusion is more than just a buzzword, it’s a core part of who we are and how we operate at CEC.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“World Refugee Day is a vital reminder of our shared responsibility to welcome, support and stand with asylum seekers and refugees. The work happening at Cranbrook is not only inspiring, it's transformative. They are showing what it means to lead with heart, vision, and genuine community care.”

Marine Academy Primary pupils took to two wheels this term, cycling over 20km on the stunning Tamar Trails to celebrate one year of the school’s much-loved Community Bike Hub.

The event marked an exciting milestone for the school, which has spent the past year helping local families to access cycling through a unique free-loan scheme. Since launching in June 2024, the Bike Hub has offered bikes and equipment for both children and adults, allowing families to travel actively without the financial barrier of owning their own gear.

The 20km cycle wasn’t just a physical challenge, it was a celebration of what the initiative stands for: adventure, accessibility, and active lifestyles. The pupils showed incredible determination, energy, and joy as they tackled the Tamar Trails, right on the school's doorstep.

The school would like to say a huge thank you to Mr Porter and Mr Druce for their continued work in managing and maintaining the bikes each week, ensuring they are safe and ready for the community to use.

Marine Academy Primary, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust,  continues to focus on widening access to enriching experiences and promoting physical wellbeing. The school is committed to helping pupils grow into confident, healthy individuals who are ready to make a positive difference in the world.

Georgina Reid Headteacher at Marine Academy Primary said:

"We are so proud of our pupils for rising to the cycling challenge. Cycling 20km is no small feat, and they approached it with such positivity and resilience. The Bike Hub has helped to open up amazing opportunities like this, and today was a wonderful way to celebrate how far we’ve come, literally and figuratively!"

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

"It’s fantastic to see young people enjoying our local landscapes while staying active and healthy. The Community Bike Hub is a brilliant initiative that’s gone from strength to strength in its first year. Well done to everyone involved in the Tamar Trails ride, what an achievement!"

Exmouth Community College was thrilled to offer not one, but two unforgettable ski trips during the recent school holidays, giving students the chance to experience the thrill of the slopes and the joy of shared adventure in the stunning setting of La Thuile in Italy.

The first week of the break saw 37 students and 4 staff members head off for a week packed with skiing, après-ski activities, pizza, pasta, and plenty of snow-fuelled fun. There were laughs and countless memories made, as students embraced every challenge and opportunity that came their way.

For many students, this was their first opportunity to experience skiing, and they made the most of every moment. The second trip followed shortly after, continuing the high spirits, snowy fun, and positive energy that defined both weeks.

The school, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, wants to give special thanks to Mrs Coult and Mrs Malton, who led the trips with exceptional care, enthusiasm, and leadership,  ensuring the safety, enjoyment, and success of the experience for every student involved.

Tom Inman, Headteacher at Exmouth Community College said: 

 “We are incredibly proud of all the students who took part in our ski trips. Their behaviour, kindness, and ‘can do’ attitude were praised by all staff involved. They truly were a credit to the school, and we’re so thankful to our dedicated team who made these life-changing experiences possible.”

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

 “Trips like these are about more than skiing, they are about growth, confidence, and creating unforgettable memories. At the Ted Wragg Trust, we are committed to ensuring our students have access to enriching experiences that broaden their horizons and help them thrive beyond the classroom.”

Honiton Community College is celebrating being rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted during its latest inspection in May. The secondary school was awarded ‘Good’ ratings in all four areas evaluated by inspectors including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

At the college, staff provide a caring and supportive environment in which all students can achieve their full potential, both academically and socially, underpinned by the core values of kindness, curiosity and resilience.

Ofsted inspectors noted in their report that the college, working closely with the Ted Wragg Trust, “has raised the ambition for what pupils can achieve” and the work to improve the quality of education “has resulted in pupils achieving more highly in their qualifications” with students happy and “better prepared for their next steps.”

Across two days inspectors visited a sample of lessons, spoke to students and staff and examined examples of their work.

The schools varied extra-curricular programme was mentioned as helping more students to enjoy new interests such as journalling and strategy games. The college offers a rich and extensive enrichment programme from the recent success of Ten Tors and Jurassic Coast Challenge to their new partnership with Exeter Chiefs who are delivering a sporting programme dedicated to improving girls’ mental well-being.

This is a major milestone in the journey of the college which, since joining the Trust in July 2023 as an Ofsted ‘requires improvement’ school, has made significant strides to improve the educational experience for students. This has included a focus on cultivating a values-led culture in line with their school values of kindness, curiosity and resilience including through the introduction of new rewards systems and fostering a sense of belonging.

The strong support from the Trust was recognised by inspectors who stated that “the trust has provided the school with effective support to develop the curriculum. There is now a well-organised, ambitious curriculum in place.”

Other comments from the inspectors included:

• The school is calm, pupils feel safe and they can learn with little disruption.
• The school has created a culture where pupils understand their responsibilities for their own behaviour.
• Students recognise the improvements that have been made at their school. They value leadership opportunities to contribute their views and make a difference.
• The school has strengthened the systems in place to identify the specific needs of students with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• The school prepares students well for adult life and are taught how to keep themselves safe and healthy, including physically and mentally.
• Events such as careers fairs and work experience placements help students to explore the world of work including teaching them different options for education, employment and training.
• The school has increased engagement with the community through networks such as parent forums.

To read the full Ofsted report, visit the Ofsted website here.

Caroline Brothwood, Principal at Honiton Community College said: “This Good Ofsted rating is a wonderful confirmation of the continuous improvement we have made as a community and I’m so proud of the staff, students and families who made this achievement possible.

“Over the past few years, we have worked hard to build a values-based culture, foster a sense of belonging and support our students to be ambitious and achieve well. I’m so pleased that this progress has been noticed by inspectors.

“We are committed to continuing to live by our school motto of success for all, building on these improvements through embedding our adaptive teaching practices and assessment of student learning into every classroom, to ensure our students love coming to school every day, our staff love coming to work and our relationships with our community are strengthened.”

Ann Denner, Chair of Governors at Honiton Community College said: “The governors are thrilled with the outcome of the recent Ofsted Inspection. It is a reflection of the hard work and determination we have seen from staff, students and the whole community to bring about improvement to every aspect of school life. We are confident that Caroline's leadership, the dedicated staff and support from the Trust will allow the college to flourish and give the amazing young people we have in Honiton every opportunity to be successful.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said: “I’m delighted that Ofsted have recognised the significant strides the college have made to deliver an educational experience which supports students to achieve their full potential. This fantastic achievement is testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, governors, families and whole community who have worked tirelessly to develop a culture rooted in ambition and belonging.

“I’m particularly pleased that the inspectors acknowledged the exciting improvement journey of the college since joining the Trust which has raised the ambition of what students can achieve and by consequence strengthened our whole community. I’m looking forward to seeing this continued improvement as we enable our students to go on to live a life of opportunity.”