The Trust’s IT Support Team has been nationally recognised with an award at a leading UK education technology event.
The team took home the Outstanding IT Professionals Award at the Edufuturists Uprising 2026 event.
The recognition reflects several years of sustained work and collaboration across the Trust and judges highlighted the team’s innovation, efficiency and long-term strategic approach.
Joe Redmond, Trust IT Manager, said: “We were honestly not expecting this. It’s just one evening against the backdrop of a really challenging time in schools. But it is important to share because everything recognised has only been possible thanks to the support and trust shown by our headteachers and staff over the past four years.”
The award was presented by Dave Leonard, of the Association of Network Managers in Education.
He said: “The judges thought it rare to see a team with such initiative. The succession planning through their apprenticeship scheme, recruiting five apprentices every 18 months, is genuinely innovative, removing reliance on external parties and delivering clear financial savings. They completed a full cloud transformation in two years against a five-year estimate and maintain satisfaction above 97 per cent across thousands of support tickets.”
The work of the IT Support Team has focused on enabling schools to operate smoothly and efficiently, helping reduce operational pressures on staff.
Joe added: “We know it isn’t easy out there at the moment. If a well-functioning IT service is one less thing for schools to worry about, then we feel we’re doing our job.”
Students were given a taste of what life is like in Saint Benedict Sixth Form.
Students from Saint Benedict and schools further afield joined the school, in Derby, for its Sixth Form Taster Day.
In the morning, students were given a choice of lessons to attend and in the afternoon they took part in a series of team-building exercises.
These included a murder mystery activity, a challenge called ‘the floor is lava’, which involved team members using rubber mats to get to a finish line without touching the floor. The third activity was called ‘night flight’ and students had to form a chain and navigate a rope course whilst wearing blindfolds. The final activity was ‘pipe dream’ where students had to use sections of pipe to move a ball from the start line to the finish in a bucket.
Angela King, Senior Assistant Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form at Saint Benedict, said: “Our Sixth Form Taster Day was a fantastic opportunity for students to experience life as a Sixth Form learner and explore a range of exciting subjects and activities.
“Throughout the day, students demonstrated excellent attitudes to learning, working hard and applying themselves fully in every session they attended. They embraced new challenges with enthusiasm, engaged thoughtfully with staff and peers, and showed a genuine commitment to making the most of the experience.
“In addition to the academic sessions, students took part in a variety of team-building activities designed to develop communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. It was encouraging to see students supporting one another, sharing ideas, and working together effectively to complete tasks. Their positive approach, resilience, and willingness to step outside their comfort zones made the day a great success.
“We were extremely proud of the maturity and dedication shown by all students and look forward to welcoming them into Sixth Form in the future.”
Alison Bateman, Pastoral Head of Sixth Form, said: “This year’s taster day changed format in that students got an hour-long taster session to gain a better insight into their subject choices and adding in the team building supported in building upon essential soft skills. We were delighted to welcome back so many of our existing Year 11s as well as meeting some new faces who settled in so well.”
Pupils at St Alban’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby have rallied to support their teacher who is about to embark on a trip of a lifetime to help transform a school in Africa.
Becky Tomlinson, Year 5 class teacher, is preparing to head out with Derby County Community Trust on their Rams in Kenya trip for two weeks.
Accompanying Becky on the trip will be her husband and the couple will be based in Nakuru, at Cherish School. They will be helping in the classroom, getting crops ready for harvest, tiling and building a new toilet block and possibly a new classroom.
Becky and her husband wanted to go on an adventure after he beat cancer a couple of years ago.
She said: “My husband was very poorly with cancer and one of the things he said at the time was that he wished he’d seen more of the world. I thought this trip would be a great opportunity as my husband has experience in building and I am a teacher. He’s in remission now and is doing a lot better.”
Becky and her husband attended a presentation about the trip and were hooked.
She said: “I think it’s going to be amazing and will really take me out of my comfort zone. It will be great to get involved and give something to people I’ve never met.”
Pupils, staff and families at St Alban’s have helped to raise £850 to buy a slide and school resources for the children at Cherish School by holding a Kenya Sale in the school hall. The children in Year 5 were selling bracelets, bookmarks, crocheted items, paintings, pictures, wooden and clay sculptures that they had made themselves. The event also offered the sale of toys, books and collection cards along with various games.
Becky said: “It’s been so lovely to see the children across the school, so enthusiastic to help and wanting to get involved. I will also be taking over shoelaces and 120 school jumpers that have been donated. It doesn’t matter if they have our school logo on them, the children over there just need jumpers. We have employed someone in Nakuru to build the slide that we’ve raised money for.
“I would definitely like to get involved in classroom activities. The school has about 107 pupils aged from three to 12. I would love to create links between the children at Cherish and our children here.
“Our pupils have been so compassionate. When we told them how much money we’d raised, it meant the world to them. They wanted to make a difference and they really have done that.”
Since 2012, African Adventures has facilitated the trip to Kenya, in conjunction with Derby County Community Trust, taking over 500 volunteers to transform partner schools.
Pupils and staff at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby are celebrating after receiving a prestigious platinum Artsmark Award.
Artsmark is the only creative quality standard for schools, accredited by Arts Council England. It transforms teaching through creativity, empowering teachers with the skills they need to embed arts, culture and creativity across the whole curriculum, and is proven to support pupil outcomes and wellbeing.
To achieve their Artsmark Award, Saint Benedict had to develop their arts and cultural provision to embed a broad and ambitious curriculum. This was achieved by creating an overall plan that was committed to and delivered across the whole school.
During their two-year journey, Saint Benedict received professional support through an immersive learning programme from Artsmark’s delivery partner, Goldsmiths, University of London, who are world-renowned leaders in creative pedagogy and cultural placemaking.
The Artsmark Assessor commended Saint Benedict and said: “Saint Benedict CVA has delivered a confident and purposeful Artsmark journey that places creativity and cultural learning at the heart of its ethos, pedagogy and strategic vision. The arts are used not simply to enrich school life, but to advance core educational aims around equity, identity, wellbeing and academic progress.”
On receiving the award, Anna West, Director of Performance and Creative Arts at Saint Benedict, the everyone was extremely proud to have achieved Artsmark Platinum Award.
She said: “We are committed to delivering a high-quality arts and cultural education because we believe every child deserves the chance to be inspired, to discover who they are and to find something that helps them shine. Our Artsmark journey has transformed our school by placing creativity and culture at the heart of school life, not as an extra, but as something every young person is entitled to experience.
“Having worked at the school for 18 years, I have had the privilege of seeing the extraordinary impact that the arts can have on generations of children who have come through our doors. I have seen children find their confidence, discover talents they did not know they had, and experience moments of real pride and belonging through music, drama, art and performance. Those experiences stay with them. They shape how young people see themselves and what they believe is possible.
“Just as importantly, this journey has also had a powerful impact on our staff and wider school community. It has given colleagues the confidence to be creative, to work in partnership, and to see the arts not as an add-on, but as a vital part of how we engage, inspire and connect with young people. That shared belief has helped build a culture in which creativity is valued, championed and lived across the school.
“More recently, we have been able to deepen that impact even further, reaching beyond our own school through meaningful partnerships with organisations such as Derby Theatre and our feeder primary schools. Through this work, the arts have become more than something enriching or enjoyable; they are now recognised as an essential part of every child’s entitlement. We want all young people to leave school not only with knowledge, but with the creativity, confidence, communication skills, resilience, empathy and collaboration they need to flourish in an ever-changing world.
“I am immensely proud of this journey and the difference it continues to make. What has been most powerful is seeing the arts move from being valued by some, to being embraced by all as part of the very identity of our school and our hopes for the children and community we serve. At its heart, this is about making sure that every child, whatever their background, can experience beauty, wonder, self-expression and success, and leave school believing that their voice, their ideas and their creativity matter, and that they can step forward into the world with confidence.”
Dr Darren Henley OBE, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, said:
“I would like to congratulate Saint Benedict on their Artsmark Award. Creative activities and cultural experiences enrich our lives, open our minds to new possibilities and help us make sense of the world around us. As an awarded Artsmark school, you’re demonstrating that by offering a broad, ambitious and creative curriculum, your young people will develop character and resilience, increasing their knowledge, curiosity and skills that will remain with them through to adult life.”
A woodland area at St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Marple Bridge has been transformed into an inspiring outdoor learning space to help children connect with nature.
The ‘Dingley Dell’ has been officially opened at the school, thanks to the generous support and fundraising efforts of the school’s PTA.
The woodland has been developed to enrich the educational experience of every child at the school, with the addition of a new gateway providing direct access from the school field.
There are also newly created steps leading into the woodland, encouraging children to explore the area.
Sarah Bradbury, the school’s EYFS and wellbeing lead, said that St Mary’s believes in a holistic education that nurtures the whole child.
She said: “The development of the Dingley Dell reflects our core values of exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning within our natural environment.
“Through regular access to the Dingley Dell, children will build practical skills, deepen their understanding of the world around them, and develop a lifelong connection with nature.
“From Nursery through to Year 6, all pupils will now benefit from this dedicated woodland provision. Whether it is storytelling under the trees, scientific investigation, creative arts, or reflective quiet moments in nature, the Dingley Dell will serve as a vibrant extension of our classrooms.”
Pupil Amelie said: “I am going to love playing in the Dingley Dell, the steps are exciting.”
Pupil Rose said: “It will be an amazing adventure and exciting experience to learn about the wilderness.”
Mrs Bradbury thanked the PTA , landscape contractor Joe Williams, and the wider school community for their commitment and generosity in bringing this vision to life.
She said: “Together, we have created a space where imaginations will flourish, curiosity will grow, and memories will be made for years to come.”
Headteacher John Nish said: “We are incredibly proud to see Dingley Dell come to life and the opportunities it will provide for our children. My sincere thanks go to our PTA for their generosity and tireless fundraising; this is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through teamwork across our school family.
“Outdoor learning is a vital part of our curriculum, helping children to develop resilience, creativity and a deeper connection with the natural world. The Dingley Dell is a special place where our pupils can be nurtured, explore, learn and flourish together.”
An ex-pupil who has worked at Holy Rosary Catholic Voluntary Academy for over 30 years is looking forward to taking part in the school’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
The primary school, in Burton, will be marking the historic occasion with a tea party for parents, staff and pupils on July 2nd, followed by Mass celebrated by the Bishop of Nottingham.
Guests will include current and ex-pupils and staff and members of the local clergy and community.
One current staff member who will be at the celebrations is Annette Batchelor, who attended the school as a pupil and has worked there as a Teaching Assistant for 31 years.
She said she had happy memories of the school as a pupil and loves her role there now.
“I have lovely memories of the fishpond that used to be at the school and sitting around it with my friends, eating our sandwiches. The equipment we had back then was very different. We had chalkboards, little packets of wax crayons with paper and pencils. All the toys we had were wooden or metal. We had a walk in fold away playhouse and a wooden chest on wheels, containing wooden building blocks. The building blocks were so well made that they were still in use in the year 2000!
“The dinners were very much meat and veg and I remember the chocolate pudding with green custard, which was mint flavoured. I also remember the cornflake cake. I have happy memories of attending the school. I went on to Blessed Robert Sutton and when I got married, I actually had my wedding reception there.”
Mrs Batchelor worked for BT before being employed by Holy Rosary, in Alexandra Road, Winshill, in 1996.
She said: “I had a phone call from the school asking me if I’d be interested in a job, after I’d asked them to let me know if anything came up. They rang me and asked me when I could start and I said tomorrow and I never looked back. I was put with a class of 39 children which included a set of triplets and a set of twins. My children were here in Year 1 and 2 at the time. I loved it because it was a place that I could really be myself. It hasn’t changed in terms of it still being very much like a family and having a real community feel to it.”
Also hoping to attend the anniversary celebrations is Chris Varney, the widow of Frank Varney, the first Headteacher at Holy Rosary. Mr Varney was appointed in March 1966, seven months after the school opened in September 1965. The school’s official opening was held in 1966.
Mr Varney was Headteacher at the school for 18 years.
Mrs Varney said: “At the time he was 37 and was the youngest Headteacher to be appointed at a school in Burton. He enjoyed his job.”
Marie Dyche is the current Headteacher at Holy Rosary and said everyone was looking forward to marking this momentous occasion.
She said: “Holy Rosary holds a special place in the heart of many in our community. As the school commemorates this 60th anniversary, we celebrate and thank the staff, families and pupils who have been a part of its journey both past and present. We look forward in hope to the next chapter for the school and all those it serves.”
The school is hoping to revamp some outside areas as part of the anniversary celebrations and is looking for donations of oil-based paint to re-coat benches, fence paint, gravel stone, seeds, plants, herbs, planters and large stones. If you can help please contact the school on 01283 562686 or office@hrb.srscmat.co.uk
Annette with pupils at Holy Rosary.
Annette as a pupil at Holy Rosary.
Saint Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in New Mills has been graded Outstanding by Catholic schools’ inspectors.
The school underwent its Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection, which is the national framework for the inspection of Catholic schools, over two days in January 2026.
The overall quality of Catholic education provided by the school, Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship were all graded Outstanding.
Inspectors said: “Leaders provide inspirational Catholic leadership, shaping a school community that is unmistakably rooted in the teachings and values of the Catholic faith.”
The report said that pupils are happy and confident, and show exemplary behaviour and attitudes.
“They (pupils) undertake a wide range of meaningful leadership opportunities and demonstrate remarkable independence in planning and leading prayer and liturgy,” inspectors said.
Inspectors described teaching assistants as highly skilled and deeply committed to supporting pupils’ pastoral needs and educational progress.
“They play a full and active role in the Catholic mission of the school, contributing meaningfully to the nurturing, inclusive ethos that enables all pupils to flourish spiritually, socially and academically,” the report said.
Teachers and the lay chaplain were praised for demonstrating strong commitment to the Catholic life and mission of the school.
Inspectors said that from the moment you enter the school grounds, it is clear that Saint Mary’s is a community that confidently lives and celebrates its Catholic identity.
They said: “Visitors are warmly welcomed into the school family, where the richness of faith is evident in both the physical environment and through the respectful and caring interactions of pupils and staff.”
The strong sense of community was highlighted and the report said: “As one parent commented ‘We feel we are part of a family and not a school’.
“Pastoral care is exemplary, which is shown by the commitment of staff to inclusiveness and to addressing the needs of their most vulnerable pupils. A parent commented ‘I know that I am leaving my children with staff who care about them and go above and beyond, every day, to support them to be the best they can be’.”
Leaders and governors promote and monitor the Catholic life and mission of St Mary’s with exceptional commitment, according to the report. Inspectors said they share a unified and determined vision.
Headteacher Patricia Chapman was said to “radiate faith” throughout the school community and set an inspiring vision.
Inspectors said: “Pupils articulate this impact with remarkable clarity, stating that their headteacher, ‘…has a really strong faith… she wants to give that as a gift to everyone’.”
Mrs Chapman said: “I am incredibly proud and grateful following St Mary’s successful Catholic Inspection. This achievement truly belongs to our whole school community—staff, pupils and parents—who each played a vital role in making such a positive outcome possible.
“St Mary’s is a welcoming and faith-filled community where our Catholic identity is clearly visible, not only in the environment of the school but also in the caring relationships that exist between pupils and staff. I see every day how our pupils understand and actively live out the school’s mission. They show kindness, respect and a strong awareness of Catholic social teaching in the way they treat one another and in their daily lives.
“I am particularly proud of the strong sense of family that exists at St Mary’s and of our deep commitment to pastoral care. The dedication of our leaders, governors and parish continues to nurture a vibrant Catholic life within the school. Together, we strive to create a community where faith, learning and a spirit of togetherness flourish side by side.”
Students at St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy are part of a “vibrant school community built on the ethos of togetherness and care”, according to Ofsted.
The school, in Glossop, achieved a strong standard in two areas: attendance and behaviour, and personal development and wellbeing.
The expected standard was also achieved in four areas: achievement; curriculum and teaching; inclusion; and leadership and governance.
Under the new framework for Ofsted inspections, a five‑point scale—exceptional, strong standard, expected standard, needs attention, and urgent improvement—is used to grade different areas of a provider’s work. An overall effectiveness grade is no longer given.
Expected standard means the school is fulfilling the standard of education and/or care, while strong standard means that leaders are working above the standards expected of them.
Mike Kays, Headteacher, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection. The report truly captures the spirit of our school and highlights just how wonderful our staff and pupils are.
“At #TEAMSPH, our vision is to nurture the whole pupil, and the strong judgements in personal development and behaviour show this vision coming to life every day.
“This report is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collective effort of our entire team and community. We could not be prouder of what we have achieved together.”
In their report, inspectors said that leaders have established a culture that is highly supportive of learning.
They said: “Leaders have created a culture that is calm, respectful and highly supportive of learning. Classrooms are purposeful. Pupils show maturity and self‑discipline. They understand the school’s expectations and respond positively to routines.
“Pupils trust that adults will listen and help them, which gives them confidence that any concerns will be dealt with quickly. They describe the school as ‘family’ and ‘welcoming’, where everyone works together.”
The tireless work of staff in ensuring that students understand the importance of attending school was highlighted in the report.
Inspectors said: “Attendance is a priority and leaders’ actions have a real impact. Pupils know that being in school every day matters. Staff work tirelessly to remove barriers to pupils’ attendance.”
Being purposeful and respectful is described as central to school life, and inspectors noted that both staff and pupils demonstrate this to each other.
The effectiveness of the school’s behaviour policies was praised by inspectors, who said: “Staff apply behaviour policies consistently. Pupils say this fairness helps them to feel respected and valued.”
The report said that leaders monitor teaching quality through regular reviews and use evidence from these reviews, along with wider research, to inform improvement. This ensures that pupils are being supported in the best way possible.
The report also said that pupils benefit from a carefully planned personal development programme, designed to build the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for life beyond school.
“Beyond lessons, pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities that help them thrive. They take part in sports teams, drama productions and a range of clubs that build teamwork and communication skills,” inspectors said.
This wide range of enrichment activities—such as the Barcelona visit in Year 10 and the Kenya expedition—along with the encouragement of leadership and contribution among pupils, actively prepares them for the roles they will take in society.
The school’s inclusive culture was also praised in the report.
Inspectors said: “Leaders have established an inclusive culture, where staff identify pupils’ needs quickly and accurately. They follow a cycle of assessing pupils’ needs, planning suitable support, taking action and reviewing its impact, so that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive timely and appropriate help.”
The school was described as “calm and orderly”, and inspectors said that safeguarding standards had been met.
They said: “Pupils behave well in lessons and around the site. They understand the school’s high expectations and respond positively to routines.”
St Thomas’ Catholic Voluntary Academy has been graded Outstanding by Catholic schools’ inspectors.
The school, in Ilkeston, underwent its Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection, which is the national framework for the inspection of Catholic schools, over two days in November 2025.
Theoverall quality of Catholic education provided by the school, Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship were all graded Outstanding.
Inspectors said: “There is outstanding leadership of this Catholic school, which inspires and motivates all within the community to live out the mission, ‘We serve God when we work and play together’.”
The report said that pupils are very proud of their school and their sense of worth, and respect for each other, is shown in their exemplary behaviour, manners and courtesy.
The report said: “Pupils state that ‘we are all really kind’ and ‘we feel special and included’, and also remark that ‘not one person is alone’, demonstrating that they are ‘friendly, positive, safe and secure’, as one pupil summed it up.”
Inspectors highlighted the strong sense of belonging among staff, and said this translates to the pupils.
“It’s a blessing to be part of the St Thomas community’ and ‘We are like a family here’ are typical comments. The nurture, care, and pastoral support ensures all are included and supported, extending to pupils, families and staff alike,” they said.
Pupils were said to be fully engaged with the religious education curriculum, and have a pride and satisfaction in showing what they have learned, particularly in longer, more open tasks. Behaviour in learning is exemplary. They know how well they are doing, and how to improve, the report said.
Teachers were praised for demonstrating very good subject knowledge and a strong commitment to the value of religious education.
Inspectors said: “Predominantly, they have high expectations of all pupils. Their lessons are well planned, following the school’s agreed lesson structure. This ensures a consistency of approach that gives confidence to teachers and pupils.”
The report said that leaders and governors ensure that Christ is at the heart of the school, confirmed by the views of both staff and parents. ‘Our faith is the focal point of our school’ and ‘This school is filled with love’ are two typical comments that evidence this.
Michael Sellors, Headteacher, said: “We are incredibly proud of this Outstanding judgement, which reflects the strong faith, care and sense of family at the heart of St Thomas’. It recognises the dedication of our staff, the support of our governors and families, and, of course, the kindness and respect shown by our pupils every day.”
English Martyrs’ Catholic Voluntary Academy has received a glowing Ofsted report after being inspected under the education watchdog’s new framework.
The school, in Long Eaton, achieved a ‘strong standard’ in six areas including attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance and personal development and wellbeing. Achievement was said to be of ‘expected standard.’
Under the new framework for Ofsted inspections, a five-point scale – exceptional, strong standard, expected standard, needs attention, urgent improvement – is used to grade different areas of a provider’s work. An overall effectiveness grade is no longer given.
Expected standard means the school is fulfilling the standard of education and or/care while strong standard means that leaders are working above the standards expected of them.
Gemma Ellis, Headteacher, said: “We are extremely proud of this Ofsted report, which recognises the strong standards across our school and the calm, nurturing environment our pupils experience each day. As a Catholic school, our mission is rooted in Gospel values of love, respect and service, and inspectors rightly recognised the inclusive culture and high expectations that flow from this.
“We are committed to ensuring every child is known, valued and supported to flourish academically, socially and spiritually. This report reflects the dedication of our staff, the support of our families and governors, and the exemplary attitudes of our pupils.”
In their report, inspectors said that pupils thrive in the school’s caring and supportive environment.
They said: “This creates a deep sense of belonging and helps pupils to enjoy school life. Attendance is high because pupils feel happy, safe and motivated to learn. Most pupils achieve well across all subjects because staff set high expectations and provide consistently effective teaching. Pupils work hard, take pride in their learning and encourage each other to behave well to meet these expectations. They are ambitious for themselves and for their peers.”
Respect and inclusion are described as being central to school life and inspectors noted that staff and pupils treat each other kindly.
The school’s early years setting was praised by inspectors who said: “Children in the early years settle quickly into routines that promote positive learning habits. Well-planned provision ensures that children progress well, developing curiosity, independence and a love of learning.”
The report said that leaders had transformed the curriculum to be ambitious, well-designed and carefully sequenced across all subjects. This, combined with skilled teaching, ensures that pupils are well prepared for the future.
The report said that leaders have created a well-structured and extensive programme that helps pupils to develop confidence, resilience and the skills they need for life beyond school.
“Pupils speak with pride about their school and the opportunities it offers. The school’s ethos promotes kindness, empathy and acceptance. Pupils celebrate and respect difference,” inspectors said.
The school’s wide range of enrichment activities was highlighted in the report along with the varied leadership roles on offer to pupils, which allow them to “give something back.”
The school’s close working relationship with parents was praised in the report.
Inspectors said: “The school works closely with parents and carers to ensure that well-being and learning go hand in hand. Regular communication and shared goals ensure that pupils thrive. As a result, pupils leave as confident, caring individuals who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.”
Leaders have created a culture of high expectations and ambition that is evident across the school, according to the report. They have also established a highly inclusive culture where ambition for all pupils is clear and uncompromising.
