Summer 2026 Trust Newsletter

Our family

Hello from our CEO

Impact in Motion

This term has been full of energy and progress across our Trust, with many examples of innovation, achievement and recognition in our schools. At the heart of everything we do is a simple aim: to ensure every child and young person is supported to achieve and thrive.

We have continued to strengthen teaching and learning across our schools, with teams working together to develop curriculum and share what works best for our pupils. Inspection feedback and school reviews have highlighted the strong and improving quality of education across the Trust.

We are particularly proud of our commitment to inclusion, ensuring that all children, whatever their needs or starting point, receive the right support at the right time. Alongside this, ongoing investment in our buildings and specialist provision is helping us create environments where every child can flourish and succeed.

Beyond the classroom, opportunities provided through our connected charity, the 4 All Foundation, are helping pupils build confidence, develop new interests and feel a stronger sense of belonging within their communities. The Foundation continues to provide a wealth of opportunities, including youth clubs in West Felton, Nesscliffe, Oswestry, Tilstock and Market Drayton, alongside a growing range of adult programmes in Shrewsbury and across the wider community.

Over the last 12 months, we have grown to become a Trust of 18 schools. During this year, we have begun to build strong relationships with our seven newest schools: Criftins CofE Primary School, Cockshutt CofE Primary School, Selattyn CofE Primary School, St Andrew's CofE Primary School, Weston Lullingfields CofE Primary School, West Felton CofE Primary School and Kinnerley CofE Primary School. Our family of schools is building a depth of talent, expertise and strengths that is supporting our journey as a Trust. I would like to thank all staff, children, parents and local communities who have worked to ensure the transition into the Trust has been a smooth and a positive experience.

As we look back on another successful year, we celebrate not only outcomes and achievements but also the care, ambition and partnerships that make our Trust such a special place for children, families and staff. Thank you for your continued support and commitment. Together, we are making a lasting difference to the lives of young people across our communities.

Sarah Finch

CEO

| The Marches Academy Trust

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marchesacademytrust.co.uk @MarchesAcademyTrust Together We Grow Podcast

A message from our Chair of Trustees

As we celebrate our 15th anniversary and reach the end of another successful academic year, we are proud to reflect on the momentum and achievements across The Marches Academy Trust. This edition celebrates Impact in Motion, showcasing how innovation, collaboration and ambition continue to create opportunities and improve outcomes for our children and young people.

From the success of our Open6 Sixth Form initiative and the Year 3 Open Door, Open Heart event in Whitchurch, to impactful collaboration days, action research projects and advances in the use of digital technology, our schools and Sixth Forms continue to embrace new ways of enhancing learning. Curriculum development and strengthened careers support are helping to ensure that every pupil is well prepared for their next steps.

We have also seen significant investment in our communities through major capital projects, including Shrewsbury Academy's new sports hall and important developments at Woodlands. Enhanced inclusion hubs are providing more pupils with the support they need to thrive and succeed.

Recent Ofsted outcomes at Tilstock CE Primary School and Woodlands, alongside national recognition such as Bronze Inclusive Attendance Accreditation for three of our schools, are testament to the dedication, talent and commitment of colleagues across the Trust. Insights from MATi and evolving sector developments, particularly within SEND, continue to inform our strategic thinking and help shape the future direction of our Trust.

Above all, it is our people, values and shared commitment to ensuring every child achieves their full potential that continue to drive our success. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to another exceptional year across The Marches Academy Trust. I wish you all a restful and enjoyable summer.

Alex Fry Chair of the Board of Trustees

Achievement & Recognition of the Continued Impact of our NPQs

We are delighted to celebrate the continued success and impact of our National Professional Qualification programmes across the Trust. Our NPQ qualifications support teachers and leaders to develop the knowledge, confidence and expertise needed to make a real difference in our schools

This year, 26 colleagues have successfully completed their NPQ assessments, which reflects their commitment to professional growth and school improvement. A further 43 colleagues are currently undertaking NPQs, continuing to strengthen leadership, share best practice and build expertise across our Trust.

By investing in our people, we are helping to ensure that every school benefits from skilled, reflective and well-informed educators who are committed to providing the very best education for our pupils.

Our highly regarded NPQ for Senior Leaders has ensured consistency of understanding of their role and how they can have impact.

"It has enhanced my existing knowledge on stretching curriculum design to wider school context."

"It’s a great opportunity to use the face-to-face session to collaboratively share and discuss the importance of teaching and learning."

"It’s given me time to think. I come away from today inspired. I have so many new things I will look to implement." Click

MATi -Impact in Motion

This term, MATi has continued to positively impact outcomes for children and young people (CYP) facing the most significant barriers to education. Through our highly personalised approach, specialist outreach support and innovative MATislands curriculum, we have empowered CYP to reconnect with learning, rebuild confidence and develop the skills needed to thrive both in education and beyond. Through assessments, family engagement and observations MATi staff have supported schools to identify barriers to education and plan adjustments to support learning.

Our vocational pathways, including FIX, Forest School, Vehicle Mechanics, Carpentry, Cooking, Indoor Climbing National Qualification and Level 1 Construction, provide meaningful, real-world learning experiences that inspire engagement

and raise aspirations. For many, these opportunities have reignited a love of learning and created a renewed sense of purpose.

What makes MATi truly unique is that pupil voice drives our provision. Through regular self-reflection and personal reviews, CYP report increased confidence, improved wellbeing and stronger engagement with education.

4 All Foundation

The 4 All Foundation is proud to welcome the Harlescott Grange Community Centre into its growing family of community hubs. This exciting addition brings the total number of centres across the county to three, with further expansion already on the horizon as two more locations are set to join in the next academic year.

Significant investment from the Foundation has supported the transformation of the site, including full redecoration, new furniture, improved outdoor space, and refreshed signage. Further developments are planned, with a new entrance and upgraded lighting coming soon.

The decision to bring this valuable community asset into the charity reflects a continued commitment to supporting families from Grange Primary School, Shrewsbury Academy, and the wider community. Looking ahead, the centre will offer a range of new programmes, including a youth club, mental health support, and wider opportunities designed to engage, inspire, and support local residents.

The impact has been so significant that many have requested to remain on programmes such as FIX, recognising the positive difference these experiences have made to their personal development and future ambitions.

Working alongside families, schools and external partners, MATi continues to deliver support, ensuring every child has the opportunity to achieve, belong and thrive, regardless of the challenges they face.

Cockshutt CE Primary School

At Cockshutt CE Primary School and Nursery we have had a very productive summer term completing some projects outdoors. Outdoor learning continues to be a vital part of life at Cockshutt, and this term we have been delighted to work on some exciting projects to further enhance our outdoor environment.

The One Voice group has collaborated closely with our PTA to transform an unused patch of ground into a thriving wildlife area. The children took the lead by designing the space themselves, drawing up plans and then helping to bring them to life. The finished area now includes a pond, bug hotels, hedgehog houses, planting spaces and seating areas, creating a wonderful environment for both learning and local wildlife.

In addition, we have used our inclusion grant to install a brand-new outdoor cabin. This space will be used as a sensory area, offering a calm and engaging environment where children can explore their senses and support their wellbeing.

Criftins CE Primary School

This term has been defined by opportunity, ambition and impact, with every experience carefully planned to deepen learning, broaden horizons and help every child flourish.

Our curriculum has come alive through real-world and outdoor learning. Forest School has continued to flourish, giving all children weekly opportunities to develop confidence, resilience, independence and risk management skills, including climbing, lighting fires and even controlled rough play. Farming Fortnight brought our Science and Geography curriculum to life through visits from the NFU Shropshire County Chair, a local farmer and his machinery, butter making, a live lesson and a visit to a working farm. World Art Day inspired creativity through workshops led by four visiting artists, while our local heritage curriculum brought history to life through visits to Chirk Castle, Llwyd Mansion and

These developments reflect our commitment to enriching outdoor learning and providing inspiring spaces for all children to learn, explore and grow.

Ifton Colliery. A highlight was learning the traditional skill of lime plastering at Llwyd Mansion.

Our Christian vision continues to shape school life. Positive feedback during our SIAMS review recognised our Christian distinctiveness and pupil-led collective worship. Our Year 3 children also attended the Open Doors, Open Hearts Pentecost workshop, learning alongside children from across the Trust.

Whole School Multicultural Week explored the question, 'How do people from different backgrounds live and belong in modern Britain?'. Visits to London and a Gurdwara broadened children's understanding of the diverse communities that make up modern Britain.

Developing the whole child remains central to our vision. Our RotaKids led a fundraising project for The Movement Centre in Oswestry, while Rio, our new

PAT dog, is already having a positive impact on children's wellbeing, confidence and reading.

Staff have invested in training ahead of our new spelling scheme, launching in September. Rooted in morphology, etymology and phonology, this evidenceinformed approach will strengthen spelling across the curriculum.

Significant capital improvements, including a new outdoor classroom, refurbished learning spaces and new children's toilets, are due to commencean investment in our future, working today to protect tomorrow.

Grange Primary School

This term has been a busy and successful one at Grange, with our Grangers continuing to shine across all areas of school life. Children have benefitted from a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities, including exciting STEM workshops for KS2, which have sparked curiosity and deepened understanding through practical exploration.

Our dedicated teachers have remained firmly focused on driving improved outcomes for all pupils, with a strong emphasis on consistency in how Grangers learn across the school. This shared approach is enabling children to build on prior knowledge and achieve their very best.

Mr Gregory, our Year 3/4 teacher, reflects:

“It has been fantastic to see the progress children have made in their times table knowledge, reflected in our improved Year 4 multiplication check results this year. Grangers are now beginning to apply this knowledge confidently in problemsolving, so great to see!”

Grove School

This term has seen a continued drive for improvement across all corners of Team Grove. Though there is much work to do, we have moved so much. Below are some of the highlights of our summer term:

Shortlisted for a national award!

Team Grove have been shortlisted for an ARC Timpson Award for their radical transformation in behaviour and culture over the past 2 years – all of our staff use a carefully constructed trauma-informed response to dealing with heightened interactions. This has truly transformed our culture – and we all operate under the mantra of being ‘curious not furious’ when looking at behavioural incidents. The shortlist is a real testament to our whole community!

Significant improvement works around the site

There have been some incredible site developments around the school this academic year:

• The establishment of the Learning for Life centre, an inclusive centre for all students

• THREE new toilet blocks

• Ongoing redevelopment of the old bungalow into a new SEND Resource Hub – opening in 2027.

• Securing a community Astroturf pitch, which will begin to be built this autumn

It has also been wonderful to see the strength of our community, with so many families coming together to support our Grangers at Sports Day and the Colour Run. Your continued support makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated.

We are incredibly proud of all that our Grangers have achieved this term.

We are also incredibly proud of our PPG (Parent Partnership Group) who are funding lots of mini-initiatives for all year groups. They are a phenomenal group who are working on an exciting project to reshape our fitness suite!

Idsall School

This term has been full of innovation, achievement and community spirit across Idsall. Over 200 students will step into the world of work at the end of June, with placements ranging from HMRC and HM Land Registry to Aston Martin, the RAF and local veterinary practices, bringing careers education to life in inspiring ways.

Student leadership continues to grow. The One Voice Group has tripled in size and impact, delivering more than half of this year’s assemblies on topics that matter to young people, including Refugee Week, Pride Month and Armed Forces Day, supporting our service families and wider community. Two Year 9 students were also recognised at the Young Citizens Awards for their service to others and the environment.

Careers and curriculum innovation have been strengthened through partnerships with McPhillips and In-Comm, offering construction experiences and design technology days.

Beyond the classroom, Year 12 students supported the local Summer Fayre, and sports leaders from Years 9 and 10 ran a highly successful primary sports event for over 50 children and their families.

From a Year 10 student achieving county-level success in equestrian showing to raising over £500 through the 4 All Foundation Sleep Out, this term has truly reflected ambition, inclusion and excellence.

Kinnerley CE Primary School

At Kinnerley, we have been focusing on active learning this year, alongside developing our curriculum to encourage independence and curiosity. In Key Stage 1, we have created a vibrant outdoor learning area and introduced a continuous provision model for foundation subjects in the afternoons, giving children greater choice and ownership of their learning.

In Key Stage 2, we have launched our question-based Curious Curriculum approach in History, Geography and Science. This has inspired pupils to take the lead in researching and presenting topics independently, resulting in some outstanding, high-quality and highly creative work. It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm and confidence grow.

A highlight of each year is our ‘Aspiration’ assemblies, where we welcome parents and members of the community to share their careers and passions. These sessions aim to broaden horizons and inspire our children’s future ambitions. Visitors have included intensive care nurses, logistics experts, engineers, and farmers bringing calves and tractors, as well as medal-winning cyclists demonstrating their skills. One particularly memorable visit even saw an RAF pilot land a

helicopter on the school field for the children to explore. We are excited to begin building an annual record of pupil career aspirations to see how their ambitions develop over time.

Recently, our Year 3 pupils attended the Open Door, Open Hearts event alongside other church schools from across the Trust. The children had a fantastic day of learning and discovery. Phoebe shared how they learnt about the fire of Pentecost appearing above the disciples, who were then able to speak different languages. They also explored the wind of the Holy Spirit through kite-making and a variety of wind-themed activities. Lucas particularly enjoyed designing a hat with flames and joining in with the singing, while Seren loved locating different languages around the world and learning how to say hello in new ways. The children all agreed that they made new friends and would love to take part again.

Longlands Primary School

This term at Longlands has truly brought learning to life beyond the classroom, with a strong focus on innovation, creativity and real-world experiences. Across school, pupils have engaged in rich, hands-on learning that supports them to know more and remember more.

In Early Years and Key Stage 1, children have made excellent use of the school garden and farm, developing their understanding of the natural world through exploration and play. Willow Class extended their learning further with a visit to Trentham Gardens, where they applied their knowledge of plants and minibeasts in a real-life context, enjoying everything from pond dipping to a lake boat ride.

Older pupils have also benefited from meaningful enrichment.

Year 3’s visit to Market Drayton Museum brought local history to life, while Year 2 strengthened their love of reading through our valued partnership with Market Drayton Library. Across the curriculum, from planting sunflowers in science to creative art inspired by international artists and storytelling linked to Jack and the Beanstalk, pupils have shown curiosity, imagination and pride in their learning.

Our strong partnership with families, alongside enriching 4 All Foundation opportunities, continues to ensure every child thrives in our community.

Lower Heath CE Primary School

This term has been full of meaningful experiences, new opportunities and celebrations across our school community.

Pupils embraced an exciting new residential visit to Manchester, which proved to be a real highlight. Coming from rural Shropshire, the children were fascinated by the scale and energy of city life. They took part in a multi faith workshop, visited the Jewish Museum and explored galleries and museums. A trip to the Palace Theatre to watch Annie was a standout moment. It has been wonderful to see pupils step outside their comfort zone and broaden their horizons.

We are delighted to have secured funding through the Primary Inclusion Development Grant, enabling us to begin developing our ‘Nest’ provision to support children, particularly those who are neurodivergent, to access learning in a way that meets their needs.

Our second Open Doors, Open Hearts event at St Alkmund’s Church provided a special opportunity for reflection and

worship, deepening pupils’ understanding of Pentecost. Events like this play an important role in nurturing our children’s spiritual development and sense of community.

We are incredibly proud of Hattie Breese, recognised at the Wem Rotary Young Achievers Award. Inspired by her personal connection to Down’s syndrome, she has led our ‘Dance for Down’s Syndrome’ club, raising awareness and championing inclusion across the school. Hattie truly lets her light shine living out our values each day and making a meaningful difference to others.

We were especially proud to receive the Innovation Award at the recent OneVoice Awards, celebrating our commitment to developing innovative approaches that enhance learning, promote inclusion and help every child flourish.

Marches School

The Summer term at The Marches School has been incredible! It has brought together innovation, achievement and inclusion, reflecting our commitment to continuous improvement. Across the curriculum, students have engaged in high-quality, practical learning, from science investigations and ecology fieldwork to creative design, art and student-led PE leadership building confidence, independence and critical thinking.

Student voice continues to shape our school, with leaders working closely with young people to refine teaching and strengthen our culture. Teachers and students had a productive meeting together looking at books and the progress they are making in lessons. The learning from this session is shaping our school development plan.

Through CREW and wider work, we are developing student leadership, alongside a proactive move towards becoming a phone-free school to support wellbeing, relationships and focus.

Inclusion and personal development have been central this term. Students have explored themes of wellbeing and belonging through Mental Health Awareness Week and Pride, alongside opportunities such as social skills programmes, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and the SEND Hub Talent Show.

Enrichment remains a strength, with music performances in Belgium, sporting success, national recognition and community engagement ensuring students thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

"It was such an amazing experience, I loved hearing some of my favourite classical pieces, especially Rachmaninoff!"

Oscar Price

Together with our families, we continue to build a school where every student is known, supported and prepared for their future.

Oakmeadow CE Primary School

This summer term has been a powerful reflection of our school’s commitment to innovation, achievement and meaningful recognition. We are incredibly proud to have been recognised for our dedication to sustainability through the achievement of the Eco-Schools Award, highlighting the collective efforts of our pupils and staff to make a positive impact on the environment.

Looking ahead, we are excited to further innovate by expanding our Early Years provision. Thanks to the successful securing of a CIL grant, we will be extending our offer to include more 2-year-olds, ensuring we meet growing community needs while providing high-quality early education from the very start.

Innovation is also shaping our curriculum delivery. The introduction of per-pupil iPads in Year 4 has

enabled regular, engaging practice of times tables, directly contributing to strong outcomes in the Year 4 Multiplication Check. Meanwhile, enrichment opportunities continue to deepen learning. Our Open Doors, Open Hearts visit brought the story of Pentecost to life for Year 3 this term, and PTA-funded history workshops immersed children in all year groups with hands-on experiences. Our One Voice and School Council groups have been active, visiting the Guildhall to explore democracy in action.

was a particular highlight, an innovative and joyful way to encourage children to stay active and have fun together.

Together, these achievements reflect a school community that is forward-thinking, aspirational and dedicated to excellence.

We are also enhancing our lunchtime provision through our partnership with the 4All Foundation, broadening opportunities for active and purposeful play. Our successful Colour Run

Selattyn CE Primary School

During the summer term, Selattyn Primary School has celebrated a wide range of achievements that reflect our strong commitment to enrichment, wellbeing and community engagement. All pupils have been provided with valuable opportunities to develop teamwork, resilience and physical fitness through participating in a range of activities. Our Sports Day was a great success once more and brought the whole school family together. Another particular highlight was the exciting quidditch day, which captured pupils’ imaginations and encouraged inclusive participation across year groups.

We were also proud to welcome St John Ambulance, who delivered first aid training to pupils and members of the community, equipping them with vital life skills and boosting their confidence in responding to emergency situations. Our school community further strengthened its links with the

wider community with a number of pupils taking part in the Open Hearts church event, demonstrating our values of kindness, compassion and togetherness.

Significant progress has also been made in improving our school environment. We were delighted to be awarded a capital bids grant,

Shrewsbury Academy

Shrewsbury Academy continues to champion innovation, achievement and recognition across all areas of school life. We are proud to have secured funding for a new multi-use, four-court sports hall, significantly enhancing opportunities in basketball, netball, futsal, badminton and cricket.

Our students consistently excel beyond the classroom. At a recent interschools athletics event, pupils demonstrated resilience, teamwork and pride, creating a strong sense of belonging as they supported and celebrated one another. This commitment is mirrored in our early morning training sessions, where students have shown outstanding dedication and consistency throughout the year.

Creative success has also been recognised, with five Year 10 Art students exhibiting their work at

The Arts Society competition, an excellent achievement. Individual accomplishment remains central to our ethos; Abby’s attainment of a Black Belt in Taekwondo reflects exceptional discipline, perseverance and focus.

We are equally committed to inclusion and recognition.

which will fund important developments including enhanced security measures, improved lighting and essential building repairs. In addition, the One Voice committee has worked hard to develop the memory garden and enhance the outdoor classroom, creating calm, reflective spaces that support wellbeing and outdoor learning.

It has been an extremely productive and inspiring term, with many achievements that continue to enrich the experiences of all our pupils.

Our Director of Safeguarding represented Shrewsbury Academy

at the Young Carers Summit in London, working alongside national professionals to raise awareness and support for young carers.

Together, these successes reflect a thriving and ambitious school community.

Sir John Talbot's School

Sir John Talbot’s School is proud of the progress and innovation taking place across the school, with a strong focus on inclusion, aspiration and student achievement.

A key development this year has been The Lighthouse, a dedicated provision supporting students who face barriers to success in mainstream education. Through personalised mentoring, 1:1 tutoring and alternative learning experiences including gardening, cooking and boxing, students are building confidence, resilience and engagement. The provision has already celebrated success, with four learners achieving their Preliminary Boxing Award. Partnerships with charities and investors have also enabled the creation of a sensory room, providing a calm and nurturing environment that supports wellbeing and emotional regulation.

Careers education has continued to thrive, with Year 10 and Year 12 students taking part in work experience placements and a growing virtual programme involving more than 25 employers and providers. Experiences such as a Keele University taster day and Muller’s "Tasty Careers" programme have helped inspire future aspirations.

Student leadership has also been showcased through a Dragon’s Den-style enterprise event and community dog show organised entirely by students.

The Dragon’s Den event showcased student voice, creativity and enterprise, with pupils presenting ideas to a panel of professionals and applying key CEIAG skills including communication, problem-solving and entrepreneurship. The panel included SJT alumni Melanie Saywell of Culture Care, reflecting the Trust’s commitment to aspiration and real-world engagement.

Building on this, students organised a community dog show, putting their ideas into action. Bringing together families, local residents and businesses, the event was a joyful celebration of community spirit. Reflecting the Trust’s “Open Door, Open Heart” values, the event raised an impressive £1,300 for Bradbury Care Centre, supporting enrichment and day trips. The team have gone on to win the Trust Innovation Award 2026 at a recent OneVoice celebration event.

Click here to visit the Culture Care website

St Andrew's CE Primary School

We have had a wonderfully busy term full of fun and exciting times! There has been an abundance of trips and visits.

We have enjoyed a whole school trip to the beach, with a great day building sand castles, having picnics and eating ice lollies. Our children were impeccably behaved and will be talking about the trip for some time yet!

Our Year 3s attended the 'Open Door, Open Heart’ event at St Alkmund’s Church in Whitchurch. They learnt all about Pentecost and took part in some lovely activities.

Our choir have also attended a number of events this term. Following on from Young Voices in January, they have taken part in two concerts, Shropshire Sings and Symphonic Sunday, which was held at Shrewsbury School alongside their orchestra – a very grand affair! The musical fun continues with a visit from the Benedetti workshop for our EYFS and KS1 classes.

Year 6 are ending on a high, attending events such as Crucial Crew, a trip to Crocky Trail funded by our PTA, secondary school visits and a residential trip to PGL, especially deserved after they worked so hard on their SATs. They will be missed by all as they move onto their next chapter.

We are proud to have a full and loving community from our Friends group organising many fundraising events to locals offering help and skills to build and fix, especially in our Forest School

provision which is growing rapidly to become a very precious learning area.

Our Forest School leader, Miss Bostock, is a fountain of knowledge and very resourceful. Alongside this, she is completing her HLTA qualification as well as her everyday busy TA duties! We have also welcomed some new staff this year who are now working towards their Teaching Assistant Level 3 qualifications. We are very proud to have such skilled and committed staff, and this can be seen reflected within our children.

Our pupils have worked very hard all year to achieve certificates reflecting all areas of our values. Children are celebrated each Friday for displaying and practicing these values during the week and letting their light shine.

Tilstock CE Primary School

We were delighted to receive the outcomes from our recent Ofsted inspection this term, which recognised Tilstock’s strong standard for personal development and wellbeing of all children. A school where “pupils are happy, safe and well cared for” and where strong relationships underpin success. The report reflects our vision of achievement through caring, noting the nurturing environment and the way pupils “demonstrate positive attitudes to learning”. Inspectors also highlighted the broad, engaging curriculum and the high expectations staff have for every child.

This term has brought our curriculum to life through purposeful action research and innovation. Badger Class deepened their science learning by welcoming lambs into school, while their visit to Shrewsbury Prison enriched their understanding of crime and punishment. Squirrel Class stepped back in time during their immersive Victorian experience at Park Hall Farm, demonstrating curiosity and excellent behaviour throughout.

Achievement beyond the classroom has also been celebrated, with our pupils winning two gold medals and a bronze at the North Shropshire Swimming Gala.

Our partnership with families remains central to our success, alongside the wider opportunities provided through 4 All Foundation clubs and our Church partnerships. Together, we continue to ensure Tilstock is a place where every child thrives and every success is recognised.

West Felton CE Primary School

At West Felton Primary School, we recognise the Power of Poetry. We know that poetry provides children with a portal to rich and varied vocabulary, we can craft a firm foundation for verbal communication and confidence, we can play with words, learn their etymology and embed their spelling patterns, we can build our understanding of sentence construction and value the importance of each and every word. It was featured on our SDP last year and is now firmly embedded throughout the school.

But that’s not all…poetry can be an outlet for exploring big emotions or a window into those felt by others, it can shine a light on all those dark and hidden crevices of the heart and mind, allowing us to explore new perspectives with growing empathy and understanding for others. With this in mind, we reviewed our teaching

of poetry. Our staff received training from Poet Laureate, Joseph Coelho and from the Centre Literacy for Primary Education. We wrote our own poetry spine including a vast range of poets and poems, which will be delivered to every child in school. And we had a huge whole school poetry competition, sponsored by West Felton Methodist Chapel.

Our theme this year was “All things Bright & Beautiful?” inspired by David Attenborough turning 100! Our children set about exploring the theme using a range of stimuli including our spiritual pathways work. We crafted our poems, trialling different styles and content before choosing our favourites to enter. Then we invited the community to judge, from the Parish Council to the WI, from St. Michaels Church to our governors and Executive team, and they had a difficult job!

After a gruelling afternoon, the judges whittled it down to 8 finalists and eventually, an overall winner.

Our awards ceremony is coming up and our finalists will all receive a medal and our winners name will be engraved on our new shield.

It has been a superb project for the whole school community and the poetry that the children have written is astounding. We have ignited a legacy, the Power of Poetry.

Weston Lullingfields CE Primary School

This term has been full of energy, innovation and impact across Weston Lullingfields. A particular highlight has been our participation in Shropshire BookFest, where both KS1 and KS2 pupils fully embraced a love of reading and engaged enthusiastically with the wide range of texts on offer. The impact has been clear: in KS2, the percentage of pupils working at greater depth in reading rose significantly following BookFest, demonstrating the power of high-quality reading experiences.

BookFest has sparked richer and more purposeful reading discussions, with pupils confidently sharing their opinions, recommending books to one another and exploring new authors and genres. We have also seen increased reading stamina and a real sense of motivation, with many pupils eager to move quickly from one book to the next. In KS1, children expressed their enjoyment through creative responses, producing beautiful and thoughtful artwork inspired by the texts.

Click here to see how we were inspired by The Butterfly House by Harry Woodgate.

Woodlands School

This term has been a powerful reflection of innovation in action across Woodlands. Our commitment to IT innovation continues to shape teaching and learning, with staff exploring new digital approaches to enhance engagement and outcomes for all learners.

Our CEIAG and curriculum development work has provided meaningful real-world experiences, including a standout visit to a live construction site hosted by Vinci Construction, giving learners invaluable insight into careers in the industry. Year 7 also enjoyed a rich learning experience at AttinghamPark, deepening their understanding beyond the classroom. Alongside this, MATi continues to flourish in Motor Vehicle studies, with learners coming together from across the Trust to access specialist provision and develop technical skills for future careers.

We are proud to celebrate recognition through our Inclusive Attendance Award, highlighting the dedication of staff and families in supporting every child to thrive. Our strong partnerships with parents remain a cornerstone of our inclusive ethos, providing valuable enrichment and support.