Dear Parent Carers,
Weekly Update: 23/07/25
As I write my final weekly update, I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your unwavering support, trust, and partnership over the past four years. It has been an immense privilege to be part of the St Martins School and Shaw Education Trust community - a place full of heart, ambition, and extraordinary people.
One of the standout highlights during my time here has been the opening of The Heart of the Park Café. More than just a café, it has become a living example of what inclusion, creativity, and real opportunity look like in action. It represents our belief in Shaping Successful Futures - not just through education, but by creating lasting, meaningful pathways for our young people to shine and thrive within my new Trust, and sector wide.
As I prepare to take on a new role in September as Director of Performance and Standards at Esteem Multi Academy Trust, I carry with me everything that makes St Martins so special. I hope to share more widely the approach of inclusion for all, innovation to go beyond the expected, and foster a deep commitment to the partnership working with all stakeholders that defines our school, and to use this to make a difference for young people, children, and families across all 14 schools in the Trust.
While it’s bittersweet to be saying goodbye, I do so with absolute confidence in Toni and her incredible team, who will no doubt lead St Martins into its next exciting chapter. Their passion and drive will take the school from strength to strength.
Thank you again for the privilege of working alongside you and our young people - it has meant more than words can express.
Message from Jeff Howe – Chair of Academy Council
Having attended Prize Day on Tuesday, it is clear this has been a very successful year again. The achievements of our students is truly exceptional.
As you know, this comes from the dedication and support of the amazing staff, which was recently recognised with the continuation of the award of “Outstanding” by Ofsted back in October The leadership of Sabrina has been critical to this success since she took over from Debbie Gerring. While it is sad Sabrina is moving on, she moves into a role of wider influence that will benefit many.
Sabrina Hobbs Principal
St Martins School, The Derwent Campus, Bracknell Drive, Alvaston, Derby, DE24 0BT
Tel: 01332 571151 Email: admin@stmartins.set.org Online: www.stmartinsschoolderby.co.uk
We are so lucky to have Toni taking over as Headteacher who has had the benefit to learn from both Debbie and Sabrina.
I am also stepping down as Chair of the Academy Council after 8 amazing and enjoyable years. I leave it in the safe hands of Wykeham Bosworth-Nightingale. So, there will be a new leadership team next year, but no change in expectations!
Change of Dates
We have made an amendment to one of our INSET Days next year, changing Monday 29th June to a regular school day, and having Thursday 23rd July as a day off for students. The term dates for next year are shown on the last page of the update.
Farewell
We bid a fond farewell to Heather Lowson, a Teaching Assistant who has supported our students on a supply basis since 2018. Heather is leaving this role to move overseas! We are very grateful for the positive contribution that Heather has made at St Martins and wish her all the best for this new chapter.
Return to School
Toni and the team look forward to welcoming students back to school on Monday 8th September.
Horizons students will also start back at their new site – Friar Gate Studios – with Year 12 students starting back on Monday 8th September, and Year 13 students starting back on Tuesday 9th September. We can’t wait to share more about this fantastic new space with you all!
On behalf of the St Martins team, I would like to wish you all an enjoyable and safe summer holiday.
With best wishes,
Sabrina Hobbs Principal
Sabrina Hobbs Principal
St Martins School, The Derwent Campus, Bracknell Drive, Alvaston, Derby, DE24 0BT
Tel: 01332 571151 Email: admin@stmartins.set.org Online: www.stmartinsschoolderby.co.uk
Term Dates for Academic Year 2024/2025
Summer Term 2025
School Breaks up for Summer – Wednesday 23rd July
INSET Day – Thursday 24th July
Term Dates for Academic Year 2025/2026
Autumn Term 2025
INSET Day – Thursday 4th September
INSET Day – Friday 5th September
School Starts for the new Academic Year – Monday 8th September
School Breaks up for Half Term – Friday 24th October
School Starts Back – Monday 3rd November
School Breaks up for Christmas – Friday 19th December
Spring Term 2026
INSET Day – Monday 5th January 2026
School Starts Back – Tuesday 6th January
School Breaks up for Half Term – Friday 13th February
School Starts Back – Monday 23rd February
School Breaks up for Easter – Friday 27th March
Summer Term 2026
School Starts Back – Monday 13th April
INSET Day – Friday 1st May
Bank Holiday – Monday 4th May
School Breaks up for Half Term – Friday 22nd May
School Starts Back – Monday 1st June
School Breaks up for Summer – Wednesday 22nd July *new date*
INSET Day – Thursday 23rd July *new date*
St Martins follows Derby City Council’s term dates. Dates for next year can be found on their website – please follow the link for these - https://derby.gov.uk/educationand-learning/schools-and-colleges/term-holiday-dates/#
Sabrina Hobbs Principal
St Martins School, The Derwent Campus, Bracknell Drive, Alvaston, Derby, DE24 0BT
Tel: 01332 571151 Email: admin@stmartins.set.org Online: www.stmartinsschoolderby.co.uk