West Exe School recently hosted a dynamic and enriching science festival, made possible through generous support and funding from the Royal Society of Chemistry. The one-day event brought science to life for students, highlighting its vital role in shaping a more sustainable future.

Throughout the festival, students took part in a wide range of interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and inspiring careers talks. Sessions focused on key themes including green careers, climate change, and the role of scientific innovation and artificial intelligence in tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

The event also provided valuable opportunities for students to connect with representatives from colleges, universities, and industry, giving them insight into future pathways and helping them explore the many possibilities within science-related careers.

An exciting line-up of guest speakers shared their expertise and experiences with students, including Dr Karen Marshall and Cecilia Golborne, who all helped to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.

Dr Marshall is the Head of Science and Chemistry at The Ladies College in Guernsey and Secretary of Peninsula Section for the Royal Society of Chemistry. Cecilia Golborne is a former research project manager, current Royal Society of Chemistry scholar and Chemistry teacher at West Exe School.

Dr Bernd Eggen also exhibited at the festival, he is a climate change adaptation specialist who was part of the Nobel Prize Team for Chemistry for the discovery of Carbon-60 buckminsterfullerene which established the field of drug delivery systems including HIV treatments.

The festival was a resounding success, with students fully engaged and enthusiastic throughout the day, gaining a deeper understanding of how science can shape their futures and the world around them.

West Exe School, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, continues to place a strong emphasis on providing enriching experiences that broaden horizons, raise aspirations, and connect learning to real-world opportunities.

Julie Fossey, headteacher at West Exe School, said:

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience science beyond the classroom and see how it connects to the world around them. The festival encouraged critical thinking and helped students understand the important role they can play in shaping a more sustainable future. We are incredibly grateful to the Royal Society of Chemistry and our guest speakers for making the day so memorable.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said:

“It is wonderful to see our students so engaged with the scientific innovation, challenges and opportunities shaping our world today while also gaining insight into future careers. This festival is a brilliant example of how schools can ignite curiosity, inspire the next generation to think ambitiously and empower young people to make a positive difference in the world. Thank you to everyone who helped make the festival such a success.”

Pupils from Marine Academy Primary enjoyed an action-packed trip to Paris this term, experiencing the sights, sounds and tastes of the French capital.

Highlights of the trip included a boat trip along the Seine, a visit to the Eiffel Tower, exploring the Sacré-Cœur and making traditional crêpes. Pupils also had the opportunity to try local foods, including some more adventurous choices such as snails!

The trip combined cultural learning with fun and practical experiences, giving pupils the chance to explore a new city, face new challenges and make memories together. For many of these young learners it was their first time abroad. 

As part of the Ted Wragg Trust, the visit is part of Marine Academy Primary’s ongoing commitment to providing pupils with opportunities that broaden horizons, spark curiosity and build confidence both inside and outside the classroom.

Georgina Reid, Headteacher at Marine Academy Primary, said:

“What a wonderful trip. It has been such a joy to share pupils’ adventures. These are experiences they will never forget, and it has been fantastic to see them growing in confidence and curiosity along the way. They were all fantastic ambassadors for the school.”

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

“Trips like this give pupils experiences that last a lifetime. Seeing them explore new places, try new things, and support one another shows just how much they can achieve when given the opportunity.”

 

  

  

The school community at St James School in Exeter is very proud of student Olivia who has generously donated 15 inches of her hair to The Little Princess Trust, supporting children and young people facing hair loss due to illness. 

To complement her donation, Olivia also held a cake sale, raising £117 from the school community. Combined with other fundraising efforts, she has raised a fantastic £232 for the charity. 

The Little Princess Trust is one of the largest funders of childhood cancer research in the UK.  The charity relies solely on the generosity of its wonderful supporters who help them give hair and hope to so many children and young people with cancer each year.

At St James School, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, they empower their students to use their education to be kind and community minded and to go onto lead happy and healthy lives.

Emily Harper, Headteacher at St James School, said:

"We are incredibly proud of Olivia’s selflessness and determination. Her generosity and initiative show exactly the kind of values we nurture at St James, caring, thoughtful, and community-minded. She has made a real difference to young people who need it most."

Olivia said:

“I gave my hair to help someone smile through pain and worry."

All Saints Academy Plymouth hosted its annual Futures and Next Steps Fair this term, welcoming over 70 exhibitors from 33 organisations.

Students had dedicated time to visit the fair, speaking with local employers, colleges, sixth forms, and apprenticeship providers. From the Royal Navy and defence specialists Babcock to EE, accountants PKF Francis Clark, and the University of Plymouth, the day gave students the chance to explore a wide range of potential futures and hear directly from industry professionals.

The event forms part of the school’s focus on helping students make informed choices about their future pathways. They also recently hosted a year 11 Mock Interview Day, welcoming 12 employers to give students a taste of real recruitment experiences. Students impressed with their confidence and eagerness, with one, Toby, saying, “The interview was great, I felt confident and the employer said I was really eager,” while a representative from Kier described it as “a fantastic initiative for students to gain valuable life skills.”

Later in the term, a large group of year 10 students took part in a separate employability event organised by the YMCA. They interviewed employers to learn about career routes, job responsibilities, and workplace essentials, while also practising interview techniques to develop their communication and employability skills.

Students reflected positively on the experience. “I really enjoyed learning about the world of work and made some great contacts,” said Clover. Briannah added: “The employers were really helpful and helped me understand my future work commitments.”

At All Saints Academy Plymouth, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, students are encouraged to explore different futures, develop relevant skills, and plan proactively for life beyond the classroom. This approach means that more All Saints students now go on to education, employment, or training than the Plymouth, Devon, and national averages, according to 2025 NEET statistics.

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

“We would like to thank all the employers, colleges and training providers who joined us for these events. They gave our students a priceless opportunity to explore their future options in more detail. With so many post-16 providers linked to All Saints, students build skills and connections that can take them anywhere.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: 

“At the Ted Wragg Trust, we are committed to ensuring every student is well prepared for life beyond the classroom. Events like these give young people the opportunity to explore a wide range of futures, develop key skills, and make informed choices, setting them up for success in whatever path they choose.”

    

    

Students at Sidmouth College have raised money to support a brave eight-year-old girl battling a rare and aggressive form of liver cancer who urgently needs a liver transplant.

Members of the school’s Student Council organised a bake sale in support of Phoebe Clarke, the cousin of year 11 student Hattie. Pupils donated and bought homemade cakes and treats, raising £200 to help Phoebe’s family in their search for a transplant and specialist treatment overseas.

Phoebe, from Altrincham in Greater Manchester, was diagnosed in February last year. She has already undergone major surgery to remove more than 80% of her liver in an attempt to remove the tumours.

Sadly, the cancer returned and she is now undergoing her third round of intensive chemotherapy. Her family say a liver transplant could offer her the best chance of survival, and they are exploring possible treatment options abroad.

Students at Sidmouth, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, said they wanted to do something practical to support their classmate and her family during an incredibly difficult time. A Student Council spokesperson said: “Phoebe is an incredibly brave little girl and an inspiration to us all. We wanted to show our support for Hattie and help raise funds for Phoebe’s treatment.”

Anyone wishing to support Phoebe’s Challengecan donate via the family’s fundraising page:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/phoebeschallenge

 Mr Matt Clarke, Phoebe’s father, said:

“We are incredibly grateful for what has become an army of support across the country. It has blown us away to see the kindness and generosity of so many people, including many who have never met Phoebe but still want to help her.”

Mr Alex Evans, Headteacher at Sidmouth College, said:

“We are incredibly proud of our students for organising this fundraiser and for showing such kindness and support for one of their own. It’s a powerful reminder of how a school community can come together to help a family facing an unimaginable challenge. We are all thinking of Phoebe and wishing her strength in the next stage of her treatment.”

  

Students at Isca Academy in Exeter explored a wide range of career opportunities during the school’s third annual Careers Fair, held as part of National Careers Week.

Employers, further education providers and training organisations spoke with students about different industries, career pathways and the skills needed to succeed in the workplace.

All students from years 7 to 11 attended during the day, giving them the chance to ask questions, discover new career ideas and learn more about the options available after school, including further education, apprenticeships and employment.

Organisations supporting the event included Exeter College, Gleeds, NHS Medical Imaging, the Ministry of Justice, Willmott Dixon, the Met Office, Vistry Group, Kier Group, the Royal Air Force, the British Army, Devon Youth Service, Devon County Council, the University of Plymouth, Next Steps South West, Puffins Childcare, Devon and Cornwall Police, Bicton College and Service Design Solutions.

Part of the Ted Wragg Trust, Isca Academy places a strong focus on helping students plan for life after school, with events like the careers fair giving them the chance to explore different pathways and feel informed about their future.

Marie Knights, Careers Leader at Isca Academy, said:

“We were proud of the way our students were ready to engage with employers and training providers about their futures. Our careers programme ensures our young people build the knowledge and skills needed to make positive choices in an ever-changing labour market. Working with businesses is essential to giving students these opportunities, and we are incredibly grateful to those that gave their time to work with us.”

Ben Hobbs, from the Ministry of Justice, said:

“The highlight for me was the chance to talk to students about the Civil Service and its broad range of responsibilities, as well as conversations with a few who were already thinking about careers in the Civil Service and political aspirations.”

Joseph Nicholls, from Exeter College, said:

“We thoroughly enjoyed chatting with all the year groups. We were impressed with the questions and conversations that were had across the board regarding careers and post-16.”