CET News

Celebrating our successes

CET News

You will find all of CET’s latest news stories below.

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Expansion on the cards for CET

As the largest Trust in Cumbria, we are looking to grow again and launch a new education hub in the county. We have been in talks to partner with Kendal’s The Queen Katherine School (QKS) to start a new southern hub for our Multi-Academy Trust, just how we have established similar school groups in the north and west of the county. The 950-student school approached the Trust to formally explore the possibility of joining CET, joining our three secondary schools – The Whitehaven Academy, William Howard School and Workington Academy. Since 2015, we have grown to cover 13 schools and we are responsible for the education of more than 4,500 young people. We have developed a strong track record on

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Yewdale Ofsted Inspection – September 2023

Following on from Yewdale Primary School’s last Ofsted inspection in July 2018, in which they were rated Good, they received another inspection from Ofsted on 19th and 20th September, in what is called an ungraded inspection. This inspection is carried out around once every four years to ensure that, as a school, they are still providing excellent standards of education to our children. We are delighted to inform you that Yewdale Primary School continue to be a Good school and we are happy to share Ofsted’s official report with you – you can read it here. As the first primary school to join Cumbria Education Trust in 2015, we have continued to deliver on our School Improvement Plan, and it

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CET’s Big Coffee Morning

Last Friday, numerous cakes, biscuits, buns and hot drinks were devoured across all of our Trust schools for CET’s Big Coffee Morning, in an effort to raise money for the Macmillan Cancer Support charity. Castle Carrock Primary School held a Grandparents Coffee Afternoon, followed by a celebration assembly whilst Caldew Lea Primary School had a ‘Book and a Bun’ for their Early Years children and a fundraising breakfast morning. Hensingham Primary School, Longtown Primary School and Newtown Primary School all invited in parents for a coffee and cake morning. Northside Primary School and Petteril Bank School held a coffee and cake session for all parents whilst Tebay Primary School and Yanwath Primary School invited their local community for yummy treats.

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New Starter Event 2023

Yesterday, Cumbria Education Trust (CET) held a New Starters event, where they invited all new employees to meet their new colleagues across the Trust. Hosted at Yewdale School, guests had the opportunity to meet senior leaders and colleagues before Lorrayne Hughes, Chief Executive, opened with a welcome speech. Various members of the CET Team shared insights into what it means to work for CET, the vision and values held by all and what opportunities are available to all who work for the Trust. Kerry Rogerson, HR Manager, commented on the evening, “Across CET our aim is to ensure we create a workplace which enables our people to thrive and this begins from day one. We are a family of schools

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Quality Leadership and Organisational Culture event

Last night, leaders from each of our Trust schools and our Central Services Team came together for a Quality Leadership and Organisational Culture event, held at Workington Academy. In the first of a series of events led by Lorrayne Hughes, Chief Executive, over 40 leaders came together to collaborate, discuss strategies and brainstorm ideas on how to continually improve our schools through effective leadership. Our leaders were split into eight teams from various schools, and they discussed a range of topics, such as outstanding leadership behaviours, organisational culture, who inspired them and how they can develop as leaders. Des Bird, Director of Secondary Improvement, led a session on self-evaluation, focusing on accountability, monitoring and evaluation. This session was designed so

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Year 5 Be The Best You Can Be Sports Day 2023

On Wednesday 20th September, ten primary schools from Cumbria Education Trust (CET) took part in the annual Be The Best You Can Be Sports Day. Held at the Copeland Stadium in Whitehaven, more than 200 Year 5 pupils attended the fun outdoor event which included activities such as a mini-Olympics, tag rugby and dance. Sports Leaders and Student Ambassadors from CET’s three secondary schools (The Whitehaven Academy, William Howard School and Workington Academy) led the events, supporting and encouraging the younger participants throughout the day. Tracey Clooney, PE Teacher at The Whitehaven Academy, said: “All of the Year 5 students had huge smiles on their faces throughout the day, displaying exemplary behaviour and were energetic and enthusiastic. Both the participants

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Safeguarding Showcase 2023

On Thursday 21st September, two Cumbria Education Trust (CET) schools held a Safeguarding Showcase event, attended by distinguished visitors including Lorrayne Hughes, Chief Executive, Martin Birch, Director of Children and Family Wellbeing at Cumberland Council, Josh McAllister, Executive Chair at the Early Intervention Foundation and What Works for Children’s Social Care and Cllr. Emma Williamson, Deputy Leader at Cumberland Council, along with other members from two of our West Cumbrian schools. Northside Primary School and Workington Academy welcomed the attendees to showcase the active measures they take to safeguard and protect the children within their care. At CET, it has always been the highest priority to ensure the physical and emotional welfare of our students is at the forefront of

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Castle Carrock is a GOOD school

Castle Carrock Primary School is celebrating following their recent Ofsted inspection. The school has worked hard to drive improvements and this has been officially recognised within their Ofsted report.

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INSET Day 2023

Yesterday, we hosted our 2023/2024 INSET day at William Howard School, where we took the opportunity to bring together over 600 members of staff from all 13 Trust schools. Following an engaging welcome speech from Lorrayne Hughes, Chief Executive, our staff split up into groups to participate in conferences, proactive workshops and business-specific training. There were conversations about strategic priorities for school improvement, result reviews, phase and subject conferences and specific sessions on topics such as ‘Understanding ADHD’ and ‘Behaviour & Challenge’. A fantastic day was had by all, with lots of interesting ideas, plans and conversations throughout the day – all in preparation for starting a brand-new term. We look forward to seeing all staff, parents and pupils back

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GCSE Results Day 2023

Cumbria Education Trust (CET) is delighted with the GCSE results attained by the students who attend one of the three secondary schools within the Trust. The Whitehaven Academy, Workington Academy and William Howard School all opened their doors today to welcome their GCSE students back, as they received and celebrated their results. The Headteacher of The Whitehaven Academy, Nigel Youngman, commented, “This morning has been a chance to celebrate with students who have overcome huge challenges over the past few years. Results this year have been hard won and it is satisfying to see students achieve success across a range of subjects.” The Headteacher of Workington Academy, Mark Bedford added, “Our students reflect our ethos of ‘Be the Best You

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