23rd July 2025
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 The Shaw Education Trust Limited is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England (no 09067175) Registered address: Shaw Education Trust, Kidsgrove Secondary School, Gloucester Road, Kidsgrove, ST7 4DL. The details of our academies registered as business names can be found at www.shaweducation.org.uk.