Greenshaw Learning Trust

14/10/2026

Coombe Wood School students explore STEM careers at IBM

Year 12 and 13 Computer Science and Mathematics students from Coombe Wood School recently visited IBM’s Central London offices for an immersive insight into the world of STEM careers.

The students took part in a careers panel and Q&A, exploring post-18 pathways, apprenticeships and entry-level roles, before putting their problem-solving skills into practice through a hands-on Design Thinking workshop.

They also toured IBM’s Innovation Studio, discovered more about the IBM SkillsBuild platform and had the opportunity to network with IBM colleagues over lunch.

It was a fantastic opportunity to see how the skills developed in the classroom can translate into real-world careers - and to bring their learning to life beyond the school gates.

13/10/2026

Widden Primary recently celebrated the reopening of its much-loved red bus library, with the Mayor of Gloucester, Adrian Graham, officially opening the space.

The Mayor, who attended Widden Primary himself as a child, was a particularly special guest for pupils as they celebrated the relaunch.

Families came together to explore the newly reopened library and take home free books to enjoy together. The bus will also host regular after-school drop-in sessions, giving families the opportunity to share stories, discover new books and enjoy reading together.

This year, Widden is putting reading at the heart of school life, with a focus on helping every child become a confident and enthusiastic reader.

12/10/2026

Well done to the 13 students who recently completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s practice expedition in the Peak District.

The group included students from Holmleigh Park, Yate Academy and Henley Bank High School. Despite challenging conditions, the students showed fantastic resilience, pushing through fatigue, overcoming personal fears and supporting one another throughout the expedition.

It was particularly encouraging to see students from across our Trust working so closely together, building new friendships and helping each other through the challenges they faced.

A big thank you to the staff who gave up their weekend to support the students and help keep everyone safe.

With the practice expedition successfully completed, the students can now look ahead to their final Gold expedition in summer 2027.

09/10/2026

🚨 By Leaders, for Leaders: Registration is now open!

Real-world insight, meaningful collaboration, inspiring talks and practical ideas from leaders to take back to your own school.

📆 Wednesday 18 November
⌚️ 09.30–12.30
📍 Regent Hall, Oxford Street, London
🎟️ Free to attend – places are limited: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2003130292628?aff=oddtdtcreator

Hosted by Will Smith OBE, founder of By Leaders, for Leaders and CEO of Greenshaw Learning Trust, the conference will bring together leaders from across GLT and beyond to explore what actually works – and share the ideas, approaches and hard-won lessons that can make leadership in schools more effective, manageable and, importantly, less lonely.

✨ Keynote speaker: bestselling author and leadership consultant Sal Naseem will explore Unlocking Moral Courage in Leadership, drawing on his extensive experience leading change across high-pressure public institutions.

If you work in school leadership, we’d love to see you there.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2003130292628?aff=oddtdtcreator

Real-world insight, meaningful collaboration, inspiring talks, and practical ideas from leaders to take back to your own school.

08/10/2026

This summer, several Broadwater School students had the opportunity to take part in an expedition to Nepal, building friendships, embracing new experiences and gaining a deeper understanding of life in another part of the world.

The experience left a lasting impression on the students, who reflected on the friendships they made with Nepalese children and communities and the lessons they learned about connection, kindness and teamwork.

Following devastating floods in Nepal, many of the communities and families the students had met were affected. Keen to support those impacted, the students helped organise a fundraising day, inviting the school community to wear an accessory in the colours of the Nepalese Buddhist lung ta prayer flags – blue, white, red, green or yellow – in return for a £1 donation.

Together with contributions from parents and the local community, Broadwater School raised more than £700 to support those affected by the floods.

A wonderful example of students turning a meaningful experience into action and supporting the communities that welcomed them so warmly.

07/10/2026

📢 Transfer to Secondary School 2027

If your child is due to transfer to secondary school in September 2027, don’t forget to submit your application by 31 October 2026.

Make sure you apply before the deadline to give your child the best chance of securing a place at your preferred school.

06/10/2026

⛰️ To mark the start of the new academic year, Hartland High School’s new Sixth Form cohort took on an ambitious challenge: climbing Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales.

Reflecting the school’s ethos of “climbing your own personal mountain”, the trip was designed to build resilience, strengthen teamwork and give students the opportunity to get to know one another outside the classroom.

The ascent took around two hours, with students supporting and encouraging each other as they tackled the challenging incline. Their determination paid off when they reached the summit, where they were rewarded with panoramic views across South Wales and enjoyed lunch together.

A great way to start the year, giving students the chance to develop resilience, teamwork and a sense of shared achievement as they begin their Sixth Form journey.

05/10/2026

🚨 SAVE THE DATE: By Leaders, for Leaders

📅 18 November 2026
⏰ 09.30-12.30
📍 Regent Hall, Oxford Street, London

We’re bringing together leaders to share what actually works - the ideas, approaches and hard-won lessons that can make leadership in schools more effective, more manageable and, importantly, less lonely.

Expect honest insight, practical ideas you can take straight back to your school, meaningful collaboration and plenty of opportunities to learn from people who are doing the job every day. And, of course, the very best cake.

Sign up for notifications: https://bit.ly/byleadersinfo

01/10/2026

A group of Year 9 students from Gloucester Academy have seen their brownie creation go from a classroom project to a best-selling product.

Last year, the students worked with Gloucester Services and Gloucestershire Gateway Trust to explore what it takes to develop a product from scratch. They considered everything from flavours and baking to pricing and values, before creating four different brownie ideas and pitching them to a panel.

Their winning creation, the Fudgy Crunch Brownie, was an instant hit, selling out at the cake table at Gloucester Services shortly after launching and even returning as a special Christmas edition.

Now, the brownie has made another comeback - and gone one step further. It is officially part of Hetty’s Brownies’ collection and is their best-selling brownie.

A brilliant example of students developing creativity, teamwork and entrepreneurial skills, and seeing their ideas make an impact beyond the classroom.

30/09/2026

Woodlands Primary School has introduced Motivation Mondays to help reduce absence and create a positive start to the week.

Before lessons begin, pupils, staff and parents come together for music, dancing and fun. Each week, a different year group takes on the role of DJ, selecting a playlist of favourite songs to get everyone moving.

These weekly sessions are a simple but effective way to bring the school community together, helping pupils start the week feeling positive, motivated and ready to learn.

A great example of how schools can think creatively about attendance while strengthening a sense of community.