Evolution Academy Trust

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Evolution Academy Trust

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We are a specialist Primary Trust
with 12 schools across Suffolk and Norfolk

14/10/2026

Last week we were incredibly proud to welcome 15 trainee teachers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) to Poplars Primary School for their two-day Intensive Training and Practice placement.

Throughout their time at Poplars, the trainees learnt from the fantastic staff and children, observing teaching across the school and seeing The Poplars Way in action. Their particular focus was on positive behaviour, strong routines, clear expectations, praise and how staff adapt their practice to ensure every child can succeed. They also had the opportunity to put their learning into practice, working with our children and receiving feedback from our experienced staff.

We are really proud that Poplars is able to play a part in developing the teachers of the future and to share the excellent practice that takes place in our classrooms every day.

A huge thank you to staff and children for being such brilliant hosts – and to the UEA trainees for becoming part of Team Poplars for two days!

12/10/2026

Dell Primary School in Lowestoft has officially opened The Orchard, a new specialist SEND unit designed to support children with speech, language, and communication needs.

Staff, pupils and project partners gathered to celebrate the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the school.

Katie Lawson, our Director of School Improvement, said: “As a Trust, we are passionate about inclusion and helping children to thrive. This wonderful new provision at Dell Primary is the latest stage of widening the offer across our Trust for children with SEND, and I know that every child who attends will truly benefit from their time here.”

Read more: https://buff.ly/3v2Og47

10/10/2026

This year's World Mental Health Day theme, "Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change," highlights the importance of listening to people's experiences and creating positive change through understanding, support and open conversations.

One of the resources available to staff at our Trust is the Wisdom Wellbeing App, introduced in September as part of our enhanced wellbeing offering.

As well as providing free, confidential 24/7 support via phone, WhatsApp or video call, the app also gives people access to:
- Wellbeing tools, including 4-week plans, breathing exercises and mini health checks
- Perks and discounts through Bright Exchange, covering travel, food and drink, and retail
- A wide range of wellbeing courses and podcasts
- Fitness videos, from yoga sessions to quick HIIT workouts

We continue to invest in the wellbeing of all our staff, who make everything we do possible.

09/10/2026

We were delighted to welcome Lowestoft MP Jess Asato to Dell Primary School today.

Jess visited our new Specialist Resource Base, The Orchard, which opened in September and supports children in Reception and Key Stage 1 with speech, language and communication needs.

She spoke with Headteacher Sam Keeler (pictured here) and the lead teacher of The Orchard Ms Chillman about the importance of the working happening in the unit, and the wider impact of work being done in this area of education.

Thank you to Jess for visiting us today, and we look forward to welcoming her to our other Lowestoft schools in the future!

08/10/2026

The Run Evolution Series is underway!

Over the coming weeks, The Community Sports Foundation is bringing the excitement and community spirit of Run Norwich to schools across Evolution Academy Trust, giving thousands of children and hundreds of staff the chance to take on their own running challenge.

Not only is the series encouraging children to get active, challenge themselves and experience the buzz of event day, it's also helping to raise vital funds for good causes. Every participant has the opportunity to make a difference, with 50% of funds raised going directly back to their school and 50% supporting the Foundation's work with disabled and disadvantaged individuals across Norfolk and Suffolk.

We’re loving seeing pupils lace up their trainers, cross the finish line and make a positive impact in their communities.

Good luck to everyone taking part in the Run Evolution Series. Let's make every mile count!

29/09/2026

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ READY, SET… RUN! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Something exciting is coming to Evolution Academy Trust…

Our schools are joining forces with the Community Sports Foundation for the Run Evolution Academy Trust! Series – Run Schools 50/50 Fundraiser!

Over the coming weeks, starting at Costessey Primary School on 1st October, our children and staff will be getting active, having fun and taking on their very own running challenge. The money raised will be split between each school’s chosen cause and the Community Sports Foundation, helping support opportunities in our schools and enabling the Foundation to continue using the power of sport to make a difference in our local communities.

And there’s a little extra motivation… The class with the highest fundraising total at each school will win a special collapsed curriculum day, delivered by the Community Sports Foundation! Think sport, fun, activities and a very well-earned celebration.

If you'd like to get involved you can find out more or donate here: https://buff.ly/9pQGWAV

28/09/2026

It was fantastic to welcome back former pupil Melvin Matos to Costessey Primary School last week, just months after signing his first professional contract with Everton.

Now 17, Melvin attended Costessey from Year 3 to Year 6 before joining the Norwich City Academy and moving to Everton in 2024.

During his visit Melvin met pupils, took part in a PE session with his former sports teachers and stayed on to sign autographs and take photos with the children.

Congratulations to Melvin - we will keep watching your career with pride!

Read more: https://buff.ly/R7mPjRO

25/09/2026

Today, we would like to celebrate National Teaching Assistants’ Day.

Our pupils, staff and families are grateful for the contribution that our Teaching Assistants make every day across our schools.

Teaching Assistants play a vital role in supporting learning, helping pupils to thrive both academically and personally. Through their encouragement, knowing our pupils and their reassuring presence in the classroom.

On behalf of everyone across Evolution Academy Trust, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all our Teaching Assistants. Your contribution is truly valued and greatly appreciated.

Happy National Teaching Assistants’ Day!

17/09/2026

Bignold Primary School has become the first school in the country to receive the new Good Diabetes Care in School award since it was relaunched in September 2025!

The award from national charity Diabetes UK recognises schools who make sure children and teenagers with type 1 diabetes get the care and support they need so they can reach their potential.

It demonstrates Bignold's commitment to providing high-quality support for pupils living with diabetes, and celebrates a school that works effectively with families and healthcare professionals to ensure children with diabetes can participate fully in all aspects of school life, while receiving the care and support they need to thrive.

Steve Paxton from Diabetes UK presented Assistant Headteacher Kerry Baker with the award in an assembly at school today. Congratulations to everyone involved!

More: https://buff.ly/olq4mNq

16/09/2026

Today marks a fantastic milestone for Poplars Primary School, which has been recognised by Ofsted for significant school improvement.

The school achieved Strong standards in attendance and behaviour, inclusion, leadership and governance, early years, and personal development and wellbeing. Inspectors praised the school's highly inclusive culture and recognised the progress made in addressing areas identified at the previous inspection.

The report also highlights impressive outcomes, with 79% of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined in 2025, compared with 62% nationally.

This recognition is a testament to the hard work, ambition and commitment of everyone involved in the school community. Congratulations to all!

https://buff.ly/ObxFjZa

Address

Suite GF6 Roxburgh House Rosebery Business Park, Mentmore Way
Poringland
NR147XP

Telephone

+441603981210

Website

https://www.evolutionacademytrust.org.uk/

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