24th October 2025
Dear Parent Carers, Weekly Update: 24/10/25 I hope this update finds you well. As we come to the end of the first half term, I’m proud to share that I’ve had a really positive start to the year in my new role as Headteacher at St Martins Special School. Having worked here for the past seven years as a Teacher and Deputy Head, it’s a privilege to now lead such a passionate and dedicated team. I continue to be inspired by our amazing young people and the strength of our school community. Thank you all for your support and for making St Martins such a special place to be. Key Stage 5 Update For this week’s update, Key Stage 5 have put together a fantastic newsletter showing how their first half term at Friar Gate Studios has been – both as a new site and as a new cohort of Year 12 students joined. We hope you enjoy reading this. Monster Marathon Thank you to all who took part in Creepy Crafts and the Monster Marathon on Wednesday – it was great to see so many Parent Carers take part in activities and in dressing up too! Photographs from the day will appear on our social media over the next few days. Please hand any sponsorship money in to Terrie by Friday 7th November. Staffing Update We would like to share that Ryan Gascoine, our Transitions Learning Mentor, will be leaving St Martins on Friday 14th November. Ryan has been a huge part of the Year 11 and Year 13 transition process, bringing a wealth of knowledge and building strong relationships with students and staff alike. He is moving on to an exciting new role within Derby City Council, and we wish him all the very best in this next chapter. Rest assured, everything Ryan has been working on will be carefully handed over. Key contacts moving forward will be Heather Woodward (SENCO), Rachel Cooper (Assistant Head and Key Stage 4 Lead), and for any students pursuing Horizons, Liz Sanger (Assistant Head and Key Stage 5 Lead). If you have any questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to email or call. We will continue to provide the same strong support for our students throughout this transition. Free School Meal Vouchers This week, vouchers have been posted to eligible families to support the cost of lunches during the half term. These vouchers are provided through Derby City Toni Beardmore Headteacher 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.