Cambrian Learning Trust

Wantage Teaching Assistant shortlisted for prestigious TES Award

Wantage Church of England Primary School is celebrating after one of its valued team members, Leanne Tomlin, has been shortlisted for a national award recognising excellence in education.

Wantage Teaching Assistant shortlisted for prestigious TES Award Wantage CE Primary School is celebrating after one of its valued team members, Leanne Tomlin, has been shortlisted for a national award recognising excellence in education. Leanne has been named as one of just eight finalists across the UK for the 'Teaching Assistant of the Year' category in the TES Schools Awards 2026. The awards celebrate the very best staff and schools from across the country and are widely recognised as one of the most prestigious events in the education calendar. Headteacher Andy Browne said: "We are delighted to announce that Leanne Tomlin has been shortlisted for the TES Schools Awards 2026 in the category of 'Teaching Assistant of the Year'. This is an incredible achievement, as only eight candidates are selected from across the UK. It is amazing people like Leanne, that make our school such a very special place to be." Leanne's nomination reflects her exceptional commitment to pupils and her role as a dedicated and inspiring practitioner who consistently goes above and beyond to support children's learning and wellbeing. Her application was supported by testimonials from colleagues across the school, as well as external recognition, including from the school lead at Ruth Miskin Training. Assistant Headteacher Zoe Pike added: "This is such a well-deserved recognition for an outstanding practitioner who goes above and beyond every day. Leanne is truly an unsung hero of the school, and we are incredibly proud to see her work recognised on a national stage." Richard Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Cambrian Learning Trust, said: "This is fantastic news and a moment of real pride for the whole Trust. Leanne's recognition reflects our shared mission of nurturing growth and inspiring minds, building firm foundations for excellence and empowering every individual to shine. We are thrilled to see her recognised at a national level and wish her every success in the final." The TES Schools Awards will take place later this year in London, where winners will be announced at a national celebration of excellence in education.

THE BIG BOOK SHARE Open to all pupils across Cambrian Learning Trust schools To mark the National Year of Reading and the very first wantage children's books Festival, we are thrilled to launch our Big Book Share! As a special farewell gift, Trustee Beth Taylor has very kindly gifted each of our primary schools copies of three fantastic books (pictured). Beth is stepping down from her role and what a wonderful way to leave a lasting legacy of reading across the Trust! Thank you Beth. Now it's over to you! Pupils, reading clubs, and whole classes are invited to bring these stories to life by creating something inspired by what they've read. Will you write a poem? Create eye-catching artwork, a character profile, or a brilliant review? The possibilities are endless, let your imagination lead the way! All entries will be proudly displayed at the Festival on 30th May in the Beacon, alongside your school logos, for visiting authors and guests to enjoy. Please send or drop off your creations to the Beacon by Friday 22nd May, or email kdaniell@cambrianlt.org if you need help arranging collection. We can't wait to see what you create! Wantage Children's Books Festival is an absolutely FREE event on Saturday 30th May with top authors doing talks. There are still tickets available, particularly for Jonathan Stroud (10+), Iszi Lawrence (7+) and Wendy Shearer (6+). Please do get your free tickets for these events.

Outstanding Talent Shines at Cambrian Learning Trust Performing Arts Festival

On Wednesday 22nd April, King Alfred's Academy hosted the first Wantage and Abingdon Performing Arts Festival celebrating talent from across Cambrian Learning Trust schools.

Just a little reminder that this is happening tonight!

On Wednesday 22nd April, King Alfred's Academy hosted the first Wantage and Abingdon Performing Arts Festival celebrating talent from across Cambrian Learning Trust schools. Family members and staff enjoyed a vibrant programme of eight performances from seven schools, featuring an exciting mix of live music, soloists, singers, dancers and a choir. The range of acts showcased the wealth of talent the Trust has to offer and the sense of enjoyment, bravery and accomplishment every performer showed was remarkable to watch. The time and dedication of both the staff and pupils shone through. Paul Chadwick, Trust Enrichment Lead said: "The Performing Arts Festival is one of the key events in our calendar every year. Now as Cambrian, it has been brilliant to bring the event to Wantage and Abingdon for the first time. As a Trust we want to celebrate all of the performing arts and by hosting this event we are highlighting the importance of the arts across our Trust. The event was incredible and it shows how much talent we have in our schools - we have seen some future stars perform on stage!" Joe Moore, one of the lead organisers for the event said: "Thank you so much to everyone who came to this first Performing Arts Festival. The effort, talent, variety and quality on display was amazing. The children should be so proud and what a confidence boost for them all!." Richard Evans, CEO Cambrian Learning Trust said: "Events like our Performing Arts Festival truly capture the spirit of Cambrian Learning Trust. We are committed to ensuring every young person has the opportunity to discover and develop their talents, build confidence, and feel a strong sense of belonging". Enrichment at Cambrian Learning Trust focuses on empowering every student to discover their passions and build confidence whilst providing diverse opportunities that inspire curiosity, develop character and nurture talents. The schools who took part were King Alfred's Academy, Charlton Primary School, Millbrook Primary School, St James CE Primary School, Thameside Primary School, Wantage CE Primary School and The Elms Primary School.

Amazing news! Congratulations

Calling our Cambrian Community: A live online session held on Microsoft Teams and led by the Trust Head of Inclusion and Trust SEND Lead, designed to help you understand the SEND White Paper in a little more detail. The brief session will offer a great opportunity to hear a clear summary of the key points, learn how the proposals could affect support for children and families, and think about any questions you may have. #SendWhitePaper