Salcombe CE Primary in Devon, part of First Federation Trust, is pleased to announce the appointment of Miss Lottie Bond as new Head of School. With over fifteen years teaching experience including over a decade in school improvement, Miss Bond has demonstrated a strong commitment to and passion for the educational sector. 

 

Miss Bond began her leadership journey as an English Specialist Leader of Education, supporting schools across Plymouth. Her impact grew rapidly, leading Year 6 at Salisbury Road Primary during a pivotal time, where she spearheaded a transformative teaching and learning programme.

 

Her leadership helped guide the school through the challenges of COVID and into a successful Ofsted inspection, showcasing her ability to build strong, motivated teams and foster a culture of continuous improvement. 

Most recently, Miss Bond has served as Trust English Lead across 18 primary schools, driving curriculum innovation, professional development, and strategic school improvement. Her work has contributed to significant gains in pupil outcomes, narrowing disadvantage gaps, and elevating school performance across the Trust. 

 

Speaking about her new role, Miss Bond said: 'I am absolutely delighted to be joining Salcombe CE Primary as Head of School. From the moment I visited, I felt a deep connection to the school’s values, its dedicated staff, and the wonderful children. I’m excited to bring my experience and energy to Team Salcombe, working together to create a thriving, joyful learning environment where everyone can flourish.' 

 

Miss Bond’s leadership style is rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and care. She believes that “change moves at the speed of trust,” and is committed to building strong relationships with staff, pupils, families, and the wider community. Her vision for Salcombe is one of unity, growth, and excellence—anchored in shared values and a love of learning. 

 

Angela Jenkins, Director of Performance and Development for First Federation Trust, said, ‘The Salcombe school community and wider Trust has warmly welcomed Miss Bond into her new role, and we look forward to supporting her with her journey. We have been extremely impressed by the knowledge, passion and experience which she has displayed, and we wholeheartedly embrace her plans to create a stable, safe and friendly school environment where children can reach their full potential.’ 

Chudleigh Knighton CE Primary, a friendly village school near Newton Abbot in Devon, is ‘living up to its foundation as a Church school’ and enabling pupils to flourish according to the latest SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) report by the Church of England. With an environment that nurtures the wellbeing of all and a community that is committed to living well together, Chudleigh Knighton has been highlighted as a safe, inclusive, supportive school which is outward-looking and nurturing for families.   

   

Simon Westwood, Head of School, said, ‘We make it our mission to encourage every individual to Dig Deep, Learn Together and Embrace Life to the Full within a caring Christian community, and we’ve created an ambitious curriculum and exciting personal development offering to support them in this journey. We aim to raise the standards of education for all our pupils, including those who are more vulnerable, with exciting experiences designed to broaden opportunities, a range of trips to better engage learners, and solid connections with the local community.  

  

‘We encourage our pupils to undertake leadership responsibilities with opportunities to become house captains and ethos leaders, or to take part in the buddy system where older and younger pupils support each other, and also offer our citizenship award which allows children to consider how to improve their local area.'   

   

Chudleigh Knighton was one of the two founding schools to form First Federation Trust in 2006, which has since grown to become a multi-academy of 29 primaries spanning from Plymouth to Weymouth.   

   

Paul Walker, Chief Executive Officer for First Federation Trust, said ‘It has been a pleasure to witness the development of Chudleigh Knighton CE Primary over the years, with their strong connection to the local community, evolving curriculum which continues to be strengthened, and constant commitment to making improvements where required. As a trust, we aim to support the school not only with access to our wider family of schools, but with access to our solid partnership with the diocese. It is excellent to see the spiritual journey of pupils which has been a focus for development this year, and to observe the benefits of the partnership with the local church in collective worship and local events.’  

 

With a Religious Education (RE) curriculum that ‘reflects the context of the school and the needs of the pupils’, pupils appreciate the chance to learn about others, develop empathy and understand a variety of beliefs.   

  

Simon continues, ‘As a school community, we are committed to ensuring people live in unity, with an accessible environment and emphasis on equity and inclusion. We teach children about differences and feel proud of their empathy and respectful behaviour. We have regular focus days where pupils learn about the importance of mental health and wellbeing, and we provide additional pastoral support for families.’  

Gemma Pattison, an experienced leader in education, has recently joined Lady Seaward’s CE Primary in Clyst St George near Exeter as the new Head of School. Gemma, who was previously Head of School at Kenton Primary, started in her new role at the beginning of Autumn term.  

  

Gemma Pattison, Head of School said, ‘I feel truly privileged to take on the role of Head of School at Lady Seawards. This is a school with a rich heritage, solid Christian roots, and wonderfully supportive community, and I look forward to building on our strong foundation and maintaining the Church ethos. My aim is to continue raising standards in teaching and learning while placing a strong emphasis on creativity and ensuring every child feels valued and supported. We want our pupils to leave Lady Seawards not only with excellent outcomes, but also with confidence, kindness, and a sense of belonging.’ 

 

During Gemma’s role as Head of School at Kenton Primary she successfully led the school through a period of flooding and temporary relocation, securing a Good Ofsted judgment despite significant challenges. Prior to this, she worked at Alphington Primary School as a senior leader, teaching across all year groups and leading personal development, maths and early years across the school. Her wealth of experience in leadership, curriculum development, and pastoral care will support Lady Seawards as it continues to thrive within the First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 schools spanning Plymouth to Weymouth. 

 

Mrs Pattison continues, ‘I am deeply passionate about teaching and learning and feel excited to introduce instructional coaching to Lady Seawards to raise the bar for delivering the highest quality teaching to all children. Our staff are already highly skilled and dedicated, and a key priority is to support them in continuing to challenge themselves to be the very best, ensuring we deliver consistently excellent teaching and learning.  

 

‘We are looking forward to renovating a section of the playground, which the community has worked hard to fundraise for and design — a fantastic example of our school and village working together. It is important to me to continue to broaden the range of enrichment opportunities children experience, bringing learning to life and ensuring our pupils develop a wide range of skills and experiences. I am particularly passionate about developing our already excellent Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision to raise attainment outcomes for all children.’ 

 

Kath Powell, Director of Inclusion for First Federation Trust, said, ‘We’d like to say a big welcome to Gemma, and we wish her well in her new role. I’m personally looking forward to supporting her to continue raising high standards of achievements for all pupils, and as a Trust we will continue to provide inspiration and advice as required.’ 

At First Federation Trust, we believe that children who attend one of our 29 primary schools should have the opportunity to experience events outside of and alongside their time in the classroom. We believe in providing wider opportunities for children in our care that complement their educational experiences. 

 

Together we ensure that children have the opportunity to take part in the following activities before they move on to a secondary setting:  

• Perform in a setting outside of the school building 
• Participate in a musical performance 
• Participate in an art exhibition 
• Watch a musical/drama production performed by professionals  
• Participate in a sporting event held outside of the school premises 
• Perform in the local community to support an event or facility e.g. care home 
• Learn a musical instrument 
• Participate in inter-school sports events (FFT and local schools) 
   

As all of the 29 primary schools within the Trust are unique in terms of size and location, each will also have an individual offer which is appropriate for the context and geography of the establishment. Schools will provide enrichment times where children have the opportunity to work outside of the usual classroom curriculum.

 

We also ensure that children are signposted to any local clubs and facilities when they display a particular interest or skill in sport, art and music.   

 

At the end of the 2024/25 summer term, schools were invited to have an art exhibition to display children’s artwork at a local village hall, or at school during open afternoons, school productions and celebration worships. 

 

Schools were also invited to participate in a sports event at any point during the school year, with specific sporting events for example egg and spoon races, sprinting, standing long jump, ball bouncing and more. Results were collated for each year group with overall Trust winners.

Inspectors have concluded that Membury Primary School in East Devon is Good in all areas of their latest Ofsted report, with well-behaved and respectful pupils residing in a supportive, friendly and ambitious environment. Children are offered an exciting curriculum which has been recently improved by a dedicated team of professionals.  

 

Heidi Wickens, Head of School said, ‘We are very proud of our small school and everything we are able to offer and achieve. We think of ourselves as a big family. We know our pupils and families individually having built in-depth, supportive relationships over the years, and with our unique, one-class environment we work hard to meet pupils needs and we’re able to support those where they need it.  

 

'Ofsted has recognised how well the children at Membury learn to read as we know exactly what they all need to focus on, and pupils are regularly encouraged to practise and revisit key knowledge across all areas of learning. 

 

'At times we have new pupils join during the school year; we always ensure a very warm welcome and offer the help they need to settle in as swiftly as possible. We’re very keen to engage with children from other schools in the Trust and local area to encourage pupils to interact with others and provide a more seamless transition to secondary school.’ 

 

Membury joined First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primary schools spanning from Plymouth to Weymouth, in September 2024 and has since benefitted from working collaboratively with a range of other schools, with shared experience, support and inspiration.   

 

Kath Powell, Director of Inclusion at First Federation Trust, said, ‘Staff at Membury Primary have the passion, skills and knowledge they need to provide expert support to pupils. With a small setting, teachers sometimes need to present different ideas and subjects to the class which they manage well. Due to the unique nature of the school, those with SEND and additional needs are extremely well supported.  All children are well nurtured and challenged where needed. Together, we are determined to offer the best possible education for pupils, and we will continue to support the school to make any future improvements.' 

 

With strong community engagement, external visitors, a broad range of sports activities and clubs including construction and computing, and the opportunity to learn to play instruments, all areas of learning, personal development, and social interaction is enhanced as much as possible. This is a small school with a lot to offer.

 

Heidi continues, 'We currently have spaces available all year groups so please get in touch with the office on 0140 488 1491 or email office@membury-primary.devon.sch.uk if you would like to arrange a visit.'

The PTFA at Newton Ferrers CE Primary School in South Hams, have raised £32,000 for the primary near Noss Mayo, Devon this year. 

 

The school has used the funds for a variety of products which will further enhance the education and personal development for pupils. Money has been spent on a new trim trail outdoor course which offers exciting playtimes, new books to support children’s reading, chromebooks, the production of events and plays, and a new sound system - all of which is extremely valuable for those who attend Newton Ferrers now and in the future. 

 

Newton Ferrers is part of First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primary schools across Devon and West Dorset. 

 

Paul Walker, Chief Executive Officer of First Federation Trust, said, ‘I’d like to say a huge thank you for all the efforts the Newton Ferrers PTFA has put into raising funds for the school this year and all previous years. To raise over £32,000 is an amazing feat which is inspirational to all schools. As a Trust, we aim for every child to aspire, flourish and achieve within the heart of their community, and the money they, and all other PTAs, raise will help our schools achieve this. Additional income is always very much appreciated.’ 

In their recent Ofsted Inspection of coastal school Salcombe CE Primary in South Devon, inspectors concluded that the school remains Good and offers a nurturing, safe and happy environment with high standards of behaviour and attendance.  

 

Carla Bennett and Heather Slater, Acting Heads of School, said, ‘We are proud that the report recognises the caring and inclusive ethos at the heart of Salcombe CE Primary School. Inspectors recognised that 'pupils are proud to be part of ‘Team Salcombe’’ and noted the respectful relationships between staff and children across the school, from our two-year-olds in Nursery to our oldest pupils. Our SAIL values of Service, Aspiration, Integrity and Love were described as well-known and truly lived by our children, both in their learning and in the wider experiences we offer, such as sailing, beach cleaning, and residential trips.’ 

 

The report also praises the school’s strong safeguarding arrangements, inclusive approach to supporting all learners (including those with SEND), and commitment to promoting a love of reading from the earliest stages. 

 

Salcombe has been part of First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primary schools across Devon and Dorset, since 2009. 

 

Paul Walker, Chief Executive Officer at First Federation Trust said, ‘We have worked closely with leaders at Salcombe to make improvements to the curriculum and it’s good to see recognition of these positive changes. Staff are highly supportive of pupils and are committed to getting the best outcomes, and we’re pleased to see strength in reading and priorisation of language and communication.’ 

 

Carla and Heather continue, ‘Together we will ensure all pupils experience a high-quality, ambitious curriculum that enables them to thrive. We are incredibly grateful to our families, pupils, staff and Trust for the hard work, support, encouragement and partnership they provide.’        

In the recent Ofsted inspection of Portesham CE Primary School in West Dorset, inspectors concluded that the school is Good in all areas, with inclusivity, compassion, ambition and attentiveness at the heart of everything they do.  

 

Staff have been recognised as having ‘an unwavering commitment to each pupil thriving both academically and socially’ and children are seen to ‘engage in learning and interact positively during social times’.   
  

Victoria Prior, Head of School, said, ‘We have worked extremely hard over the years to improve our provision for children at Portesham, and we are immensely proud of our strong offering in education and personal development. Pupils are fortunate to have a broad range of extra-curricular activities through clubs and external visits including paddle boarding, cooking at a local restaurant, nature club, trips to the local farm and more. We’re lucky to have a team of passionate staff who take the time to get to know people as individuals which allows children to feel comfortable approaching them for help and guidance.’   

 

Portesham joined First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primary schools across Devon and Dorset, in January 2022 and has since benefited from the sharing of best practice from other member schools.   

 

Claire Fegan, Director of School Improvement at First Federation Trust, said, ‘Portesham has worked alongside senior leaders to produce a strong curriculum which Ofsted has deemed to be broad and ambitious. Alongside reading and writing, there is an aptitude for art which pupils find therapeutic. Part of our role at the Trust is to ensure teachers are well trained to be able to deliver these subjects to the best of their ability but just as important, we ensure they are able to support pupils and recognise if they need extra help.’ 

 

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are offered learning plans highlighting what additional support they need and ‘adaptations in lessons help pupils learn alongside their peers and achieve well’. The school places emphasis on encouraging good behaviour and attendance alongside mental health and wellness.  

Year 6 pupils at Blackpool CE Primary School in Liverton, Devon have successfully completed The Blackpool Spirit Award, a programme designed to help children grow into confident, compassionate, and responsible young people. 

 

Throughout the award, children have shown outstanding commitment and enthusiasm across a wide range of challenges. They’ve taken active roles within the school community, built connections with the wider local area, participated in healthy activities, explored new hobbies to support their mental wellbeing, and taken positive steps to protect the environment. They also embraced independence during their residential experience, rising to every challenge with maturity and resilience. 

 

One of the most inspiring parts of their journey was their role as Courageous Advocacy Champions. As part of this, they each selected a charity to support and worked incredibly hard to raise an amazing total of £2,669 for various organisations including Animals in Distress, Seaway Trust, Jay's Aim, Elm's Wildlife Trust, Guide Dogs and more.

 

From planning and organising events to managing their own fundraising activities, they led the way with creativity, teamwork, and a strong sense of purpose. 

 

Mr Russell Pearson, Head of School, said ‘Every pupil has worked incredibly hard throughout this process, not just to complete the award, but to do so in a way that truly reflects the values of kindness, courage, responsibility, and service to others. It has been a joy to watch them grow in confidence, support one another, and make a real and lasting difference to their school and community. Well done, you’ve shown the true meaning of the Blackpool Spirit, and we couldn’t be prouder of you!’ 

St Budeaux CE Primary School on the outskirts of Plymouth, which is ‘living up to its foundation as a Church school’, is driven by its Christian vision and values according to the latest SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) report by the Church of England. Leaders are seen to ‘ignite pupils’ ambition and enable them to see how they can apply their skills and knowledge’. 

    

Natasha Brooks, Head of School, said, ‘Our Christian vision, ‘a beacon of light ignited by ambition and determination’, is intrinsic to our ethos of supporting one another and empowering each other to do the best we can. We want our school and church to be beacons that shine far and wide, lighting up our community with the light of Jesus through our work, rest and play. By learning about Christian values and listening to the teachings of Jesus, we say to every member of our community: let your light shine.  

  

‘We work hard to inspire and challenge children with an exciting curriculum which is monitored regularly to ensure it aligns with our vision and enhances spirituality through prayer and song. We place importance on collective worship for all faiths and backgrounds which helps bring the school together for a time of reflection.’   

 

Parents are seen to ‘appreciate the difference that adults in the school have made to their children’ and families have an overall sense of belonging due to the school's 'determination to ensure that everyone is welcome'. Everyone is well supported in times of difficulty with staff doing all they can to help in times of need including personalised transition into and out of the school. 

 

Children have healthy relationships with others in the school which helps develop positive attitudes towards behaviour, and they enjoy helping to serve their local community and undertake charitable work which they consider an opportunity to show love.  

    

St Budeaux has been part of First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primaries across Plymouth, Devon and Dorset, since 2022. Those from the Trust help to support subject leaders with their knowledge, assist with the development of the curriculum, and together with teaching staff work hard to determine individual needs of pupils.