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.”

The Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust has been shortlisted for the Staff Development Award (for trusts with 13+ schools) at the upcoming MAT Excellence Awards.

The award recognises trusts that demonstrate outstanding commitment to developing and supporting their staff. The Ted Wragg Trust has long been dedicated to growing great people through exceptional, inclusive, and ambitious professional development – all underpinned by the Ted Wragg Institute.

People are at the heart of the trust’s mission to transform lives, strengthen communities and make the world a better place. Growing great people is one of their strategic anchors and drives every aspect of their culture as they aim to become the greatest place to work in the South West. 

The trust invests in staff at every level, strengthening collaboration, improving practice, and supporting career progression across all roles. From all teachers benefiting from fortnightly instructional coaching to over 50 professional networks enabling collaboration and training programmes including the

SEND Level 5 TA Apprenticeship delivered by Exeter College.

In recognition of this approach, eight in ten staff members say they would recommend the Ted Wragg Trust as a place to work, significantly above national benchmarks.

Last year the Trust launched their festival of learning, affectionately known as tEdFest, to bring more joy, connection and choice to their staff training offer. With over 1,300 members of staff attending, over 200 courses to choose from and 5,000 hours of CPD completed, the day was filled with curiosity, collaboration and a tangible sense of excitement as colleagues came together to learn, share and celebrate the power of professional growth.

The MAT Excellence Awards provide an opportunity for trusts to showcase their expertise, celebrate achievements and recognise the impact of their work on pupils, staff, and the wider community. Judges bring extensive experience from their multi academy trust roles to ensure rigorous scrutiny and high standards. 

The winners will be announced at the MAT Excellence Awards ceremony later this year.

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

"We are proud that our commitment to staff development has been recognised at a national level. Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do, and investing in their growth and wellbeing is central to providing the best possible outcomes for our young people. Our flagship festival of learning – tEdFest - was a truly memorable day and this nomination is a testament to the dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism of staff members across our trust."

Julie Fossey, Director of the Ted Wragg Institute said: “We’re thrilled to be shortlisted for this national staff development award which recognises our commitment to growing great people. Through our Ted Wragg Institute we offer rich opportunities for professional growth for colleagues at every stage of life and across every specialism, and tEdFest was the culmination of our ambition to bring more choice and joy to staff development. The professional learning completed through tEdFest is already having a tangible impact across our family of schools and we’re excited to make it even better this year!”

Sixth form criminology students from Marine Academy Plymouth travelled to London to visit the UK Parliament, gaining first-hand insight into how laws are debated and passed.

The students explored the historic Palace of Westminster and learned about the role of MPs and peers in shaping legislation. The trip linked directly to their criminology studies, giving students a deeper understanding of how the justice system connects to the democratic process.

Marine Academy Plymouth, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, offers a broad and ambitious sixth form curriculum, with subjects ranging from drama and art to sociology, further maths, finance, and the sciences.

Building on years 7–11, the curriculum develops students’ knowledge and cultural understanding while preparing them for university, apprenticeships, and future careers. Alongside academic study, students take part in enrichment programmes, mentoring, daily tutorials, the Duke of Edinburgh award, and extended project work to develop leadership, resilience, and ambition.

Jennifer Brimming, Principal of Marine Academy Plymouth, said: 

“It was great to see our students so engaged throughout the visit. They asked thoughtful questions, represented the school brilliantly, and really brought their criminology studies to life. We’re very grateful to everyone who helped make this trip possible – it was an unforgettable experience that will continue to spark discussion and inspire learning back in the classroom.”

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

“It’s wonderful to see students enjoying trips to explore how their learning applies in the real world. Experiences like this help young people broaden their horizons, understand the pathways open to them, and build the skills and confidence they will need for future study and careers.”