CET News

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CET News

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

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‘Perfect’ Graduation Performances!

5th August 2024

Students from The Whitehaven Academy, Workington Academy and Yewdale Primary School had the honour of showing off their performance skills at the University of Cumbria graduation ceremonies, held at the historic Carlisle Cathedral. Earning overwhelmingly positive praise from the University of Cumbria faculty and attendees, it was noted that the CET students captivated audiences with their ‘perfect’ performances and that their ‘exemplary conduct’ and grace under pressure were noted by all in attendance. The Whitehaven Academy Song: When I Grow Up From: Matilda the Musical Listen here Workington Academy Song: You Raise Me Up Composed and written by: Rolf Løvland and Brendan Graham Listen here Yewdale Primary School Song: We’re All In This Together From: High School Musical Listen here

Petteril Bank School Children Are Top Ranking Mathematicians!

25th July 2024

Year 4 pupils at Petteril Bank School are celebrating after receiving some remarkable maths results. Twenty 8 and 9-year-old pupils from the school, which is part of Cumbria Education Trust, averaged an impressive 24.8 out of 25 on the government’s Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC). This outstanding performance is around 5 marks above last year’s national average and is likely one of the highest scores for a state school in the country – making them amongst some of the top ranking mathematicians! The MTC was introduced by the Government in 2022 to help schools assess whether pupils can fluently recall their times tables, a crucial skill for future success in mathematics. Students are required to answer 25 times tables

Be the Best You Can Be Week 2024

24th July 2024

Each year, we celebrate Be The Best You Can Be Week, as part of Cumbria Education Trust’s endeavour to create a stimulating environment in which our students can thrive. The purpose of this week is to give students and pupils in all schools across CET the opportunity to push, challenge and express themselves in as many different ways as possible – academically, physically, mentally and socially – while encompassing our CET core values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience. Everyone focused on the following areas: Be the best you can be by helping others Be the best you can be by helping the environment Be the best you can be by challenging yourself Be the best you can be in your

CET Innovate Final 2024

16th July 2024

On Thursday 11th July, Cumbria Education Trust hosted a remarkable showcase of innovation and environmental stewardship at The Whitehaven Academy. The occasion? The CET Innovate Final.

Shaping Our Future 2024 – Book Your Space!

12th July 2024

Following last year’s successful event, Cumbria Education Trust is delighted to invite educators, leaders and decision-makers to attend the Shaping Our Future 2024 conference. Scheduled for Thursday 19th September 2024 from 3.30pm to 7pm at Halston, Carlisle, this event is to bring the education industry together, join us as we drive change and reform for the benefit of our young people. In collaboration with Cumberland Council, Westmorland and Furness Council and the WELL Project, we are proud to welcome a line-up of nationally recognised guest speakers: Sir Ian Bauckham CBE, Chief Regulator, Ofqual Leora Cruddas CBE, Chief Executive, Confederation of School Trusts Luke Sparkes, Chief Executive, Dixons Academies Trust Jonathan Smart, Regional Director, Ofsted These influential figures, alongside keynote speakers

New Catering Contract

8th July 2024

We are thrilled to announce that, starting in September, we will be partnering with a new catering supplier, Aspens, to provide healthy, delicious and varied meal options for our staff and students. About Aspens Following a detailed tender process, Aspens were chosen to be our catering partner. They are committed to providing delicious home-cooked food each day and they cater to individual dietary requirements. Aspens states, “We want everyone who eats with us to look forward to their mealtimes, love what they have to eat and then have the energy for everything else that the day has to offer. We don’t just provide food, we play our part to educate children and raise awareness about nutrition, food and where it comes from so that

Workington Academy Wellbeing Festival

5th July 2024

Workington Academy is throwing open its door to the community and hosting its first wellbeing festival. The free event, on Thursday 11th July, is set to be one of the biggest of its kind in the county. More than 35 agencies have signed up to be part of the afternoon, alongside special guest, charity fundraiser Andy Airey, of Three Dads Walking fame. The aim is to promote wellbeing and increase awareness of different agencies, services and clubs that are on offer for all ages. Katie Kinrade, Assistant Headteacher at Workington Academy, said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for all local families, not just those with children at Workington Academy, to learn about the support available in our community. The invitation

CET Year 4 Sports Day!

27th June 2024

The weather gods must have found out that Cumbria Education Trust (CET) were planning a sports day as the sun made a rare appearance! On Tuesday 18th June, all ten primary schools from CET gathered for the annual ‘Be The Best You Can Be’ Sports Day. Held at Copeland Stadium in Whitehaven, over 200 Year 4 pupils engaged in various activities such as mini-Olympics, tag rugby, and dance. Year 9 Sports Leaders and Student Ambassadors from CET’s three secondary schools – The Whitehaven Academy, William Howard School, and Workington Academy – facilitated the events, providing fantastic leadership, support and encouragement to the younger participants throughout the day. Usman from Hensingham Primary School commented, “I had lots of fun, and my

Thank a Teacher Day 2024

19th June 2024

Today, we celebrate the incredible teachers and staff who inspire, motivate, and shape the future of our young people. To all of our staff – thank you for your dedication, patience and passion. You make a difference in more ways than you know and your hard work and commitment do not go unnoticed. We are lucky to have such fabulous people leading our young people and giving them opportunities that they will remember forever. Thank you!

OBE For Chief Executive

15th June 2024

The leader and passionate driving force behind Cumbria Education Trust (CET), Lorrayne Hughes, Chief Executive, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, for her services to education. Lorrayne has led the Trust since its inception in 2015. CET is now responsible for the education of more than 5,000 young people, aged 2 to 18, across the county. We have been recognised in recent years for our strong track record on school improvement and the professional development of teachers and school leaders. Lorrayne said: “I am delighted to have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours; it is great acknowledgement of all that we have achieved at Cumbria Education Trust. “It has been my honour to serve so