South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust

07/09/2026

Vickerstown Primary School is looking so good at the start of term! 👏

A little sneak peek into one of our refreshed junior classrooms ✨

We’ve been working hard to create calm, welcoming and purposeful learning environments where children can feel comfortable, focused and ready to learn.

From clearer working walls and organised learning spaces to cosy reading areas and displays that celebrate our pupils’ work, every change has been made with our children in mind.

We’re really pleased with how the spaces are coming together 💙.

05/09/2026

05/09/2026

Staff have been busy over summer creating an amazing new learning space for pupils at Vickerstown School. A big thank you to everyone involved in this brilliant project!

02/09/2026

Such a privilege to be involved with these awards that recognise such incredible people across our communities 🩷

🏆 The Love Barrow Awards EXISTS because of our COMMUNITY and our SPONSORS! 🏆

Thank you South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust ! One of our Love Barrow Award 2027 Patrons!

Nominate YOUR community hero with https://www.lovebarrowawards.co.uk/nominate 😍

20/08/2026

Congratulations to all the Class of 2026 at Official Chetwynde School. May your futures be bright 👏 👏 👏

Congratulations!

11/08/2026

It was great to hear Newbarns Primary and Nursery School teacher Matt Thornhill and his lifelong friend Ben Green featured on Radio Cumbria sharing their inspiring story of kidney donation.
Year 3 teacher Matt gave one of his kidneys to Ben who spoke openly about the difference the transplant has made.
And there was even a mention of teaching fractions – with Matt using his own experience of kidney function and recovery to bring maths to life for his Year 3 pupils.
We’re delighted to hear that both Matt and Ben are doing well and incredibly proud of Matt for helping to raise awareness of living donation.
A wonderful story of friendship, generosity and the power of helping someone in need.
You can listen to the interview on August 3rd on BBC Sounds Radio Cumbria.

31/07/2026

30/07/2026

Well done Lyndsay! 👏 👏 👏

27/07/2026

Congratulations to everyone who is being recognised for their excellence in the education sector and good luck to staff from SCMAT schools. You are all stars! 🌟

Newsquest Cumbria Golden Apple Awards 2026 finalists announced 🌟

As proud sponsor of the Newsquest Cumbria Golden Apple Awards 2026, we are delighted to celebrate the outstanding individuals, schools and initiatives shortlisted for this year's awards.

These awards recognise excellence across education and learning, highlighting the people and organisations making a lasting impact on learners and communities across Cumbria.

Congratulations to all finalists for the following awards:

Against All Odds

Alexis Wallace – System People
Issac Jackson – St Bees College
Julian Nightingale – Carlisle College

Apprentice/Graduate of the Year

Alexandra Carruthers – Stoneraise School
Attlee-Jack Skillen – Sellafield
Garry Murray – Carlisle College

Best Inclusion Initiative (sponsored by BAE)

Carlisle College – 16-19 ESOL, Carlisle
Mighty Oak Initiative, Kendal
New Leaf Centre, Penrith

Best Teaching Professional (sponsored by University of Cumbria)

Dan Smith – Carlisle College
Dee Grant – Hayton C of E School
Sian Huck – Chetwynde School

Education & Learning Leader

Alyxandra Murdock – Solway STEM Academy
Mhairi Roberts – Newtown Primary School
Zena Lines – South Walney Junior School

Education Professional Newcomer (sponsored by Carlisle College)

Ellie Sutton – The Whitehaven Academy
Helen Thomson – Carlisle College
Kayleigh Scott – SP Training

Primary School of the Year

Derwent Vale Primary School, Workington
Norman Street Primary School, Carlisle
Petteril Bank School, Carlisle

Secondary School of the Year (sponsored by Carlisle College)

Energy Coast UTC, Workington
Settlebeck School, Sedbergh
The Whitehaven Academy, Whitehaven

Student of the Year (sponsored by Cumbria Education Trust)

Leah Dodd – Petteril Bank School
Lily Bousfield – Samuel Kings School
Rocco Boyd – Energy Coast UTC

Support Staff of the Year (sponsored by Energy Coast UTC)

Ash Mukherjee – Kendal College
Cherry Akred – Energy Coast UTC
Shabina Moghal – Carlisle College

We look forward to joining finalists, sponsors and guests 8 October to celebrate the dedication and achievements of Cumbria's education community.

Good luck to everyone shortlisted!

23/07/2026