Devon academy takes on new school

Lipson joins Ted Wragg Trust

Another Devon school has joined the Ted Wragg Trust, a group of schools established under the name of a famous Exeter University education professor who died in 2005.

Lipson Co-operative Academy is the fourth Plymouth school to join the trust and the thirteenth in total.

The expansionist education trust has a reputation for taking control of schools that are sometimes in need of outside help. Lipson had been rated as 'requires improvement' by Ofsted from 2017 up until two months ago when the regulator upgraded its assessment and said the school is now 'good.'

It recognised "a significant shift in the culture of the school," and said: "Since the previous inspection, senior leaders have strengthened the leadership of subjects. As a result, the curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced across all subjects. This helps pupils gain the key knowledge they need for the next stages in learning."

Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “I am so incredibly excited to welcome Lipson to our ambitious and inclusive trust of schools. The trust continues to grow from strength to strength, we have gained real benefits from positively collaborating with our ever-growing network of schools and links to local and national organisations.”  

Martin Brook, Headteacher at Lipson says, “Although Lipson will be joining the Ted Wragg Multi Academy Trust from January, we have been working really closely together for the last six months, during which the experience has been extremely positive.

"I can see only good things coming from the partnership and I think the relationship will benefit Lipson and the Trust as a whole."

As well as Lipson, the Ted Wragg Trust controls Isca Academy in Exeter; Cranbrook Education Campus; St James School, Exeter; Exwick Heights Primary School; West Exe School; Whipton Barton Infant School and Nursery Schoo;  Whipton Barton Junior School; St Luke’s Church of England School in Exeter; Marine Academy Primary and Marine Academy in Plymouth; All Saints Academy, Plymouth; and Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton.