Latest News


Paignton Academy's Rising Star Soars to Success at The British Gymnastics Championships

Paignton Academy is thrilled to extend its congratulations to Abi…

All Faiths Children's Academy put the sign in sign language

All Faiths is proud to have a specialist deaf provision called Tree Tops, where they teach and support children with severe hearing loss.

Goodwin Academy receive community donation for International Women's Day

International Women's Day is an annual event to celebrate the " social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

Paignton Academy's Spectacular 'Matilda' Production Takes Centre Stage

Paignton Academy's rendition of " Matilda, The Musical Jr.

Portsmouth girl has bright future ahead as she performs in the West End for Matilda the Musical

A talented pupil from Penbridge Junior School in Portsmouth has a bright future on stage as she performs in Matilda the Musical in London’s West End.

Thinking Schools Academy Trust is proud to sponsor Brixham Sirens ladies rugby team

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Brixham Sirens, a popular ladies rugby team in the South West of England.

Promoting the importance of good attendance

At The Thinking Schools Academy Trust, our schools and colleges continually promote why attending school every day is essential for a young person's success.

Mitch Tonks unveils Green Haven at Furzeham Primary and Nursery School

Children at Furzeham Primary and Nursery School in Brixham, together with Mitch Tonks…

Thinking Schools Academy Trust supports Portsmouth’s new John Jenkins Stadium

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is delighted to support ‘Pompey in the Community’ with an ambitious project that will soon be completed.

Paignton Academy hosts successful Handball and Tchoukball Festival for local Primary Schools

Paignton Academy recently opened its doors to 150 enthusiastic Year 1 and Year 2 children from neighbouring primary schools…

School purchases hundreds of pounds of music equipment – thanks to successful grant

Children from New Horizons Primary School are ready to rock following a successful grant that has allowed them to purchase new music equipment to form a school…

Penbridge Junior School praised for creativity with prestigious award from Arts Council England

Penbridge Junior School has been praised for its commitment to creativity by Arts Council England and has been awarded the prestigious Gold Artsmark Award.

Holcombe Grammar School receive their Silver Artsmark Award

Pupils and staff at Holcombe Grammar School are thrilled to receive the respected Artsmark Silver Award.

Rochester Grammar School are awarded £5,000 to support STEM education

Rochester Grammar School is to benefit from £5, 000 to boost science education after winning a community competition for schools in Medway…

Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month: Plymouth High School for Girls joins "We Are One" Event

One standout feature of Plymouth High School for Girls’ involvement in the event is the active engagement of its student leadership team.

Students championing change within the Trust: Schools Unite for Pupil Voice

Primary and secondary schools within The Thinking Schools Academy Trust recently gathered for the 'Pupil Voice' meeting…

Ambitious pupil campaigns to be Member of Youth Parliament and voice of young people in Portsmouth

Young people within Portsmouth are brimming with potential, and it is time to harness that to drive positive change.

How the provision of an all-through education is Transforming Life Chances

The concept of an all-through education system is gaining increasing recognition and popularity. But what does it actually mean and why does it matter?

Promoting ambition: Paignton Academy welcomes England netball Captain to inspire students

Paignton Academy recently welcomed England Netball Captain, Francesca Williams, for an exclusive Q&A session with the school's netball teams.

Hundreds of Torbay Pupils Awed by ‘Wonderstruck’ Science Extravaganza

In a spectacular showcase of scientific wonder, Brixham College, a proud member of The Thinking Schools Academy Trust…

New Horizons Primary School welcomes MP to meet enthusiastic Pupil Parliament

A group of children who are aspiring leaders of the future welcomed their MP into their school for a tour…

Children at Curledge Street Academy 'get off to a flying start' says Ofsted

Children and staff at Curledge Street Academy have been celebrating following a highly complementary Ofsted report…

The Portsmouth Academy is recognised nationally with ‘Silver: Rights Aware’ award

The Portsmouth Academy has received a national accreditation to acknowledge its commitment to embedding children’s rights in its policy, practice and ethos.

Young Voices 2024

On Tuesday 16th January, children from our Medway primaries took part in the Young Voices concert at the London O2 Arena.

Thinking Schools Academy Trust receives two prestigious international awards for commitment to staff

Investors in People is an international standard for people management…

Lodestar Academy hailed by Ofsted for “nurturing environment” and “ambitious curriculum”

Staff and pupils at Lodestar Academy are celebrating a remarkable improvement in its Ofsted rating…

Holcombe Grammar Schools pay tribute to Board Director Michael Bailey.

Holcombe Grammar Schools pay tribute to Board Director Michael Bailey.

Penbridge Infant School welcomes special guest for talk

Children at Penbridge Infant School recently received a visit from the Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth.

Celebrating Head of School's Professional Development Success

At the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, we are passionate about offering Continued Professional Development ( CPD) opportunities to our staff.

Hollywood actress Emma Thompson surprises Plymouth High with a guest video appearance

The Hollywood actress Dame Emma Thompson surprised students at Plymouth High School for Girls with a message of praise for students who successfully re-enacted…

Maritime Academy fly the Eco-Schools Green Flag!

Students at Maritime Academy are ecstatic to have been awarded the coveted Eco-Schools Green Flag.

Rochester Grammar School achieve AfPE Quality Mark Award

Rochester Grammar School become the only school in the South East to receive the top accolade of the AfPE Quality Mark.

Portsmouth teacher recognised as local hero in Inspiring Fratton Community Awards

A teacher has been recognised for her contribution to creativity amongst the local community at an awards event focused on bringing people together and…

Colchester Royal Grammar School shines in Sister Act Performance

Recently, students from Colchester Royal Grammar School put on a energetic performance of Sister Act.

New Horizons Children's Academy welcomes Olympian to talk about swim safety

On Thursday 30th November…

New Horizons Primary School praised and recognised for service to community

Children from a primary school in North End have been presented with an award by their local church to recognise the work they have done to support the…

Artist Becky Bettesworth Inspires Paignton Academy BTEC Art & Design Students

Art and Design students from Paignton Academy have been inspired by a local artist following a recent visit to talk about their technique and inspiration.

Portsmouth infant school celebrates Thinking Schools accreditation for the first time

Congratulations to Moorings Way Infant School in Portsmouth…

Shaping the Future of Education with TSAT: Inspiring Future Teachers

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust ( TSAT) recognise the importance of in-school training and have meticulously developed partnerships with school, SCITTS…

Hundreds of Torbay children set to benefit from cycling safety sessions under new pilot

A Torbay primary school has been selected to provide cycle training courses to its children following the donation of some new bicycles…

Maritime Academy achieve prestigious Thinking School Accreditation

Maritime Academy has been awarded Thinking School accreditation by the University of Exeter…

Holcombe Grammar School student discusses being a part of Medway Youth Parliament

Oliver Tomlin, a Year 13 student from Holcombe Grammar School was recently interviewed by KM Group's local democracy reporter Robert Boddy…

Fireworks spectacular enjoyed by families of Meon Way Federation

A fireworks spectacular in Portsmouth brought families from three schools together for an evening of entertainment.

Teacher inspires children, raising more than a thousand pounds for charity by cycling across France

Children from Furzeham Primary School in Brixham have been inspired by their teacher…

Brixham College sisters achieve gold at British Weightlifting Championships

Two sisters from Brixham College are on an exciting sporting journey following their recent success in the British Weightlifting Championships in Leeds.

Paignton Academy celebrates remarkable achievement as staff member with cerebral palsy walks 225 metres to raise over £6,000 for Rowcroft Hospice

Paignton Academy is delighted to announce an extraordinary feat of courage and determination by one of its very own.

Maritime Academy students complete First Aid training

 On Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th October, students from Years 7 and 8 embarked on first aid training, provided by First Aid Friends.

Colchester Royal Students visit Woods Air Movement

 Woods Air Movement is involved in “ the design, test, certification and manufacture of industrial and life safety applications” .

Hundreds raised for Macmillan Cancer Support

Students and staff at Brixham College have raised more than £1, 000 for a cancer support charity through cake sales and online donations…

Thinking Food Jr launches at Furzeham Primary and Nursery School

Over the summer, Furzeham’s dining hall was transformed and became home to Thinking Food Jr.

Portsmouth pre-schools celebrate merger with celebration event

Two Portsmouth pre-schools have been celebrating their merger, which has led to more benefits for children and families.
Lodestar Academy, formerly know as Burton Academy, join Thinking Schools Academy Trust

Exciting new chapter for Burton Academy as they join our Trust and announce new name

It has been already been a September to remember as, soon after welcoming Bay Education Trust to TSAT, Monday the 4th marked the day we saw Lodestar Academy…

Thinking Schools Academy Trust Development Plan 2023-24

Our Trust now has 26 schools, supporting over 16, 000 pupils across three regions.
Bay Education Trust joins the Thinking Schools Academy Trust

Bay Education Trust joins the Thinking Schools Academy Trust

On Friday 1st September, Thinking Schools Academy Trust officially welcomed Bay Education trust and their schools- Paignton Academy…

An exciting time to be working for The Thinking Schools Academy Trust!

Thinking Schools Academy Trust welcomed new staff to on our annual induction day to enjoy breakfast, networking, coffee…

Students across our Trust collect GCSE results

On 24th August, students across our schools in Kent, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Torbay and Essex collected their GCSE results.
Thinking Schools Academy Trust congratulate A-Level students receiving their Results

Students celebrate their achievements on A-Level Results Day

On 17th August, students across Holcombe Grammar School, The Victory Academy and Goodwin Academy ( Kent)…

Teenage motorbike racer from Brixham is set for big things as he hits top speeds of 120mph

A teenage motorbike racer from Brixham College is set for big things within the sport following years of determination and tenacity on the track.

Rare relics found at new Maritime Academy site

Researchers at the UCL Institute of Archaeology have discovered some of the largest early prehistoric stone tools in Britain.

Rochester Grammar School excel with outstanding IB Results

Students at Rochester Grammar School are rejoicing today as they have achieved another brilliant set of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme ( IBDP)…

Portsmouth schools embark on exciting new chapter and become federation with shared vision

Cheers of joy could be heard echoing through the streets of Milton as three schools came together to officially launch under one name and a shared vision.

Leadership Conference 2023 – #WeAreTSAT

The event offered a rare opportunity for leaders from our Kent, Portsmouth, Plymouth and Torbay Hubs to unite in the same space, to network…

Rochester Grammar win at The Big Bang Event

A team of students from Rochester Grammar School have been left feeling overjoyed following their recent win in a national robotics competition.
Plympton Academy hold creative careers fair 'Unlock your Future'

Plympton Academy hold creative careers fair 'Unlock your Future'

The Academy held the event to raise aspirations and broaden the horizons of young people in the South West…

Plympton Academy recognises shining stars at sports personality awards event

Shining stars in the world of sport and physical activity have been recognised for their talent and contribution in all types of sports at an awards ceremony…

Plymouth High celebrates Armed Forces Day with cadets wearing uniforms 

Plymouth High School for Girls student cadets wore their uniforms to school in support of Armed Forces Day, which was nationally recognised last Saturday…

Portsmouth secondary school wins global award in recognition of digital transformation

The Portsmouth Academy has once again been placed on the world stage by being recognised as the best school for digital transformation in the Global EdTech…

An afternoon of talks, training and more inspires staff to strive to Be Their Best Selves

Staff from across the Thinking Schools Academy Trust came together earlier this week for an afternoon of informative talks…

Staff attend festival focused on innovative ideas to support pupils to think about their thinking

Educationalists from across the UK who are passionate about developing metacognitive and self-regulating learners came together for an event in Birmingham…

The Victory Academy gain Platinum Artsmark for the second time!

The Victory Academy rejoices as they are awarded Platinum Artsmark for the second time!

Learning about the impact litter has on the environment with Southsea beach clean

Pupils from The Portsmouth Academy who are passionate about protecting the environment went litter picking recently at Southsea Beach.

Cedar receives Silver Artsmark Award

The children and staff at Cedar Children’s Academy are overjoyed after receiving the respected Artsmark Silver Award.
The Victory Academy celebrate UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award

The Victory Academy celebrate UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award

The Academy has been working towards the award since November 2022 as part of its mission to support pupils’ development, knowledge, understanding…
Portsmouth schools dance to raise awareness and money for diabetes research

Portsmouth schools dance to raise awareness and money for diabetes research

Pupils from Moorings Way Infant School, Meon Infant School…
Holcombe Grammar School students receive UK Chemistry Olympiad Awards.

Holcombe Grammar School celebrate as sixth-form students gain their UK Chemistry Olympiad Awards.

The International Chemistry Olympiad ( IChO)…

Plympton Academy students raise the profile of theatre by joining national campaign

There were 18 cast members and 4 backstage crew engaged with ‘Seize The Day’ earlier this year…
Meon Infant School pupils promote good attendance with poster competition

Portsmouth schools promote good attendance with poster competition

Our Junior and Infant Schools in Portsmouth came together for a joint poster competition to find the best designs which will be scanned, printed…
Teach Portsmouth Jobs and Opportunities Fair 2023

We're exhibiting at the Teach Portsmouth Jobs and Opportunities Fair 2023

A series of jobs, training and volunteering opportunities will take centre stage at Portsmouth Guildhall in a bid to boost employment in the city.
Moorings Way infant school, Portsmouth, open new play area

Smiles all round for children at Moorings Way Infant School as their new outdoor play area is officially opened

Moorings Way has opened a new boat-themed play area with special guests, including the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr Hugh Mason, MP…
Rochester Grammar School and Plymouth High School for Girls attend National Finals of Bar Mock Trials Competition

Trust secondary schools place in the top 10 in the Bar Mock Trial Competition.

Following their recent successes in their regional heats…
Penbridge Infant School base in Portsmouth accredited Thinking School

Penbridge Infant School is awarded prestigious Thinking Schools status for the first time

Penbridge Infant School, part of our Portsmouth Hub, has been awarded Thinking Schools accreditation by the University of Exeter…
Thinking Schools Academy Trust Gardner's World: LGBTQ+ Edition

Gardner's World: LGBTQ+ Edition [Archive]

From wearing your true colours and taking pride in the little things that make us unique and beautiful…

Urban Street Artist works with Plympton Academy to raise awareness about equality

Jess Campbell-Plover is an urban street artist and designer who lives in Plymouth.

Maritime Academy's Ground-Breaking ceremony

Maritime Academy opened to students in September 2022, temporarily located in Twydall…
TSAT schools launch first large pupil voice event to benefit 12,000 young people across the country

TSAT schools launch first large pupil voice event to benefit 12,000 young people across the country

Young people representing 21 schools within the multi-academy trust joined together for our first ever pupil voice event.
Gardner's World: Long Service, Shaping Portsmouth, Young Voices Choir

Gardner's World: Long Service, Shaping Portsmouth, Young Voices Choir [Archive]

Furzeham Primary School travelled over 200 miles to sing at the world's largest student choir in Birmingham…

Top of the class: Goodwin Academy students pass with flying colours

Twelve Goodwin Academy students are celebrating after graduating from the Brilliant Club’s Scholars Programme at Imperial College London.
Penbridge Junior School awarded Advanced Thinking School by the University of Exeter

Penbridge Junior School is awarded prestigious Advanced Thinking School Accreditation for second time

Penbridge Junior School ( PJS) is a proud member of the high-performing Thinking Schools Academy Trust…
Brixham College holds science spectacular for hundreds of Torbay school children

Brixham College holds science spectacular for hundreds of Torbay school children

More than 600 children enjoyed the two-day Wonderstruck science show in January and left amazed and inspired about the wonders of physics and chemistry.
Paula and search dog Amber make the most formidable rescue team

Paula and search dog Amber make the most formidable rescue team

But it’s an important job carried out by the skilled rescuers who give up their spare time to protect those who find themselves in danger.

Plympton students shine in the spotlight for impressive production of Matilda

The high-energy performance held at the college’s modern and vibrant auditorium saw young people from the school and sixth form come together for the show.

Gardner's World: Happy New Year [Archive]

As I look to the year ahead, I see a landscape of opportunity to deepen our connections within the communities we serve…

#WeAreOne: Celebrating Black History Month [Archive]

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust came together for our first #WeAreOne event of the 2022/2023 academic year, by celebrating Black History and Culture.

Penbridge Infant School celebrates new playground with special guests after £90,000 investment

The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Councillor Hugh Mason, the Lady Mayoress Marie Costa, and Councillor Suzy Horton the Cabinet Member for Children, Families…

Moorings Way Infant School in Portsmouth received an amazing donation from Tesco last week… a box full of brand new Christmas jumpers!

One of the school’s kind parents works for Tesco and asked her store to give Moorings Way the jumpers for children to enjoy later this year.
Kent Teach of the Year Thinking Schools Academy Trust

Kent Teacher of the Year Awards are back!

This year, the awards are open to celebrate all of the people who work in the education system…

Year 12 students from Rochester Grammar win the Bar Mock Trial Regional Heat competition.

The Bar Mock Trial Competition is designed to help young people, aged 15 to 18 years old, understand how the law touches every aspect of their lives…

Wishing Marion Browning a wonderful retirement after 26 years!

Marion Browning took an inspiring and unconventional journey to her position as Headteacher at All Faiths Children’s Academy, on Gun Lane…

Gardner's World: Christmas Edition 2022 [Archive]

Across the Trust this December, we have been spreading festive joy in our schools and offices.

New Horizons celebrates being awarded Eco Schools Green Flag

Eco Schools, a national programme that provides schools with an educational framework about being more eco-friendly…

LC Recchia is appointed as Lord Lieutenant Cadet for Kent

Andrea, who attends Holcombe Grammar School, was recently named a Lord Lieutenant Cadet ( LLC) of Kent’s Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets.

Plympton Academy boxer is more determined than ever for bright future following big win

Shay Bell, 15, who is in Year 11 at Plympton Academy, which is a member of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust…
Rochester Grammar School delighted to gain reaccreditation as an Advanced Thinking School

Rochester Grammar School delighted to gain reaccreditation as an Advanced Thinking School

As part of the Trust…

Holcombe Grammar becomes an Advanced Thinking School

As part of the Trust, we take pride in our unique and effective approach to learning and education.
Deputy CEO of Thinking Schools Academy Trust receives ISBL’s award for exceptional contribution to education

Deputy CEO Lee Miller MBE wins award for exceptional contribution to education

We are honoured to work alongside such a dedicated and inspiring individual…
Celebrations all round as New Horizons is awarded Thinking School accreditation

Celebrations all round as New Horizons is awarded Thinking School accreditation

As part of the Trust, New Horizons Primary School has a unique and effective approach to learning and education.

The Portsmouth Academy celebrates prestigious Artsmark Award

Artsmark is the only creative quality standard for schools, accredited by Arts Council England.
Penbridge Infant 'Good' Ofsted Inspection

Penbridge continues to be ‘Good’, says Ofsted, with school branded as “welcoming” place to be

The inspection was their first since the school – formally known as Penhale Infant – merged with the former Newbridge Junior School to become Penbridge.

Gordon Children’s Academy maintains ‘Good’ school rating from Ofsted

We are thrilled to to see the school have received a highly complimentary report by the Ofsted Inspector and maintained their Good rating for both Infant and…
Remembrance Day 2022

Remembrance Day 2022

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust commemorated and honoured the armed forces who gave their lives serving their country during the First World War and in all…
Our Trust’s Deputy CEO joins the team of judges for the MAT Excellence Awards

Our Trust’s Deputy CEO joins the team of judges for the MAT Excellence Awards

Lee will be part of a panel of experienced judges who will provide a thorough evaluation of all nominations received and agree on a winner in each of the…

Thinking Schools Academy Trust is proud to welcome Furzeham Primary and Nursery to our family of schools.

This week, we are celebrating the staff and children at Furzeham Primary and Nursery School, as they formally join the Thinking Schools Academy.

Celebrating Our Trust: September 2022, Edition 19 is out!

Welcome to the 19th edition of Our Trust! click here to read“ Firstly, I am delighted to welcome several new schools to our Trust.
Thinking Food Launches at Brixham College!

Thinking Food Launches at Brixham College!

We are incredibly proud to have launched our very own catering service at Brixham College: Thinking Food!

Our thoughts are with the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty The Queen

Our sincere condolences are extended on behalf of The Thinking Schools Academy Trust for the passing of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II.
Meet the teachers supporting students’ great achievements using the Microsoft Reading Progress app

Meet the teachers supporting students’ great achievements using the Microsoft Reading Progress app

Teachers from The Portsmouth Academy have helped increase the average reading age for some Year 7 pupils by more than 5 months after they introduced the…
This week we are proud to officially welcome Brixham College to Our Trust

This week we are proud to officially welcome Brixham College to Our Trust

Over the last 12 months Thinking Schools Academy Trust has been working alongside Brixham College on their journey to join our Trust this September 2022.
Maritime Academy opens to its first students

Maritime Academy opens to its first students

We are proud to open this Secondary School to deliver a transformative education to young people in Strood and Medway.
Possibilities are endless for students who collect positive exam results

Possibilities are endless for students who collect positive exam results

This summer, students across the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, came together to collect their exam results.
The Portsmouth Academy continues to be ‘Good’ following its first inspection since pandemic

The Portsmouth Academy continues to be ‘Good’ following its first inspection since pandemic

Staff and pupils at The Portsmouth Academy are celebrating their ‘Good’ rating by Ofsted following its first inspection since the pandemic and welcoming all…

Schools in Chatham Celebrate Advanced Thinking School Status!

There’s a lot to celebrate at the Thinking Schools Academy Trust as The Victory Academy and New Horizon’s Children’s Academy, two of our Chatham Schools…

Children from New Horizons in Portsmouth enjoy Mini-Olympics for first time

Children from New Horizons Primary School recently ran, threw, jumped, and danced as they competed in their first Mini-Olympics.
Maritime Academy welcome Year 7 Students for their Induction Day

Maritime Academy welcome Year 7 Students for their Induction Day

On the 7th July, the founding cohort of Maritime Academy we were welcomed to their school for the first time.

Staff take centre stage to bring smiles and laughter to thousands of children

Children from across the Thinking Schools Academy Trust have been entertained by staff who recently performed in our Trust’s Got Talent contest… and the…

Children jump for joy as celebrity announces their win in Trust talent show

Children from Moorings Way Infant School, Portsmouth…

From talent performances to trying something new, TSArTs week offered something for all

The pop stars, poets and painters of the future enjoyed a week of creative activities during the Thinking Schools Academy Trust’s Arts week recently.
Top teachers have once again shone a spotlight on the Trust’s drive to transform life chances for young people at an awards ceremony.  

In the spotlight! Top teachers shout about mission to transform life chances at awards

Top teachers have once again shone a spotlight on the Trust’s drive to transform life chances for young people at an awards ceremony.
Dr Ranj, Visits The Gordon Children’s Academy!

Former Student and Celebrity, Dr Ranj, Visits The Gordon Children’s Academy!

Children at The Gordon Children’s Academy were beyond excited to welcome celebrity doctor, TV personality and former Gordon pupil, Dr Ranj Singh…
Plymouth high school shortlisted for youth parliament

Three exceptional students at Plymouth High School, shortlisted for Youth Parliament

The Youth Parliament is run by the Local Authority as a way to bring students from across the wider community together and empower them to use their voices to…

The Portsmouth Academy celebrates UNICEF Rights Respecting School Bronze Award

The Portsmouth Academy is part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust and shares a commitment…

Our Medway Schools Participate in Light Festival

Medway Light Nights was a brilliant festival of light held in Rochester High Street last week.