Reach South Academy Trust

Congratulations Matt! We are confident Matt will continue to provide strong, steady and ambitious leadership for Millbay Academy, supported by colleagues across the Trust, as we work together to secure the very best outcomes for students!

🎉 We are delighted to share that Matthew Bisco has been formally appointed as the permanent Headteacher of Millbay Academy! 🎉

Matthew has been part of Millbay’s story from the very beginning, has been a key part of the school’s leadership for many years as we’ve grown into the vibrant academy we are today within Reach South Academy Trust.

Matthew’s background spans both creative and educational fields, with studies in Fine Art, a PGCE from Bath Spa and an MBA in Strategic Leadership. This blend of experience has shaped his thoughtful and creative approach to leading our school.

Alongside his work at Millbay, Matthew has contributed to wider creative education through guest lecturing, research with Tate England and his role as Chair of Trustees for House of Imagination, a charity that supports creative learning for children and young people.

As part of Reach South Academy Trust, we are grateful for the Trust’s continued support of both the school and Matthew’s professional development. Their commitment to nurturing strong, values‑led leadership has played an important role in helping Millbay grow into the vibrant, community‑focused academy it is today.

Deeply rooted in Plymouth, Matthew has shown unwavering commitment to our pupils, families and wider community. We are thrilled to formally recognise his leadership and continue our shared mission to empower pupils to think creatively, strive for excellence and make meaningful contributions to their futures and to our city 💙

Read the full Headteacher announcement on our website:
https://millbayacademy.org/news/headteacher-appointment

Congratulations to Stuart Road Primary Academy!

“Younger pupils begin each day with high-quality phonics” at Stuart Road Primary Academy, and staff are ‘well-trained”.

“Pupils are supported to develop their writing alongside phonics” and “daily handwriting practice secures pupils' writing fluency”.

Well done to the staff, pupils, and leadership team!

Read all of your success stories here: https://ow.ly/Jk0L50Z08yS

🔍 We’re Hiring: Director of Finance

Are you a strategic financial leader looking to make a real impact in education?

Reach South Academy Trust is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to join our central team. This is a pivotal role, leading the Trust’s financial strategy and ensuring strong, sustainable stewardship across our schools.

✨ Why this role matters
As Director of Finance, you’ll play a key part in shaping the future of our Trust, supporting excellence in education through robust financial leadership, insightful planning, and effective resource management.

💼 What we’re looking for:
- A qualified and experienced finance professional
- Strong strategic and leadership capability
- A passion for making a difference in the education sector

📅 Closing date is Wednesday 10th June 2026. Don’t miss the opportunity to join a values-driven organisation committed to improving outcomes for young people across the South West.

👉 Apply here: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/16503/EDV-2026-RSAT-29750

Please share with your networks or tag someone who might be a great fit!

As the Trust for GAIL, we are immensely proud to see this carefully designed, safe and inclusive school taking shape, one that will inspire learning and belonging for generations to come! 🌱💙

“Like a village in a city” 🏫💛

We’re absolutely delighted to share that Stuart Road Primary Academy has been recognised by Ofsted with a ‘Strong Standard’ in both achievement and inclusion, and ‘Expected Standard’ in all other areas 🌟

This is a fantastic milestone and reflects the dedication, care and commitment of the entire school community, from staff and pupils to families and governors 👏

Inspectors highlighted the warm, welcoming atmosphere across the school, where children are greeted each day with care and positivity. This strong sense of belonging helps pupils settle quickly and thrive, with many describing the school as feeling “like a village in a city” 🤝✨

We’re proud that Ofsted recognised:

📚 Strong outcomes and progress for pupils
🧠 A rich, well-designed curriculum that sparks curiosity
❤️ A deeply inclusive culture where every child feels known and supported
🌱 A nurturing start in Early Years
🎯 Excellent preparation for the next stage of education
🎨 A wide range of clubs and opportunities beyond the classroom

Head of School, Michelle Riley said:
“We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised both the strength of our outcomes and the inclusive culture at the heart of our school. This reflects the dedication of our staff and our relentless focus on doing what is right for every child. We are proud of the positive ethos that runs throughout the school and the strong progress our pupils are making.”

We are incredibly proud of this achievement. Stuart Road Academy will continue to build on this success to ensure every child thrives and leaves confident, capable and excited for their future 🚀

Huge well done to all at Stuart Road 💙



https://www.reachsouth.org/news-and-events/trust-news/like-a-village-in-a-city-stuart-road-academy-praised-in-ofsted-report

Welcome to Reach South 🎉
Specialist Schools Across Cornwall and Devon Join Our Growing Trust 🌟📚

We are delighted to welcome a number of specialist schools and provisions across Cornwall and Devon into the Reach South Academy Trust family 💙

Following a period of close collaboration with Transforming Futures Trust, these schools are now part of our growing South West community, united by a shared commitment to inclusive, high-quality education and life-changing support for children and young people.

Our new schools include:

📍 Cornwall
- Ace WRAP Bodmin
- Ace WRAP Launceston
- Ace WRAP Redruth

📍 Devon
- ACE Dover Road, Plymouth
- ACE Schools, Plymouth
- ACE Tiverton
- ACE WRAP Exeter
- ACE WRAP Primary, Plymouth
- Courtlands, Plymouth
- Haven Nurture Provision, Tiverton
- Mount Tamar School, Plymouth
- Prospect Centre, Plymouth
- Seymour House, Plymouth

These provisions play a vital role in supporting pupils with complex needs through specialist, alternative and nurture-based education 🌱

At Reach South, we are driven by a strong belief in inclusion, social mobility and social justice, and in ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed ✨

We are excited to work closely with staff, pupils and families as these schools begin their next chapter with us.

Welcome to Reach South 💙
https://www.reachsouth.org/news-and-events/trust-news/reach-south-academy-trust-welcomes-tranforming-futures-trust

🌟 Teacher Shortlisted for Prestigious National Teaching Award 🌟

We are delighted to share that Louise Kendall, Primary Teacher and Maths Lead at Marlborough Primary Academy, has been shortlisted for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School at the The Pearson National Teaching Awards 2026 🎉

This prestigious national recognition celebrates Louise’s exceptional teaching, inclusive practice, and unwavering commitment to every child’s success. She is widely respected for creating engaging, accessible, and challenging learning experiences, and for her inspiring leadership in mathematics through high-quality professional development and supportive feedback for colleagues.

In the classroom, Louise fosters a safe, warm, and motivating environment where pupils thrive. Her impact is best reflected by her pupils themselves:

💬 “There is never a moment in the day I am not learning.”
💬 “Mrs Kendall makes me excited to come to school.”

Beyond the classroom, Louise champions pupils’ wellbeing and confidence, leading lunchtime clubs and the school marathon initiative. Under her guidance, 15 pupils have successfully trained for and completed the Plymouth Schools Marathon.

Charlotte Parry, Head of School at Marlborough Primary, said:
“Louise Kendall is an exceptional teacher whose dedication, skill, and warmth positively impact every child she teaches. Her influence goes far beyond the classroom, inspiring confidence, supporting colleagues, and enriching our whole school community.”

🏆 Winners will be announced on National Thank a Teacher Day in June. We are incredibly proud of Louise and wish her every success.

SEND reforms make the home-school relationship more critical When parents feel heard it’s easier for families and schools to work together for the benefit of everyone