Celebrating Our School Stars: Thank You Scheme Winners

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!