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End of Year 2026 SEAX Trust Newsletter Celebrating Excellence Across Our Schools Removing Barriers | Widening Opportunity | Creating Futures
Dear Colleagues What a privilege it has been joining SEAX for this Summer term! As you will see from the newsletter, there is so much to celebrate, recognise and be proud of in our diverse and vibrant community. As a Trust we serve some of the most vulnerable children and young people in Essex and through commitment, compassion and collaboration we are genuinely able to remove barriers, widen opportunity and create futures. CEO Welcome A Message from our CEO As we begin a new chapter for SEAX Trust, hear directly from CEO Matt Sambrook as he shares his reflections on joining the Trust and his vision for our future together. Click here to watch Matt’s welcome video. “Together, we will continue to remove barrriers, widen opportunity and create futures”
What is clear when visiting all our schools, is the aspiration for our young people and the high level of commitment shared by all staff to see what is possible. As we move forward, we will build upon our excellent foundation and look at how we can, collectively, build on our SEAX identity and the benefits of being a Trust through: Increased collaboration and partnership work – by sharing the best of what we are doing, supporting and challenging each other to learn more, achieve more and find new and innovative ways to do things Increased focus on teaching and learning – developing our teaching and learning frameworks, enhancing coaching, mentoring and peer support alongside the increased use of technology to enable our pupils to progress and learn even faster Building and enhancing our pastoral and personal development offers to create increased value, fulfilment and engagement Evolving our curriculum and pathways to build futures and widen opportunities through enhanced careers and preparation for adulthood offers Working with our partners at the DfE, ECC and beyond to grow, develop and be part of shaping the local and national offers for SEND and advocating for our children, young people and families so they can flourish The future of SEAX is an exciting one and I very much look forward to working with you all to shape it, but before that I wish you all a fantastic Summer and a positive and restful break. Warmest regards Matt CEO, SEAX Trust
What we do - five drivers 1.Deliver exceptional education with no limits on ambition 2.Prepare every young person for life beyond school 3.Grow leadership and invest in our people 4.Work together to improve outcomes for all 5.Use resources responsibly to maximise impact Removing barriers - Widening opportunity - Creating futures How we behave - rules of engagement Start with possibilty Be clear about your intent Take responsibility first Act, don’t excuse Work together to make a difference Why we exist - Trust vision
Business & Operations Did you know that SEAX Trust now has 366 staff and that numbers have increased by 12% in the last year?Did you know that SEAX Trust now has 366 staff and that numbers have increased by 12% in the last year? HR Update We have seen some big staffing changes in the Central Team over the last year. We've been delighted to welcome our new CEO, Matt Sambrook, to post following Ruth's departure at Easter and, with Kim leaving us at the same time. Kate Hart has joined Lou Babbs to deliver School Improvement support across the Trust. Many of you will already have met Matt, Lou and Kate during their regular visits to the schools, but if you haven't done so yet, you will have the opportunity at our next SEAX Conference on Friday 23rd October. Dr Matthew Sambrook Kate Hart Lou Babbs
These changes mean that we are now in a much better position to support you more fully, we are better prepared for the future and we have capacity to develop the great work that SEAX does more widely in the SEND community. It's definitely an exciting time to be working at SEAX Trust! Changes to the Central Team In addition, we have also been very pleased to welcome Adam Knott as our new Director of IT & Digital Transformation. Adam will lead the Trust's IT Function in order to support IT services across the organisation. He has already brought in some exciting new initiatives, like the addition of Canva, and has been working with Headteachers to facilitate many more future improvements. Niamh Moran has also very recently joined us as our new Technology Support Technician. The central Business and HR Teams have also grown with the addition of new Finance and HR Business Partners, Gemma Ellis and Lisa Cove, and plans are in place to expand these teams further in the near future. Since January, Wendy Antoniou and Kate Stannard have supported as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Director of People and Operations respectively. Adam Knott Niamh Moran Gemma Ellis Wendy Antoniou Kate Stannard Lisa Cove Business & Operations
While much of the Business and Operations Teams' work happens behind the scenes, their purpose is simple: to help our schools focus more time, energy and resources on what matters most – supporting children and young people to thrive. Over the past year, we have continued to strengthen the systems and services that support our schools across ICT, finance, HR and procurement. By bringing greater consistency across the Trust and reducing duplication, colleagues spend less time navigating processes and more time focusing on the needs of pupils. A significant area of progress has been our continued drive towards working as one Trust. Whether this is through shared systems, streamlined processes or improved support services, we are creating a stronger foundation that enables schools to benefit from collective expertise while retaining their individual strengths. We have also strengthened our approach to procurement and contract management. While this may sound technical, the impact is very real: securing better value from suppliers means more of our funding can be directed towards classrooms, resources, facilities and the support that pupils need to succeed. The team has increasingly used benchmarking and management information to understand how resources are being used across the Trust. This helps us identify opportunities to work more efficiently, learn from one another and make informed decisions about where investment will have the greatest impact. Against a backdrop of significant financial pressures across the education sector, these improvements have helped ensure that we continue to invest in our schools, staff and learning environments. Every efficiency achieved creates opportunities to protect and enhance the provision we offer our pupils. Thank you to all colleagues who have supported these developments throughout the year. By working together, we are building a sustainable and resilient Trust that is well placed to continue delivering the very best outcomes for the children and communities we serve. Business & Operations Behind Every Great School Day Business & Operations
The Business Team has had a busy and productive year, delivering a range of projects across our schools. Highlights include the completion of the new kitchen at Thriftwood College, installation of EV charging points, as well as overseeing site surveys and new air conditioning units at Hawthorns. These developments have supported both operational improvements and longer-term sustainability across the Trust. We said goodbye to our Chief Financial and Operating Officer, Ruth Bradbury, at Christmas and were pleased to welcome back Wendy Antoniou as Interim CFO. Looking ahead, from September we will also be joined by our new Finance Business Partner, Lisa Cove, who has spent the past year at KWH as School Business Manager We are looking forward to another successful year with preparation for external audit in the Autumn term. Business & Operations Business Team Update
Did you know that across the Trust we have access to TeachMate AI? Its an innovative teaching and learning platform designed to help reduce workload and support high-quality planning. TeachMate AI provides teachers with practical tools to streamline everyday tasks, allowing more time to focus on what matters most – delivering engaging learning experiences and supporting pupil progress. The platform can assist with a wide range of activities, including lesson planning, curriculum design, resource creation, assessment ideas, retrieval practice activities, and differentiation strategies. By using TeachMate AI, staff can quickly generate ideas, refine existing plans, and create tailored teaching materials that align with curriculum objectives. The platform is not intended to replace professional judgement; rather, it acts as a supportive assistant that helps teachers work more efficiently and confidently. One of the key benefits of TeachMate AI is its potential to reduce workload. Tasks that can often be time-consuming, such as drafting lesson outlines, creating quizzes, or generating examples and model answers, can be completed more quickly, giving teachers valuable time back for teaching, collaboration, and professional development. As with any AI tool, staff should continue to review and adapt all generated content to ensure it meets the needs of their pupils, reflects Trust expectations, and maintains the highest standards of teaching and learning. We encourage all colleagues to explore TeachMate AI and discover how it can support planning, enhance classroom practice, and contribute to a more sustainable workload across the Trust. Through the thoughtful use of technology, we can continue to improve efficiency while maintaining our commitment to excellent educational outcomes for every learner. Business & Operations TeachMate AI : Less Time Planning, More Time Teaching Business & Operations
IT & Digital Transformation Since joining SEAX Trust last term, one of my priorities has been getting out to schools, meeting colleagues, and understanding how technology can better support the incredible work already taking place across our Trust. It has been fantastic to see the creativity, commitment and innovation across our teams, and I have been encouraged by how positively staff have engaged with new digital initiatives. One early success has been the introduction of Canva for Education, giving colleagues access to a powerful suite of creative tools to support teaching, communication and resource development. It has been particularly rewarding to see staff already sharing ideas and finding new ways to engage pupils through high-quality digital content. This will be just the start with Canva, there is so much more to come! Alongside improving digital tools, we have also begun strengthening our approach to cyber security. This term, we launched our first Trust-wide phishing simulation exercise to help assess our collective awareness of online threats. The results showed that many of us, understandably, can still be caught out by increasingly sophisticated phishing emails, highlighting just how important ongoing vigilance and training is in today's digital world. Rather than viewing this as a challenge, we see it as an opportunity to learn and improve together. There were some great examples of staff bodies communicating with each other to support awareness. During the autumn term, colleagues will have access to targeted cybersecurity awareness training and further support to help build confidence in recognising and reporting potential threats. By continuing to invest in both technology and digital skills, we are creating a safer, smarter and more connected Trust that is well placed to support our staff and pupils for years to come.Building the Digital Future Across the Trust
IT & Digital Transformation Looking ahead, our focus will be on developing a clear digital strategy that supports collaboration, innovation and inclusion across all SEAX schools. This will start with building an effective IT Support model, which you will have seen from the start with the launch of our new cross-trust helpdesk. Alongside this, we will be strengthening cyber security, improving device and infrastructure management, exploring opportunities to utilise emerging technologies responsibly, and ensuring colleagues have access to the training and support needed to make the most of digital tools. By investing in both technology and people, we aim to create a digital ecosystem that reduces barriers, enables smarter ways of working and ultimately enhances outcomes for our children and young people. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Niamh Moran, who has recently joined SEAX Trust as our Technology Support Technician. Niamh brings with her a wealth of experience supporting technology within educational environments and has already become a valued member of the team. Based primarily in Chelmsford, she will work closely with colleagues across the Trust, providing technical support, assisting with digital initiatives and helping to ensure that staff and pupils have access to reliable and effective technology. We are delighted to have Niamh on board and look forward to the positive impact she will have as we continue to develop and strengthen IT services across SEAX Trust. Lastly, we launched the ‘SEAX Appreciation’ initiative, giving colleagues a simple way to recognise and celebrate the great work happening across the Trust every day. Whether acknowledging a significant achievement, a supportive gesture, or someone consistently going above and beyond, the initiative has provided an opportunity to celebrate both the big and small wins that make such a difference to our schools and communities. The response has been fantastic, with over 150 appreciation certificates sent in just a few short weeks. It has been wonderful to see colleagues recognising one another and reinforcing the values that make SEAX such a special place to work. Adam Knott Director of IT & Digitial Transformation
Thank you Ruth The retirement of our CEO, Ruth Sturdy was celebrated at Hylands House on 25 March. Her vision and passion have made a lasting difference to pupils, families and colleagues across all five schools. We thank Ruth for everything she has given to SEAX and wish her every happiness in her retirement th
Celebrating Success at the Essex Teaching AwardsYour Trust Wants You! For a future leader at SEAX! We are continuing to work with your Headteachers to offer a wide range of development opportunities and CPD - please speak to your Head if you are interested. Do you like the new Professional Growth Procedure? Let us have your views by emailing jobs@seaxtrust.com Our Mean Gender Pay Gap is -0.5, showing that pay is transparent, fair and equal between males and females . 23% of our workforce is made up of non-White British employees. Although this number has grown, we want to boost our diversity further to ensure that our staff base truly represents our commitment to equality. Facts, Futures & Feedback Many congratulations to our colleagues who were recognised at this year’s Essex Teaching Awards, a reflection of the care, commitment and expertise demonstrated across the Trust’s schools by all staff Annabelle Dyas (Thriftwood College) was highly commended in the Teacher of the Year – Special School category Jodie Fraser (Kingswode Hoe School) was also highly commended for Teaching Assistant of the Year Ruth Sturdy (retired SEAX Trust CEO) received the Lifetime Achievement Award Congratulations!!
Martyn’s Law (the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025) is upcoming legislation designed to improve safety and preparedness at public places across the UK. It is expected to come into full effect in Spring 2027. This legislation is named in tribute to Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack and aims to improve protective security and emergency preparedness. Because most of our schools could reasonably expect 200 or more people on site at any one particular time, we fall under what is called 'the Standard Duty Tier'. We will therefore be formalizing and embedding the safety procedures we already practice and in the coming months, we will update our Emergency Response Plan to include four core response types: Evacuation: Safely moving people out of danger. Invacuation: Moving people to a designated safe zone inside the building. Lockdown: Securing premises against potential attackers. Communication: Rapidly alerting staff and visitors. As a member of staff, your awareness is our greatest defense. We will be rolling out concise, practical training, including short e-learning modules, to ensure everyone knows exactly how to act during an emergency. Please keep an eye out for upcoming staff briefings and drills as we work together to embed these vital safety measures. For full details on the background of the legislation, you can read the official Martyn's Law Factsheet published by the Home Office. Martyn’s Law
The Government has adopted Benedict's Law into statutory guidance, saying that awareness isn't enough and we must now ensure that everyday practice protects every student in our care. In September, every staff member will have training to recognise early signs of allergic reactions, understand anaphylaxis symptoms and know exactly how to confidentially administer emergency adrenaline devices, stored by the school. Clear policies and procedures will be in place to support these changes and you will be guided to ensure you understand your role to help prevent a tragedy such as this. Many of you will have heard of Benedict's Law, which is new legislation introduced in memory of five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who tragically lost his life after accidental exposure to an allergen at school. Benedict’s LawIt’s packed with many opportunities to support you including professional development opportunities, training courses, and a huge range of handy resources - it’s all there waiting for you! The National College platform Don’t forget - all staff have access
Health & Wellbeing Package for all Directly Employed Staff DON’T FORGET TO USE YOUR PACKAGE! As part of our commitment to staff wellbeing, don’t forget that you have access to a wide range of support through our Health & Wellbeing Package We encourage you to take full advantage of these offerings. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school HR Leads. Looking after yourself is just as important as looking after others Together, let’s make health and wellbeing a priority in our workplace!
Grove House SchoolFollowing on from last year’s successful Chitty Chitty Bang Bang performance, our pupils have been enthusiastically rehearsing for this year’s production of Oliver!, showing great dedication and excitement as they bring the well-loved characters to life. From learning their lines to perfecting songs and choreography, everyone has been working hard to ensure a fantastic performance. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow with each rehearsal, and we are all looking forward to sharing their achievements on stage very soon. Students in Art have made an excellent start on creating props for the upcoming performance of Oliver, working collaboratively to build impressive streetlights. Using the Stixx machine, they have developed a real production line—rolling, shaping, and assembling the structures before carefully painting them to bring their designs to life. It has been fantastic to see their creativity, teamwork, and attention to detail in action as preparations for the show gets underway. Oliver! The Musical
“Thank you for giving our children, a voice, an opportunity, a chance to shine, when they would often have been overlooked.” “I was close to tears much of the time as I watched such remarkable performances from so many amazing children!” “It never ceases to amaze me the quality of the shows we have seen over the last 8 years, watching children who face many difficulties progress, evolve and blossom year after year. You all do such a fabulous job and I can only imagine how proud you are all feeling today!” Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Last Year’s Performance “Grove House is so much more than just a school, it is a community, a family and I feel very lucky that we have been able to have been a part of it”. “The best thing Grove House has ever done!”
In our animal lessons, pupils have been exploring an exciting and meaningful conservation project focused on the grey partridge. As part of their learning, the class has been researching this fascinating native bird species and the challenges it faces in the wild. Grey partridge numbers have declined significantly in recent decades, with populations falling by around 90% since the 1960s. This has sparked important discussions among pupils about conservation, biodiversity, and the role we can all play in protecting wildlife. To support this project, the school is working in partnership with a specialist organisation to incubate and hatch grey partridge eggs. We have received our eggs, and our pupils eagerly waited the arrival of the chicks. Over the weekend the eggs hatched and we now have 8 hatchlings. Once they are strong enough, the hatchlings will be collected and released back into the wild, helping to boost local populations.Supporting Conservation Our Partidge Journey
Our pupils were delighted to receive some tiny caterpillars to care for in class. Over the following days and weeks, they closely observed how the caterpillars ate, grew bigger, and became more active. As part of their learning, the pupils watched the caterpillars form their chrysalises, an exciting stage where the transformation into butterflies begins. This sparked lots of curiosity and discussions about what might be happening inside.Supporting Conservation Our Caterpillar JourneyThe most exciting moment came when the butterflies emerged. Pupils were able to see first-hand how a caterpillar changes completely, developing wings and becoming a beautiful butterfly. This hands-on experience has been a fantastic way to bring the life cycle to life for our pupils, helping them understand scientific concepts while also encouraging patience, care, and a sense of wonder about the natural world.
Event Management - Employabiity Skills Memorial Tea for Colin On Tuesday 28th April, we held a memorial afternoon tea at Grove House School in memory of Colin, a valued Tesco colleague who sadly passed away. Colin was a regular volunteer at Grove House and “adored supporting GH and took such joy in working with the pupils. The school truly meant something special to him.” We were honoured to welcome some of Colin’s colleagues along with his family to share this special afternoon. A memorial plaque was also unveiled and mounted in our sensory garden as a lasting tribute to Colin’s kindness and dedication. Our Post 16 pupils were exceptional hosts throughout the event, demonstrating empathy, professionalism, and pride in representing the school. It was a truly meaningful afternoon, celebrating Colin’s life and the lasting impact he had on our Grove House community. We would like to thank our pupils for hosting this event, baking the cakes and Thomas for his amazing photos.
Event Management - Employabiity Skills Surprise Afternoon Tea for Ruth As you may be aware Ruth Sturdy, our SEAX Trust CEO, retired after 7 years of dedicated service. Ruth has been instrumental in shaping the Trust and putting the needs of our young people first. We have benefited from the wealth of knowledge that Ruth has shared with us all and her dedication. She will be greatly missed.We held a surprise afternoon tea and invited staff and pupils from schools across our Trust. The entertainment was provided by a Grove House pupil who sang a wonderful rendition of “Never Enough”. This was a pupil-led activity from start to finish and we are extremely proud of how our pupils demonstrated their event management skills. We wish Ruth a much deserved long and prosperous retirement.
The Hawthorns SchoolPupils Lead the Way on Sustainability Hawthorns pupils have been championing sustainability, sharing innovative ideas and taking practical action to help protect the environment. During a pupil voice meeting, children discussed ways the school could become more environmentally friendly and support local wildlife. Pupils suggested a range of initiatives including introducing a compost bin for food waste, installing a water butt to collect rainwater, increasing recycling opportunities and creating more habitats for wildlife around the school. These ideas build upon the environmental learning that took place across the school. Pupils explored topics including climate change, the impact of melting polar ice caps on wildlife and the importance of protecting natural environments. In computing lessons, children researched and typed lists of actions people can take to help the planet, while classes embraced eco- warrior projects and recycling activities. The enthusiasm shown by pupils demonstrates their commitment to making a positive difference within both the school community and the wider world. Staff have been impressed by the children's thoughtful contributions and determination to help create a greener future.
A team of Hawthorns pupils represented the school at the Superstars Competition held at Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre. Competing against pupils from local schools, the children participated in a variety of sporting challenges that tested their teamwork, determination and resilienceHawthorns Shine at Superstars Competition Throughout the event, the pupils demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm and sportsmanship, encouraging one another and approaching every activity with positivity and confidence. Staff accompanying the group were delighted to see the children supporting one another and working together as a team throughout the day. Events such as Superstars provide valuable opportunities for pupils to build confidence, develop new skills and enjoy healthy competition in a supportive environment. Most importantly, the children represented Hawthorns brilliantly and were excellent ambassadors for the school. The school is incredibly proud of all those who took part and the positive attitude they displayed throughout the competition.Exploring the Outdoors with the Wilderness Foundation Pupils from Ayling Ellis Class enjoyed four planned visits to the Wilderness Foundation, where they took part in a range of exciting outdoor learning experiences. The visit provided opportunities for pupils to connect with nature while developing confidence, resilience and communication skills. Throughout the day, pupils explored woodland environments, worked together on activities and embraced the freedom of learning in the natural world. Outdoor experiences such as these support students' personal development while encouraging curiosity, independence and teamwork.The visit was a huge success, with pupils fully engaged and eager to participate. Staff were delighted to see the confidence and enthusiasm shown throughout the day and are looking forward to the remaining visits later this year.
New Trampettes Support Wellbeing & Physical Development Thanks to the generosity of Friends of The Hawthorns School, every class has received a new trampette. The equipment is proving extremely popular with pupils and provides fantastic opportunities to build balance, coordination, strength and confidence. As well as supporting physical development, trampettes offer valuable sensory and self-regulation benefits while encouraging turn-taking and cooperative play. Expressing Individuality Hawthorns was full of colour, fun and personality as pupils and staff took part in Wear What You Love Day. The event gave everyone the opportunity to showcase their interests, hobbies and favourite things through their clothing choices while celebrating individuality and self-expression. Organised with support from Friends of The Hawthorns School, the day created a joyful atmosphere across the school and highlighted the importance of celebrating what makes every member of the Hawthorns community unique Celebrating a Love of Reading World Book Day brought a wealth of exciting reading opportunities to Hawthorns. Pupils enjoyed visits from storytellers, creative literacy activities and special reading sessions designed to inspire a love of books and storytelling. Across the school, children created book characters, comic strips and their own stories while exploring new books and sharing their favourite reads. It was a wonderful celebration of literacy, imagination and creativity.
Our Independent Visitor, an expectation of National Minimum Standard 17, has visited on three separate occasions, providing a comprehensive report following each. These have all been very positive, noting the the growth and development of the team and service. The children attending are settled, enjoying the experience, formed strong and meaningful relationships with the team and their peers. Communication between residential, school and families is a strength, with families consistently commenting on this. During planned reviews with families positive change has been noted including: 'he is talking to me more, he never used to say this much before he went to residential', 'it feels like he is growing up, he is able to do more for himself','my only complaint is he wants to be there all the time,' 'can you please open in the holidays', 'she is calmer, better able to understand and manage her emotions and feeling,' ' I am so happy (my daughter) is enjoying the independence it makes me want to cry', 'I love the weekly calls, especially when you tell me he has been cheeky, that's what teenagers are supposed to do!'Hawthorns House Residential Hawthorns House opened its doors to children on the 20th January, initially with just two children and three staff, operating from within one of the two residential houses. Within five months the provision is at 70 percent capacity, utilising both houses, with a staff team of six and a number of school staff who support before and after school as and when according to the individual needs of our children. Growing from strength to strength
There are planned activities, giving consideration to each child's placement plan, which embeds all aspects of their individual EHCP's. The children access the community every week, this being an area of the service that will certainly grow in the next academic year. The provision had it's first Ofsted Inspection at the beginning of June, it was a positive experience, the full report will be available imminently. It really feels like our biggest achievement has been opening, becoming a fantastic addition to the school, building trust and support from our families and children self- promoting Hawthorns House and whole heartedly embracing new experiences. Currently children are not expected to stay all four nights, they start with a minimum of two, we are then led by them and their family, placing low demand however we are finding children are requesting to increase their time for a variety of reasons: 'I don't want to miss out', 'I want to come when (friend) comes too', 'I really like not having to get up so early to get in my taxi', ' I have never been this clean in my life', 'I think I am getting better at things'. he week follows a structure that allows for routines to become familiar, with flexibility to accommodate how each child is on a particular day. There is a great focus on independence, self-care and advocacy. Children help with preparing snacks and meals, a shared responsibility for caring for and looking after the house and being both considerate and tolerant of one another. It feels exciting to be leading the development of our residential provision. Growing from strength to strength cont...
Kingswode Hoe School Building Futures - Preparing Pupils for Life Beyond School Exploring Future Pathways We have had a strong focus on careers and future pathways this Summer term, particularly through our Upper School information event. It was a pleasure to welcome pupils from Year 9, 10 and 11 with their parents and carers to explore the curriculum offer as well as find out more about future options and provision from a range of visitors. It has been wonderful to see so much support and engagement from parents and carers for both the Year 10 Creative Showcase and Next Steps Upper School Information Evening. Their involvement and feedback are truly valued Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award We’re so proud of our Year 11's for completing their Silver DofE Award. This is a fabulous ‘first’ for KHS. Year 11 navigated their way along the Suffolk Coast walk over three days and worked together to set up camp, cook their meals, and even toast marshmallows around the fire pit. The weather was very kind but proved too hot at times. Resilience was the word of this trip.! Huge congratulations for all involved!
Creativity in Action - Developing Expression & Confidence Our Year 10 pupils took part in a Creative Showcase, celebrating their talent, effort and creativity. Parents and carers were invited to view the work first hand, with a fantastic turnout that helped make the event truly special.Creativity is a vibrant and valued part of learning at KHS with pupils across all year groups developing confidence, independence and pride through their artistic experiences. Whether exploring Surrealism studying artists such as Van Gogh, or creating their own characters using googly eyes on everyday objects or exploring the style of Jon Burgeman, pupils are encouraged to explore, experiment and express their ideas.
Year 9 pupils visited Duxford Imperial War Museum this term, bringing their learning about the Second World War to life. Pupils explored the history of aviation and gained a deeper understanding of the role of pilots during wartime. A particularly memorable moment was hearing the story of a pilot who, despite losing both legs in battle, continued to fly and achieve great success — an inspiring example of resilience and determination. Learning Beyond the Classroom Duxford Trip - Year 9 Pupils represented KHS brilliantly Colchester Zoo - Primary Pupils enjoyed a fantastic visit to Colchester Zoo, representing KHS brilliantly. We also received a highly commended certificate and two special awards for all of our hard work this year. Our Eco-School representatives should be very proud of their achievements.
They independently navigated the local footpath network, carried their own equipment and cooked their own food. All boys showed great teamwork and resilience. Thanks to all who supported this including Mr Cove, Miss Downes,Ashlea and Lucy as well as many other behind the scenes. The way all the boys conducted themselves was nothing short of brilliant16 boys completing their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award this year. The largest and most age diverse group of boys we have ever taken on a D of E expedition at Langham Oaks. A 10 mile walk on day 1 and a shorter 5 mile walk on day 2 across flatter terrain south of Langham. Langham Oaks School Duke of Edinburgh Award A very successful 2026 D of E Bronze Award
Sustainability at Langham Oaks Pond Project Boys have dug out the pond to attract wildlife. The next stage is to fit underlay protect the pond liner. We used cardboard and compost bags and the remains of the polytunnel polythene cover. Great recycling. Next stage is to lay the liner, level up and allow it to settle. We are incredibly proud of our Year 11's and how they approached their exam season. All coped exceptionally well, showing impressive levels of commitment, resilience and maturity throughout their exams. Their attitude has been a real credit to both themselves and the school. GCSE Exams Year 11 boys successfully sat GCSE exams in English, Maths, Science, PE and Art. They started their preparation with mock exams and also had revision sessions weekly after school Miss Hartbox for actual articles.
Staff and pupils visited the 'Inspirational Train' at Colchester Station in February as part of the Railway 200 event. Pupils enjoyed finding out about careers in the railways and history of the railways A year long campaign to celebrate 200 years of modern railway and to inspire young people to choose a career in rail. Some of boys went along to find out more. Careers - Railway 200 Event We took part with our own entry for the community event with all proceeds supporting St Helena Hospice Scarecrow Trail - Langham Community Our entry was on display outside the school ready for the trail
Thriftwood College Celebrating this Year’s Leavers As another academic year draws to a close, we proudly celebrated the achievements of 37 remarkable students as they graduated from Thriftwood College on 19th June. The occasion was marked with a special Leavers' Assembly attended by families, carers and staff. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on each student's unique journey and celebrate the incredible young adults they have become. Every leaver received a personalised "Most Likely To..." award, recognising their individual personalities, talents and aspirations. From "Most Likely to Start Their Own Fashion Brand" to a host of other bespoke awards, there were plenty of smiles, laughter and proud moments shared by all. Our leavers also enjoyed a memorable final day packed with fun. Celebrations included an ice cream van, inflatables, a water fight and the ever-popular "Soak the Staff" event, which proved to be a fitting and entertaining way to say goodbye. We are immensely proud of everything our students have achieved during their time at Thriftwood. Their progress extends far beyond academic success, encompassing significant developments in social skills, communication, confidence, resilience and independence. Watching them grow into young adults ready for their next chapter has been a privilege for all of us. Our students are now moving on to an exciting range of destinations, including Chelmsford College, Writtle College and Colchester Institute, while one student has secured employment and is beginning their career straight from college. Although they will be greatly missed by staff and friends alike, we know they leave Thriftwood with the skills, confidence and determination to embrace the opportunities ahead. We wish each and every one of them every success as they begin the next stage of their journey.
Well done to Zoe and Noah who climbed Ben Nevis to raise money for 'Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Support Group'. They raised a huge amount of money. What an achievement!The evening was filled with laughter, delicious food, fun in the photo booth and plenty of dancing. Most importantly, it was wonderful to see our students enjoying themselves, building friendships and creating lasting memories together. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the team at Rumour Hair Salon, who generously volunteered their time to style some of our students' hair free of charge, helping them feel extra special for the occasion.On 5th June, Thriftwood College hosted its annual Summer Ball at Chelmsford Rugby Club, providing our students with a memorable evening of celebration. The event was a true student-led success, with our Student Voice helping to choose the venue and our Performing Arts and Events group playing a key role in planning and preparing for the evening. Students looked fantastic as they arrived dressed in their finest outfits, with some making a grand entrance in luxury cars. In a proud milestone, one of our students even drove themselves to the event, demonstrating the growing independence and confidence that we strive to nurture. Annual Summer Ball GCSE Maths Two of our students sat their GCSE Maths exam this year. Well done boys! Whatever the result we are proud of you. t was a truly joyful evening and one that will be remembered by students and staff alike.As another academic year draws to a close, we proudly celebrated the achievements of 37 remarkable students as they graduated from Thriftwood College on 19th June. Charity Climb
As part of their Life Skills curriculum, our Year 12 students enjoyed a fascinating visit to Essex Air Ambulance this term.Essex Air AmbulanceAs part of their Life Skills curriculum, our Year 12 students enjoyed a fascinating visit to Essex Air Ambulance this term. Having been learning about emergency situations, accidents and risk management in the classroom, the visit provided an invaluable opportunity to bring their classroom learning to life in a real-world setting. Students explored the role of the emergency services, learned when and how to contact them, and developed their understanding of what happens during a 999 call and the information that emergency call handlers need.The experience helped build students' confidence in responding appropriately during an emergency while reinforcing important life skills that will support them to stay safe and become more independent members of their community. It was an engaging and memorable learning experience for everyone involved. Well done to our Media group who have created an impressive accessibility video for St.Andrews Church as part of their Arts Award work. The client was overjoyed with the finished product which was made to help them with a lottery bid. You can view the video here: https://youtu.be/7PKtA-j8ioY Arts Award Project - St. Andrews Church - Watch their video!
Essex Teaching AwardsWe are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of Miss Dyas, who was recently awarded Highly Commended in the Teacher of the Year in a Special School category at the Essex Teaching Awards. Annabelle has been a valued member of the Thriftwood College team since we opened our doors in September 2013. Beginning her career with us as a Learning Mentor, she went on to achieve her teaching qualification and now leads our Foundation Growth Pathway. A proud moment as Miss Annabelle Dyas receives her Highly Commended award A group of KS5 students had a fantastic time on a PGL residential trip recently. They took part in lots of activities including archery tag, bush craft and disc golf. It was a great experience to stay away from home. PGL Residential Sports Leaders Award Our Sports & Leisure group recently had their coursework verified to achieve the Sports Leaders Award. They awarded the college with Quality Assured Best Practice Certificate in recognition of the high standard of planning, delivery, assessment, and internal verification. A highlight was the feedback provided to the learners.This recognition is thoroughly deserved and reflects Annabelle's unwavering dedication, compassion and commitment to ensuring every student is supported to achieve their full potential. We are delighted to see her hard work and passion for special education recognised at county level.
Thriftwood School Year 8 Residential The Year 8 residential was a fantastic experience, with learners embracing a wide range of exciting activities including archery, canoeing, high ropes, caving and the zip line. They demonstrated incredible bravery throughout, stepping out of their comfort zones and approaching every challenge with determination and enthusiasm. Their resilience and willingness to ‘have a go’ was truly inspiring, and they supported one another brilliantly as a team. The learners were a credit to the school, showing excellent behaviour and a positive attitude throughout the trip. Farm to Fork Day Merlin class had a great day at the Farm to Fork day at Writtle University, they were able to see lots of farm animals and learnt where most of our food comes from. Everyone sat in a tractor and had the opportunity to watch the farm machinery at work.
Our Year 9 learners have had an exciting year exploring the world of work and developing their own entrepreneurial skills. They have shown curiosity, creative and confidence throughout these experiences. They have been on a variety of workplace visits, gaining first hand insight into a wide range of job families and career pathways. From a leisure centre to TrustFord, Costco, Southend Wellbeing Grounds and even an NHS simulation suite, learners took part in hands on activities and asked employers’ thoughtful questions to deepen their understanding of different roles. Learners also attended a Careers Fayre at Braxted Park, where they engaged with a diverse mix of employers and organisations. The event helped learners consider new possibilities for their future studies and career journeys. In school Year 9 have been busy developing their own enterprise project, T9 Enterprise. They have designed and produced candles, badges, bracelets and keyrings, as well as collected and restored bric a brac to sell. Their hard work culminated in the launch of the T9 Bus on Sports Day, where learners proudly sold their products to parents and peers. They also took charge of marketing through posters, emails and a presentation to the School Council. Outward Bounds Trip The Year 7 pupils demonstrated exceptional bravery and resilience during their recent outward bounds trip to Stubbers. Throughout the experience, they approached new and often challenging activities with courage, supporting one another and showing a real determination to succeed. Despite stepping outside of their comfort zones, they remained positive, cooperative, and respectful at all times. . World of Work Their behaviour was exemplary and they were a true credit to the school, representing our community with pride
As this edition of the SEAX Trust Newsletter comes to a close, the Trust would like to extend its thanks to all colleagues whose dedication, passion and hard work continue to make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people across SEAX. Special thanks also go to everyone who contributed articles, photographs, updates and success stories for this edition. Your contributions help showcase the fantastic work taking place across our schools and strengthen the sense of connection across the Trust. As this edition looks a little different from previous newsletters, feedback would be greatly appreciated. What worked well? What would colleagues like to see more of? Are there any features, stories or updates that would be valuable additions in future editions? Feedback and suggestions are always welcome and will help shape future editions of the newsletter. Thank you for your continued commitment, support and contributions throughout the year. Wishing all colleagues a restful and enjoyable summer break, and looking forward to another successful year ahead.Thank you !! Removing Barriers | Widening Opportunity | Creating Futures