Odyssey Collaborative Trust

09/07/2026

Pupils from Cherry Tree Hill Primary and Portway Junior School came together as one team to embark on a week-long educational and cultural exchange in Shanghai and Hefei.

From attending lessons in Chinese schools and learning traditional calligraphy to exploring robotics, AI and making lifelong friendships, the experience has left a lasting impact on everyone involved.

The visit was the culmination of more than 18 months of collaboration between our schools, supported by the Global School Alliance, and reflects our commitment to broadening horizons and helping every child develop the confidence, curiosity and resilience to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

A huge thank you to our staff, parents, partners and, of course, our incredible pupils, who embraced every opportunity and represented their schools and communities with enthusiasm, kindness and respect.

We're delighted to see their story shared with the wider Derby community.

11/05/2026

Our Year 6 pupils are taking part in their end-of-primary assessments this week.

This is just one small part of their wider journey through primary school, and we are so proud of the effort, curiosity and resilience they show every day.

They can feel confident in everything they have achieved so far and the progress they continue to make.

Thank you to our amazing staff and families for their ongoing support.

Wishing all our Year 6 pupils a calm and positive week

05/05/2026

There’s no “one way” to become a teacher.

Some of the trainees on our school-based PGCE join us straight from university. Others come after years in a different career. And some, like the trainee in this video, are already working in schools and decide to take that next step.

Callum started as a supply TA and chose the school-based PGCE route to build his skills and confidence in the classroom.

Every journey into teaching is different, but they all start somewhere.

Beaufort Primary School

Take a look at his story below 👇

://youtu.be/7eRTDjAVB48

Callum has worked as a Teaching Assistant for several years but has is now nearing the end of his PGCE and is about to become a qualified teacher. As someone...

28/04/2026

Our trainee teachers are in our school classrooms four days a week, ensuring they have hands on experience when they graduate with their PGCE in July. Their routes into teaching are all different, from a graduate straight out of university, to a swimming instructor and a TA - if you're interested in a career in teaching, you can read more about their journey in the Derbyshire Times.

Frankie spent years as a swimming instructor after having her children while at university. Now she is ready to embark on a career as a primary school teacher after retraining. She tells her story.

23/04/2026

Not everyone’s journey into teaching looks the same… and that’s exactly why the school-based PGCE route works so well 💬

In this short clip, one of our trainee teachers shares how she made the move from being a swimming teacher into the classroom—and why this route gave her the confidence to take that step.

Whether you’re finishing university or thinking about a career change, there’s more than one way into teaching 👇

🎥 Watch her story and see if this could be the right path for you.

Cherry Tree Hill Primary School Portway Junior School AllestreeBeaufort Primary SchoolSpringfield Primary School

21/04/2026

Last Thursday, many families found out which primary school their child will be starting in Reception this September 🎒

It’s such an exciting milestone—but it can also bring a few nerves for both children and parents as they get ready for this big step.

Our schools are here to support every step of the way, helping children feel happy, confident and ready for school life.

Paul Appleton, Headteacher at Cherry Tree Hill Primary School, and their Early Years Lead Emily Maskell, recently spoke to BBC Radio Derby, sharing helpful tips on how parents can support their child in the lead-up to starting school.

🎧 Have a listen to the audio clip below for their advice.

16/04/2026

Whether you're retraining, changing careers, or just graduating from university, a school-based PGCE could be the perfect route. With four days a week spent in the classroom, it’s a hands-on way to gain your teaching qualification while building real experience from day one.

We spoke to current trainee Chloe about her journey, what surprised her most, and what it’s really like to train in a school environment.

Watch a short clip below, or view the full interview here: https://youtu.be/Dc7xg8R8Wws

15/04/2026

Today is - a day to celebrate the amazing role our Early Years Teachers play in classrooms and settings. We want to thank all our amazing EYFS teachers for their enthusiasm, passion and creativity!

26/03/2026

This is Grace from Oakwood Junior School. We wanted to celebrate her fantastic achievement of raising more than £200 for charity by walking 25 miles in just a week! She braved all weathers to complete the challenge and her kindness and resilience are a brilliant showcase of the school and Trust values. Well done Grace!

25/03/2026

What great community spirit shown by Beaufort Primary School pupils! Well done all!

Well done to our Year 2 children on a fantastic litter pick around the school site yesterday as part of Derby City Council's Great British Spring Clean initiative.