Students at Isca Academy took part in the “Be Internet Citizens” programme, delivered in partnership with YouTube and Parent Zone, aimed at helping young people navigate the online world safely and confidently.

Pupils from Cranbrook Education Campus enjoyed a hands-on science adventure at Bicton Park Botanical Gardens.

Former Lipson headteacher Martin Brook has been honoured with a national Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education over nearly four decades.

Secondary students at Matford Brook Academy took part in a hands-on waste audit with Recycle Devon, exploring how the school can reduce its environmental impact.

Lipson Co-operative Academy, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is celebrating a successful Ofsted inspection, with the report recognising high standards across the school and a strong culture of care, ambition and inclusion.  

Inspectors visited the Plymouth school in April to review all aspects of provision, including achievement, behaviour, curriculum and leadership. The outcome saw Lipson achieve ‘strong’ judgements in three areas alongside ‘expected’ in the remaining four, demonstrating consistent quality and high standards aligned with the Trust’s approach to education.  

Under Ofsted’s new framework, the ‘expected’ standard represents a high level of provision, while ‘strong’ identifies particularly effective and impactful practice.  

The report highlights the school’s positive ethos and relationships, noting that pupils are “proud to belong to the ‘Lipson Family’”. Inspectors describe a welcoming environment where “happiness, warmth and kindness permeate the corridors and classrooms”, and where pupils feel supported and valued. 

Strengths were identified in Inclusion, Leadership & Governance, and Personal Development & Wellbeing. Staff were praised for their dedication, demonstrating an “unwavering commitment” to ensuring all pupils are safe, happy and able to succeed. Inspectors also recognised a strong staff culture, with colleagues feeling valued by leaders. 

Pupils were commended for their behaviour, attitudes and engagement in learning. Alongside academic progress, students develop important personal skills, leaving Lipson as confident and resilient young people, well prepared for their next steps. Parents and carers were also noted to have confidence in the school and its leadership. 

 

 

Tom Goodman, Headteacher at Lipson Co-operative Academy, said: 
“This is a magnificent achievement for everyone connected with Lipson – our students, staff, families and wider community. We are really so proud of them all. Ofsted judgements are important, however, they represent just one measure of a school's success. 

“For us, success is also seen in the happiness, personal growth and achievements of our students, the strength of our relationships with families and the positive culture that exists throughout our school community.” 

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: 
“Congratulations to everyone at Lipson Co-operative Academy on this impressive outcome. It reflects the strong, shared commitment within the school community to providing the very best for every young person. 

“Across the Ted Wragg Trust, we are driven by a belief in the power of education to change lives. This report highlights that in action at Lipson, where strong relationships, high expectations and a focus on wellbeing are helping students to flourish. 

“We are proud to see this recognised and remain committed to working together to build on these successes, supporting every student to achieve their ambitions and thrive in the future.” 

 

 

Lipson Co-operative Academy, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is proud to announce that former headteacher Martin Brook has been shortlisted for the Lifetime Achievement Award in the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards 2026.

This national recognition celebrates Martin’s extraordinary contribution to education over nearly four decades, during which he has transformed schools, shaped leaders and improved life chances for thousands of young people across Nottinghamshire and the South West.

Martin’s career has been defined by integrity, compassion and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child. His leadership at Lipson Co-operative Academy in Plymouth stands as one of the region’s most significant school improvement journeys.

When Martin joined Lipson in 2019, the school was facing significant challenges. Initially appointed for a single day to stabilise the school, he went on to lead a sustained transformation over seven years. Today, Lipson is a thriving, high-performing school, recognised for both its academic success and inclusive ethos.

However, Martin’s impact goes far beyond results. He has built a school culture rooted in belonging, kindness and high expectations. Students describe feeling safe, respected and valued, while staff consistently highlight the strong sense of trust and support within the school. 

Colleagues describe him as a unifying force who brings people together around a shared purpose, combining clarity of vision with humility and humanity.

Martin’s influence extends well beyond his own school. He has mentored headteachers across the region, worked as a National Leader of Education accredited by the DfE, and supported system-wide improvement, playing a key role in strengthening education across Plymouth and the wider South West. Many leaders credit him with shaping their own approach to leadership.

Winners of the Pearson National Teaching Awards will be announced on National Thank a Teacher Day in June. The awards, founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam, celebrate excellence in education and highlight the vital role teachers and schools play in shaping future generations.

Martin Brook, former Headteacher of Lipson Co-operative Academy said: “If I can overcome the slight uneasiness I feel about the nomination, it is clearly a real honour to have been put forward and shortlisted for such a prestigious award, an award that I believe initially carried Ted Wragg's name. Ted was my first mentor during my teacher training in the 1980s and had been an inspiration to me, and I now finish my career working for a Trust that carries his name. I have been blessed to do a job that I love for the best part of 40 years and this nomination is for every student, member of staff and parent that I have been lucky enough to serve during that time.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “Martin’s contribution to education over nearly forty years is simply extraordinary. He has transformed not only the life chances of thousands of young people, but also the careers of the many leaders he has developed and supported along the way. His leadership is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the very best. We are incredibly proud to see him recognised at a national level for the lasting legacy he has created.”