At Exeter Consortium, we are committed to providing world-class teacher training right here in the heart of our local communities. Today, we are proud to celebrate a major milestone for one of our current trainees at the Plymouth Hub, Phil Jones.

Based at Marine Academy Primary, our Plymouth Hub offers practitioner-led training designed to give aspiring teachers the best possible start. We are thrilled to announce that Phil has officially secured his first permanent teaching post for the upcoming academic year!

This success is a testament to Phil’s hard work and the high-quality, school-based environment provided by our Plymouth partnership.
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​Personalised Support in Plymouth
​We know that every trainee’s journey is different. Our leadership team work closely with every individual to ensure they have the tools to succeed, including comprehensive support for those with additional needs.

"I have dyslexia and all my needs have been fully met throughout the course, something I am really grateful for. Dawn, Sara, and the wider team have been incredibly supportive, whether that is help with planning, navigating a tricky situation on placement, or simply talking something through."

Winning the Interview
The final hurdle of any training year is the job application process. Our Plymouth trainees benefit from intensive, one-on-one support - from polishing personal statements to mock interview practice - ensuring they are the most competitive candidates in the field.

"During the application process I received brilliant support from Sara and Dawn, from preparing my personal statement through to practising interview questions the day before. I could not recommend Exeter Consortium enough and feel so grateful I made the decision to train with them."

Train to Teach in Plymouth
Are you based in Plymouth, Ivybridge or South West Devon? Our Plymouth Hub at Marine Academy Primary is currently open for applications for the 2026/27 academic year.

The Exeter Consortium School Project Fund is a small grants initiative that helps Exeter Consortium partner schools make a real difference in their communities. Schools can apply for grants of up to £100 to support creative classroom projects, wellbeing initiatives, outdoor learning, or other activities that benefit pupils, families, or the wider school community. The fund is designed to provide targeted support for small-scale projects with a visible, positive impact on school life.

Withycombe Raleigh C of E Primary School is a great example of this in action. When the school applied to the Project Fund, they were in the process of becoming an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) school, with a clear commitment to improving the quality of play for all pupils. Their application highlighted a strong belief that play is essential to children’s physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual development, and that high-quality playtimes help children return to the classroom ready to learn.

The school was awarded £100, which was used to purchase waterproof overalls for pupils using the digging pit. This practical investment has significantly improved access to outdoor play in all weather conditions, transforming the digging area into a purposeful, high-engagement space where children can build, problem-solve and collaborate through active, physical play.
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​​The impact has been clear. Children are returning from playtimes calmer, more regulated and more ready to learn. Staff have seen a reduction in minor conflicts, as pupils are more absorbed in meaningful play opportunities. Lunchtimes now feel more positive and purposeful across the school.

As Charlie Church, a teacher at the school, shared:

“The OPAL project has continued to grow positively across the school. The impact has been noticeable - children are more engaged in play and more settled back in the classroom.”

This project reflects the aims of the Exeter Consortium School Project Fund: supporting small-scale ideas that deliver clear, lasting benefits for pupils and school communities.

Find out how to apply
Details about future School Project Fund rounds are shared in the Exeter Consortium monthly newsletter. Subscribe here to stay informed.