{item_alt_tag}

Dear Colleagues,

As we reach the end of Term 3, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work happening across our schools and to thank you all for your dedication, resilience, and commitment to our children. It has been a term filled with progress, challenges, and meaningful achievements, and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together.

One of the highlights of this term has been seeing our collective ambition drive real improvement in our schools. Our work has been externally validated at both St Teath Primary School and Ivybridge Community College through the lens of Ofsted.

Our commitment to high standards and continuous development is evident in everything we do—from setting ambitious targets for the Summer 2025 assessments to the daily work that ensures every child in our trust receives the best possible education. This term’s networking events have been a reminder of the power of collaboration and professional growth in creating truly inclusive environments for student success.

A fantastic example of this was our work with the Ambition Institute design team, who visited WeST HQ and Plymstock School this week to film content for their NPQSENCo Course. This was a brilliant opportunity to showcase the expertise within WeST, and I want to extend my thanks to everyone who took part—especially to Plymstock for hosting. I look forward to seeing the final product!

This term has also seen the continued success of our Sensory and Physical Advocates Group, led by Gemma Tully. This week’s session, delivered in partnership with Devon Advisory Teachers for Hearing Impairments, provided invaluable training on supporting pupils with hearing needs. Simple but significant adaptations can transform learning experiences, and it’s fantastic to see these specialist skills being embedded in our schools. I encourage colleagues to engage with these sessions—next term’s focus on best practice in the classroom will be another great opportunity to learn and share expertise.

Yesterday, we celebrated National School Governors Awareness Day, recognising the vital role school governors play in shaping the future of education. These dedicated volunteers champion the success of pupils, staff, and communities. Their commitment to improving schools, supporting headteachers, and making key decisions enhances the learning experience for all. Let's take a moment to appreciate their hard work and encourage more people to get involved in this rewarding role. Strong governance leads to stronger schools—thank you to all school governors for their invaluable contributions!

As this term comes to a close, I want to acknowledge the sheer effort that has gone into making WeST such a dynamic and thriving trust. The progress we have made is a direct result of your dedication, collaboration, and shared belief that we are stronger together.

Now, as we head into the break, I encourage you all to take the time to switch off, rest, and recharge. Spend time with loved ones, enjoy a slower pace, and return refreshed for the exciting challenges ahead.

Wishing you all a peaceful and restful half-term.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring

CEO

Important Notice: Temporary Entrance Change at WeST HQ

For the next 12 weeks, there will be a different entrance to WeST HQ. Visitors should continue to park in the usual car park, enter through the front entrance of the school from the car park, and then turn left to reach the office entrance. Please continue to walk round to the normal office entrance. 

If you have any questions, please email admin@westst.org.uk.

CST Podcast 

Naveed Khan, our Director of Education, joined the Confederation of Schools Trust for a podcast on school improvement. In this episode, PLMR's Head of Education Tiffany Beck OBE and CST's Deputy Chief Executive Steve Rollett are also joined by Chris Gould, Director of Education and Deputy CEO at Truro and Penwith Academy Trust. The group delves into CST's conceptual model of trust-led school improvement, shedding light on what it's all about, what it looks like in practice, and what's coming next from CST in this space.

Please take a listen to this podcast by clicking on the link - The conceptual model of trust-led school improvement - Trust: The CST Podcast, Produced by PLMR | Podcast on Spotify

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Friendly February

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Recruitment update:

We are delighted to inform you of the following exciting career opportunities within our Trust:

Coombe Dean School are looking to appoint a Subject Leader of Maths. The core purpose of the role is to ensure a high quality curriculum within Maths that is implemented expertly and consistently and to take an active role in the wider leadership of the school in pursuit of our key development and improvement priorities. For more information on the above vacancies, please click here. Closing date: 28 February 2025. 

Ivybridge Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Casual Examinations Invigilators - Hours of work are by negotiation, to cover examination sessions throughout the year. The ability to work at least three days a week during the peak times in May and June. Full day, morning (start 8.30am) and afternoon sessions are offered. Closing date: 18 July 2025. 

For more information on the above vacancies, please click here. 

Westcountry Schools Trust are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Secondary Initial Teacher Training (unpaid) - Are you passionate about teaching and ready to make a significant impact on the lives of young people? We are seeking an exceptional individual with vision, energy and passion to join us as an Aspiring Secondary School Teacher, to uphold our core values and guide our vision of Every Child in a Great School. This is a 12-month, full-time, postgraduate programme in a Secondary School environment where you’ll experience a mix of study modules, live training sessions and classroom practice. Study modules can be completed at your own pace through our online learning platform, which will provide you with a foundation of theory to build your practice on. At every stage, you'll be guided by your own personal mentor. Closing date: 20 June 2025. 

For more information on the above vacancies, please click here.

{item_alt_tag}