Students at Isca Academy in Exeter have returned home from their first-ever ski trip in Masella, Spain.

After settling into their resort in the Catalan Pyrenees, students took lessons, improved their technique, and embraced the challenges of skiing, including first-time experiences on the chairlift and tackling longer runs.

The group made impressive progress on the slopes, and ski instructors praised the students for their politeness and positive attitude.

Away from the slopes, students enjoyed a range of activities including snow games, competitions, and evening entertainment such as Zumba lessons and karaoke.

Part of the Ted Wragg Trust, Isca Academy prides itself on offering a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, from sports and arts to outdoor education, helping students build confidence, teamwork, and life skills alongside their academic studies.

Mrs Vicki Joyce, Headteacher at Isca Academy, said:

“Our students had a brilliant time on the trip. They threw themselves into every lesson and activity, showed great determination, and supported each other along the way. It was wonderful to see them grow in confidence and make memories that will last a lifetime."

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

“It’s fantastic to see our students embracing new experiences and enjoying what the world has to offer. Opportunities like this are exactly what we want for every young person in our Trust - moments that broaden horizons, build confidence, and create lifelong memories.”

Exmouth Community College (ECC) recently welcomed more than 80 members of the local community to its first ever community Iftar, marking a special moment of togetherness during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Organised by the College’s Diversity Ambassadors and the Religious, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE) team, the event brought students, families, staff and community members together to share in the evening meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan.

Guests were welcomed with speeches and music as the sun set, before coming together to share the Iftar meal. During the evening, several guests also took part in Muslim prayer and spoke to those attending about their beliefs and the significance of Ramadan, offering an opportunity for learning, reflection and cultural exchange.

The meal itself was prepared by the College’s Diversity Ambassadors with support from assistant headteacher Mr Green. A wide variety of dishes were enjoyed, including food generously brought along by many of the guests.

The college also extends its thanks to Tesco for providing ingredients and supporting the event.

Following the positive response from students, families and guests, ECC, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, hopes the community Iftar will become an annual event in the school calendar.

Tom Inman, Headteacher at Exmouth Community College, said: 

“The evening really showed what community and belonging means. We were immensely proud of our students and of the wider Exmouth community who came together to make the event such a success.”

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

“This event shows the real power of schools to bring people together. It was wonderful to see students, families and members of the wider community sharing food, learning from one another and celebrating the values of respect and inclusion that are so important across our trust.”

Students fromExmouth Community College had the opportunity to explore their next steps at a careers fair held alongside the school’s latest Progress Evening.

The event brought together a wide range of local organisations, businesses and training providers, giving year 11 students and their parents and carers the chance to ask questions about different industries and the options open to them.

Among those attending were Everys Solicitors, Haven Holidays, Devon and Cornwall Police, the Royal Air Force, Exeter College, Bicton College, Future Smart Careers and the Department for Work and Pensions.

As part of the Ted Wragg Trust, the college places strong emphasis on careers education, ensuring students have regular opportunities to engage with employers and gain meaningful insight into the world of work. Holding careers events alongside Progress Evenings is a model ECC are introducing for all their parents' evenings from this year to increase families’ opportunities to discover different career routes and the array of next steps available.

Events like this help ensure every student is well informed and confident as they consider their post-16 options, whether that means continuing into the college’s sixth form, pursuing further education, starting an apprenticeship or entering employment.

Tom Inman, Headteacher at Exmouth Community College, said: 

“We were delighted to welcome so many local employers and training providers to the college. Students asked thoughtful questions and explored a wide range of opportunities, and we are very grateful to all the exhibitors for giving their time and expertise to support our young people.”

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

“Providing students with regular opportunities to engage with employers is a key part of preparing them for life beyond school. Careers fairs like this give young people the chance to learn about different industries, consider their ambitions, and make informed choices about further education, apprenticeships, or employment.” 

Year 6 pupils from Exwick Heights Primary School enjoyed an unforgettable adventure in Paris, combining cultural exploration with hands-on learning.

During the trip, pupils explored iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, and also enjoyed a magical day at Disneyland Paris. Each day was supported by a specially designed booklet containing itineraries, conversational French phrases, wellbeing resources, and reflective activities, helping pupils navigate the city with confidence and growing independence.

Highlights included climbing over 700 steps to the Eiffel Tower’s second floor, sailing along the Seine, and enjoying a full day of rides and activities at Disneyland. Pupils even tried local delicacies such as escargot on their final evening.

The trip gave pupils first-hand experience of French language and culture, helping them build confidence, broaden their horizons, and engage with the world beyond the classroom.

Part of the Ted Wragg Trust, the visit follows the success of last year’s first overseas residential for Year 6 pupils in Paris, and reflects Exwick Heights’ commitment to cultivating curiosity, a sense of adventure, and personal growth, helping pupils develop confidence and independence both inside and outside the classroom.

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

“What a brilliant few days for our children. They embraced every challenge, from climbing the Eiffel Tower to exploring the streets of Paris, and we’ve loved seeing their excitement, curiosity, and teamwork in action. Experiences like this are truly memorable and inspire learning long after the trip ends.”

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

“International residential trips give young people the chance to step out of their comfort zones, engage with new cultures, and develop independence and resilience. Exwick Heights’ Paris visit is a fantastic example of how our schools offer pupils new experiences and nurture personal growth.”

Students from All Saints Academy Plymouth have been gaining hands-on experience of the food industry through a new community project with the Plymouth Fishing and Seafood Association (PFSA).

Year 9 students joined PFSA chef Matt Corner and CEO Edward Baker in one of the school’s technology kitchens to batch produce a fish soup.

The project gave students a practical, real-world application of the skills they have developed in their food and nutrition lessons. Students learned from industry professionals as they worked together to prepare vegetables and fish.

The finished soup proved a success, with students proud of both the process and the final product. The experience gave them valuable insight into food production and careers within the catering and seafood industries.

At All Saints Academy Plymouth, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, learning combines academic study with practical and professional experiences. Opportunities like this help students prepare for apprenticeships, jobs in local industries and further education, supported by a wide-ranging careers programme.

Scott Simpson-Horne, Head Teacher at All Saints Academy, said:

“It was brilliant to see our students getting stuck in and applying what they’ve learned in the classroom. Working alongside industry professionals gave them real insight into the food industry, and it’s wonderful to see their confidence and teamwork in action.”

Edward Baker, CEO, Plymouth Fishing and Seafood Association, said:

“It is great being able to work with local students to show them the diversity of fresh local fish that is available on their doorstep.  It is especially good to see their enthusiasm and know that you are passing on knowledge about making the best use of all our food to the next generation. It’s a pleasure working with All Saints Academy.”

Pupils from schools across Exeter marked World Book Day with a wide range of activities designed to inspire a love of reading and writing.

West Exe welcomed bestselling young adult (YA) author Madeline Dyer, a Lambda Literary Award finalist, for a day of creativity and inspiration. Pupils took part in writing workshops, an assembly, and a book signing. Madeline’s stories, exploring themes such as identity and loneliness, gave pupils a unique insight into storytelling and the creative process.

At Whipton Barton Federation, pupils and staff dressed up as their favourite book characters, creating a colourful and lively atmosphere. Book treasure hunts and interactive reading activities brought stories to life for everyone.

St Luke’s CofE School hosted a World Book Day quiz, a book swap, and took part in the National Book Token Design Competition and Young Writers Poetry Competition, giving students opportunities to engage creatively with literature in multiple ways.

All pupils received their £1 World Book Day tokens to redeem for special books, encouraging them to discover new authors and stories beyond the classroom.

Reading is at the heart of life at all four schools, which are part of the Ted Wragg Trust. Pupils enjoy daily reading sessions, guided lessons, read-aloud time, and access to book-rich classrooms and libraries, helping them build fluency, comprehension, and a lifelong love of books.  

World Book Day, in partnership with the UK National Year of Reading 2026, celebrates reading for pleasure and inspires children to keep imagining, learning, and enjoying stories every day. This year’s theme is “Go All In,” encouraging children to explore their passions through books.

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

“World Book Day is always a memorable occasion across our schools. It’s been wonderful to see all the exciting activities taking place across our schools. From author visits to quizzes and creative challenges, it’s clear that pupils are enjoying reading and being inspired to explore new stories.”