Trust taking over two schools

TED WRAGG TRUST EXPANDS AND LISTENS TO PARENTS

- ANITA MERRITT & KATIE TIMMS

TWO Plymouth schools are set to join a trust which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Tor Bridge High, in Estover, and Laira Green Primary will be the newest additions to the Ted Wragg Trust.

The trust, which already has four schools in Plymouth, has faced a backlash from parents over its Reset behaviour policy across its schools in recent months, but the results of its latest parents survey show three out of four parents say their child is happy at school.

It is welcome news for the trust's chief executive, Moira Marder, who admits that it is not just pupils who have had to do a lot of learning and listening this year, but also the trust, which was branded a 'military camp' by some and accused of 'failing' children because of its 'unrealistic' policies.

Despite the criticisms directed towards the not-for-profit, charitable foundation trust, Moira says she remains proud of all that it has achieved and is optimistic about the future as it continues to grow with the two Plymouth schools about to join.

There are now 16 schools within the trust, including Marine Academy Plymouth, Marine Academy Primary, Lipson Co-operative Academy and All Saints Academy. The trust educates more than 12,500 pupils across Devon.

More than 3,450 people completed its parents survey across its schools. Feedback suggested the trust needs to improve its openness and accessibility and the way it communicates how children are doing at school with their learning. Moira has assured it will address the concerns.

In response to mounting criticisms, the trust carried out listening sessions with families and has engaged with pupils as part of its annual review. The outcome of the review was shared with parents and changes differed according to each individual school.