At Exeter Consortium, we know that the success of our schools depends on the dedication, energy, and kindness of the people working within them. To celebrate this, we run the ‘School Staff Thank You Scheme’ - an initiative designed to recognise the outstanding contributions of staff members across our partner schools.

The scheme is open to all staff, both teaching and non-teaching. Leadership teams and colleagues from our partner schools have the opportunity to nominate one individual who has gone above and beyond to support their pupils, their peers, and the wider school community. Our Trustees then have the difficult task of selecting winners to receive a £100 John Lewis voucher or an Exeter Independent Gift Card as a token of our collective appreciation.

We are thrilled to announce our most recent winners!

Liz Carpenter | St Leonard’s Primary School
Liz has been an essential part of the St Leonard’s team for 13 years, and her nomination highlighted how she truly embodies the spirit of the school. As a Teaching Assistant, Liz doesn't just assist with lessons; she is a champion for children’s confidence, whether she's helping them navigate a difficult maths problem or running a creative lunch club to help them unwind.

Beyond her work with pupils, Liz is known for her commitment to staff morale. From stepping in to cover out-of-school activities to crafting small treats for her colleagues, Liz’s "team-first" attitude makes a lasting impact every single day.

Claire Strudwick | St George's CofE Primary Academy
Claire has brought the magic of the natural world to life for the pupils at St George’s in Plymouth. Since November, she has developed and delivered Forest School sessions for all 94 children in the school. From whittling wands to mastering flint and steel to light "fairy fires," Claire has created a space where children can take healthy risks and connect deeply with nature.

The impact of Claire’s work has even reached the wider community, with some of her pupils appearing on BBC Spotlight to share their enthusiasm for the RSPB Big Schools Bird Watch. Whether she is tending to the school's resident chicken, 'Penguin', or managing a woodchip delivery to keep the mud at bay, Claire’s infectious energy has inspired pupils and staff alike to embrace the great outdoors.

Clara-Joy Crawford | Abbotskerwell Primary
Clara-Joy has transformed the sporting culture at Abbotskerwell Primary by fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment for every student. As a PE teacher, her influence extends far beyond the curriculum; she has introduced a comprehensive "activities board" to structure play and regularly collaborates with the School Council to ensure children have a direct say in the sports they play.

Clara-Joy is particularly passionate about leadership, working closely with her Sports Captains to mentor them as they organise major events like fundraising initiatives and Sports Days. By prioritizing both physical skill and emotional well-being, she has made exercise an enjoyable, integral part of the school experience for pupils, staff, and parents alike.

Could your school nominate a hero?
Nominations are a fantastic way to say "thank you" to someone who makes a difference in your setting. Each partner school can nominate one member of staff per year. Keep an eye on our newsletters for the next nomination deadline!

The Exeter Consortium School Project Fund is a small grants initiative that helps partner schools make a real difference in their communities. Schools can apply for grants of up to £100 to support creative projects, wellbeing initiatives, outdoor learning, or other activities that benefit pupils and the wider school community.

St Thomas Primary School is a great example of this in action.

When the school applied for funding, they set out a clear vision to further enhance their OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) provision. As an OPAL Platinum School, they wanted to introduce a large sandpit to enrich playtimes with more opportunities for creativity, collaboration and sensory play.

With £100 awarded through the fund, the school was able to bring this idea to life. The sandpit has now been successfully installed within a covered play shed, ensuring durability and protection, and is already proving to be a valuable addition to the playground.

The impact has been immediate. Pupils are enjoying a new, engaging play space that encourages imagination, teamwork and exploration. The sensory experience of sand play is supporting both creativity and wellbeing, while also creating more opportunities for social interaction across the school.

As Kathy Skinner, Deputy Headteacher, shared:

“The children are really enjoying having an additional play activity and space in the playground. It’s wonderful to see their creativity, as well as them having the opportunity for the sensory feel of sand.”

This project highlights how a simple idea, supported by a small grant, can create lasting improvements to play and learning for all pupils.

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.

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.
​

​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.
​

​​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.

Applications are now open for our Primary Teacher Training (SCITT) programmes starting in September 2026.

Train to teach with Exeter Consortium Schools’ Alliance, offering school-based teacher training with real classroom experience from day one. You’ll be supported by expert mentors and tutors throughout your journey, developing the skills and confidence to thrive as a primary teacher.

With school placements available across Devon, Somerset, Plymouth, North Devon and the wider South West, our programmes provide high-quality, practical training that prepares you for a rewarding career in education.

Find out more and apply today: Train to Teach with Exeter Consortium