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.”

Year 6 girls from Whipton Barton Federation have taken centre stage at Sandy Park, home of Premiership rugby club Exeter Chiefs, this term for a thrilling Women’s Rugby World Cup-themed transition event.

The event, designed to celebrate teamwork, resilience, and the transition to secondary school, saw the culmination of weeks of commitment from the pupils, who have been honing their skills at their Summer term Touch Rugby clubs.

The day kicked off with eight action-packed activity stations where the girls practised a variety of rugby skills, from passing drills to defensive footwork. But the real highlight came in the afternoon when pupils represented their future secondary schools in a series of spirited matches, each school in attendance taking on the identity of a different Women's Rugby World Cup nation.

Throughout the day, the girls displayed incredible sportsmanship, energy, and growth. The event not only celebrated the sport of rugby but also empowered the pupils as they prepare for the exciting journey into secondary school life.

At Whipton Barton Federation, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, they aim to shape confident, compassionate learners who are ready to make a positive difference to the world.  The school works hard to ensure that when pupils move on to secondary school, they do so ready and excited for their next steps. 

Louise Moretta, Executive Headteacher at Whipton Barton Federation said:

 “It was such a proud moment watching our girls shine at Sandy Park today. Their dedication, teamwork, and enthusiasm were truly inspiring. This event was more than just rugby – it was about building confidence, community, and a love for challenge.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

 “What a fantastic example of how sport can support positive transitions and personal growth. The girls gave it everything – they demonstrated bravery, excellence, and real citizenship. It’s events like this that show the power of education beyond the classroom.”

Lipson Co-operative Academy is celebrating another standout musical achievement after its Year 7 choir performed at the prestigious Lord Mayor’s Choosing reception at Plymouth’s Civic Centre. 

A group of 16 talented students represented the academy with pride and professionalism as they entertained dignitaries, councillors and special guests with their vocal talents.

The annual civic event, held to mark Councillor Kathy Watkin and Councillor Chip Tofan being sworn in as Plymouth’s Lord Mayor and Deputy Mayor, was a proud moment for the city and for the Lipson students who brought the celebration to life through song.

The audience, which included Council Leader Tudor Evans, was treated to a surprise rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ and a selection of harmony-rich vocal pieces that showcased the group’s dedication and musicianship.

The students are now preparing for their next big event, The Big Sing on Monday 30th June, where they’ll perform alongside around 180 local primary pupils in the school’s Muse venue.

Lipson Academy, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, offers a dynamic and inclusive music curriculum that encourages creativity, collaboration, and personal growth. Students engage in a diverse range of musical experiences, from vocal performances in the Year 7 choir to instrumental ensembles featuring saxophones and other instruments. 

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

“We are incredibly proud of our choir. Their performance was a wonderful example of the confidence, creativity and community spirit we strive to nurture at Lipson. They represented the school beautifully and should be very proud of themselves.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

 “Opportunities like these allow young people to not only express themselves creatively, but to connect with their city and its traditions. The Lipson choir has done a fantastic job of strengthening those community ties through their music, and we’re delighted to see them take centre stage in civic events.”