Welcome from the CEO
Welcome from the CEO
Embedded Files
As we reach the end of another successful year at Wickersley Partnership Trust, I am delighted to reflect on everything our students, staff and wider school communities have achieved together. Throughout the year, we have celebrated countless moments of success, with our young people demonstrating resilience, ambition and creativity both inside and outside the classroom.
In this newsletter, you'll find just a snapshot of the inspiring opportunities and achievements from across our Trust. From academic accomplishments and sporting success to performing arts and enrichment activities, these stories showcase the talent, dedication and hard work of everyone involved.
At WPT, our vision remains the same: we aim to send all young people into an ever-changing world, able and qualified to play their full part in it.The achievements featured in these pages are a testament to that commitment and to the supportive environments our schools continue to provide.
Thank you for your ongoing support throughout the year. I hope you enjoy reading about the many successes we have celebrated, and I wish you and your families a safe, restful and well-deserved summer break.
Helen O'Brien
Performing Arts
Performing Arts
At Wickersley Partnership Trust, we are proud to offer a rich and inspiring Performing Arts curriculum that nurtures confidence, creativity and self-expression in our students. Students are given opportunities to express themselves and broaden their horizons, in a supportive environment. By engaging in Performing Arts, students not only develop their technical ability, but also increase their self-belief, resilience and sense of achievement – all of which support them far beyond the classroom.
Pantomimes/Summer Shows
Pantomimes/Summer Shows
Our secondary schools host pantomimes and various shows every year. The staff and students work tirelessly to put on their best performances every time. This year, we were treated to:
Clifton Community School - Jingle Bell Jam & Performing Arts Showcase
Rawmarsh Community School - Frozen Jr
The Gainsborough Academy - Matilda the Musical
Thrybergh Academy - Dick Whittington
Wickersley School and Sports College - Beauty and the Beast
WPT Awarded Music Mark Status
WPT Awarded Music Mark Status
This year, WPT was awarded Music Mark of Recognition for Ambition and Quality in Music Education for the 2025/26 academic year – a testament to our Trust’s commitment to providing exceptional and inclusive Music opportunities across our schools.
The Music Mark of Recognition is a new national programme from Music Mark, the UK’s leading organisation for Music education. The programme celebrates schools and Trusts that demonstrate a strong commitment to high-quality, inclusive Music provision and a belief in the value of Music as part of every young person’s education.
Movement Festivals
Movement Festivals
In June, some of our Trust Schools took part in the Reach Movement Festival 2026, in partnership with School Games, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Flux and the National Year of Reading 2026. The event took place at Rotherham Civic Theatre.
Students took part in dances to celebrate reading, whilst inspiring creativity and self-expression. Well done to all the students who took part and performed to a large audience on stage. The Festival also included a dance workshop led by Gemini Dance, heard from professionals at Hype Dance about careers in the creative industries and explored a range of pathways including choreography, performance, costume design and stage direction.
Earlier in the year, Wickersley School and Sports College put on their annual Movement Festival, which saw 235 performers take to the stage - the biggest festival to date. Well done to all the students, across all age groups, who took part - we can't wait for next year's!
Young Musician of the Year
Young Musician of the Year
Every year, our Trust celebrates the outstanding musical talent of our young people with our Young Musician of the Year competition. This year, we had more entries than ever; splitting our Secondary entries over two nights: vocalists and intrumentalists.
Our Primary students will take part in their own competition early in the Autumn term, so keep an eye out for that.
Congratulations to all finalists who took part and represented their schools so brilliantly. The WPT Young Musician of the Year Final once again proved to be a highlight of the school calendar, with audience members already looking forward to next year’s competition.
Primary Music
Primary Music
On the 16th and 17th of June, students from all eight of our Primary Schools took part in the daytime Rotherham One Voice celebrations at Magna Science Adventure Centre.
They performed alongside a live orchestra, singing a programme of magic‑themed songs with confidence and enthusiasm. Throughout the event, WPT pupils represented the Trust exceptionally well, demonstrating focus, teamwork, and exemplary behaviour. It was a memorable celebration of music and community, and a fantastic showcase of the talent across our Trust.
Sports
Sports
As part of our Entitlement and Enrichment promise, we are committed to giving all students the chance to grow in confidence, develop new skills and explore a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom - including through sport. Our students take part in so many different sporting activities throughout the year - from cricket competitions and skipping festivals, to our school and Trust Sports Days. We understand the importance physical education can have on our students' physical, mental, academic and social development, and we're incredibly proud of every student that has taken part in a sporting activity this year.
Colour Run
Colour Run
Back in May, Rawmarsh Community School exploded with colour as it played host to the annual School Games Colour Run, in support of Rotherham Hospice. Schools from across our Trust and the Rotherham Borough took part in the event, s
Over 1000 primary and 300 secondary students ran multiple laps of the 500-metre course while volunteers covered them in colourful paint powder along the way.
The event has helped to raise an incredible £18,554 for Rotherham Hospice - the largest ever total raised at a School Games Colour Run. The money raised will help to provide funding for the Hospice to continue its vital work - providing care for those facing terminal illnesses across the borough.
WPT Sports Day
WPT Sports Day
On Thursday 25th June, Y7-9 students from across Wickersley Partnership Trust came together for a fantastic day of sport, teamwork and school spirit.
The day included a range of athletics activities at Herringthorpe Stadium, including discus, high jump and sprinting. Well done to everyone who took part!
A big thank you to our student volunteers and all who took part. Sports Day was a great example of the unity and energy that defines WPT.
Careers
Careers
At all of our schools, our number one priority is preparing students for life. There is nothing more important than ensuring they leave us equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to play a full and active role in society – and to contribute towards improving it.
A key part of that is making sure our young people are fully prepared for the world of work, understand the opportunities available to them after education, and know how to realise their full potential.
This year, 850 students in Y7 attended a day at Skills Street to experience the world of work through interactive, hands-on activities. Throughout the day, students experienced careers in the aerospace industry, engineering, the NHS, performing arts, and construction, taking part in practical challenges such as solving engineering problems, performing CPR, creating short performances, and working together on construction tasks.
Rawmarsh Ashwood Awarded Careers Mark
Rawmarsh Ashwood Awarded Careers Mark
We are proud to share that Rawmarsh Ashwood Primary School has been officially awarded the Career Mark Certificate for Commitment – by Complete Careers – recognising the ongoing work to embed high-quality careers education and guidance across the school.
This achievement reflects Ashwood and Wickersley Partnership Trust’s approach to raising aspirations, ensuring that every child begins to understand the world of work and the opportunities available to them from an early age.
First Aid
First Aid
We’re committed to helping our students, staff and wider community develop essential life skills. One key part of this is first aid training – something we’ve delivered for many years in partnership with First Aid Schools.
From EYFS to Sixth Form, first aid sessions have been held in every school and year group. This ranges from topics like 'how to call 999' and 'helping your friends when they're hurt' to CPR and responding to major bleeds. I'm sure you'll be able to say something good about this, but the sessions teach students the life-saving skills needed to act in an emergency situation! 180 members of staff have achieved a First Aid qualification this year, and we've also helped 31 parents/carers gain a First Aid qualification.
We are working to develop a continuous and sustainable programme of first aid and mental health first aid across all of our primary and secondary schools. Our aim is to deliver subject-specific first aid, linked to real-life situations students may encounter, making the training meaningful and relevant to their everyday lives.
Bleed Kits Donation
Bleed Kits Donation
This year, all schools across our Trust received specialist Bleed Kits, which were generously donated by our long-standing partner, First Aid Schools. These kits offer vital support in the event of a major injury, enabling immediate intervention whilst waiting for emergency services.
The donation marks another important step in our ongoing commitment to keeping students, staff and visitors safe.
Extracurricular
Extracurricular
Our broad extracurricular offering enhances our enrichment opportunities by helping students develop new skills, build confidence, and foster a sense of belonging beyond the classroom.
In 25/26, across our secondary schools students have attended over 140 clubs on offer, including Science Club, Warhammer, Netball, Football and Spikeball.
Over 1580 students have attended an extracurricular activity this year!
In School...
In School...
Each curriculum area intends to grow mini subject specialists through the development of the subject knowledge and skills. Student knowledge and essential learning skills go hand in hand. Our curriculum seeks to equip students with the understanding of how to develop themselves as well rounded citizens and maintain healthy relationships; to enrich and broaden their horizons, both in their cultural capital and future aspirations.
English
English
This year, all the secondary schools across our Trust came together to host a poetry competition for our Year 7 and Year 8 students. The theme of the competition was 'Memory', encouraging students to reflect on experiences and moments that have shaped their lives. The standard of writing in the competition was very high, and as a reward for their hard work, the winners were invited to Grimm & Co in Rotherham for a poetry workshop. Well done to all the winners and everyone who took part!
Geography
Geography
At Wickersley Partnership Trust, we believe learning is enriched through first-hand experiences. Throughout the year, students across all key stages have taken part in a wide range of geography fieldwork, both on school sites and beyond the classroom as part of our Enrichment Promise. From investigating school microclimates, carbon storage and heat resilience, to visiting the Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurdwara in Sheffield and completing river and urban fieldwork, students have developed practical geographical skills while deepening their understanding of the world around them. Year 10 students explored the impact of regeneration in Sheffield and Lincoln city centres, while Year 11 geographers visited Hornsea to investigate the effectiveness of coastal management strategies through hands-on fieldwork.
Our post-16 students have also benefited from exciting opportunities beyond the classroom. Year 12 geographers carried out fieldwork in the Peak District, working alongside the National Trust to investigate carbon sequestration and river processes, before completing a residential visit to the Cranedale Centre in North Yorkshire. There, they explored the changing landscapes of Scarborough and Flamborough Head, developing the knowledge and skills needed for their Non-Examined Assessment. These experiences not only bring geography to life but also build confidence, curiosity and essential fieldwork skills. We look forward to introducing even more fieldwork opportunities for Years 7 and 9 next year.
MFL
MFL
It has been another exciting year for Modern Languages across Wickersley Partnership Trust, with students taking part in a wide range of enrichment opportunities that brought language learning to life. Students enjoyed overseas visits to Madrid and Amiens, as well as a tapas experience in Doncaster, using their language skills in real-life situations while learning about different cultures. Across the Trust, students also took part in Government Language Outreach Programme and Futbolingo webinars, heard from language professionals, and, at Wickersley, worked with Modern Languages undergraduates from the University of Sheffield and visited the university to explore future opportunities.
Every secondary school welcomed native-speaking actors from Onatti Productions to perform French and Spanish plays, while students with a home language other than English were once again given the opportunity to gain a GCSE in their first language, with more than 50 students completing the qualification. Alongside lunchtime clubs, film studies, European Day of Languages celebrations and opportunities to support primary transition events, these experiences have helped students build confidence, develop cultural understanding and see the value of languages beyond the classroom. We look forward to providing even more enriching opportunities next year.
History
History
From 27th to 30th March, 40 Year 8 and 9 students visited the First World War battlefields in Belgium and France. The students stayed in Ypres, and visited key sites including the Somme, Lochnagar Crater, Thiepval, Newfoundland Memorial Park, Vimy Ridge and Tyne Cot Cemetery, where they learned about the events of the First World War and the experiences of the soldiers who fought there. The trip concluded at the Menin Gate for the Last Post ceremony, where three students, Ann, Arthur and James, had the honour of laying a wreath on behalf of the school.
In April, Y9 students Historians from Thrybergh Academy visited London! Firstly, the students explored the historic Tower of London including meeting their famous Ravens and talking to Beefeaters. After exploring, the students moved through London to watch a live performance of SIX the musical. There was plenty of dancing and sing along as the students explored the Tudor period through the story of 'Her-story.'
RE
RE
At Wickersley Partnership Trust, we believe that visiting places of worship is a valuable experience that helps students deepen their understanding of different beliefs beyond the classroom.
This year, students across the Trust have taken part in enriching RE experiences that have deepened their understanding of different faiths and global issues.
Year 7 visited mosques in Sheffield and Lincoln to explore Islamic beliefs and practices.
Year 8 took trips to Sikh Gurdwaras, learning about worship, community, and sharing a meal in the Langar Hall.
Year 9 worked with the National Holocaust Museum to explore responsibility, justice, and life after liberation.
Y9s also attended a Worldviews Panel hearing from representatives of Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Humanist communities about how their beliefs shape their lives.
Year 10 joined an online workshop with the National Holocaust Museum, examining the question, Who was responsible for the Holocaust, and what does that mean for us today? This complemented their GCSE study of whether religion makes peace or causes war.
Our RE Ambassadors have taken part in a range of activities this year, supporting their own learning and the wider school community. They created friendship bracelets for Interfaith Week, joined the Year 9 Worldviews Panel to explore faith and identity, developed RE resources for local primary schools, and are now creating entries for the Spirited Arts Competition.
In June, our Director of RE presented at the RE:Generation joint conference between AREIAC (Association of Advisors and Inspectors for RE) and ALURE (Associaton of University Lecturers). She shared the findings of the positive impact our Year 9 worldviews panel.
School Report
School Report
During the Spring term, some of our Y5-9 students got a chance to take part in the WPT School Report, delivered by our Media Team. The aim of the project was to give students from across all 13 of our schools the opportunity to use their voice on the topical subjects that matter the most to them, by creating either a video, podcast or new article.
Take a look at the showcase of the students’ work here:
SEND
SEND
At WPT, we believe that all children and young people are entitled to an education that enables them to make progress in order to develop their social, cognitive, cultural, emotional and physical skills to achieve their best and become confident individuals in an ever-changing society.
This year, more than 900 child-facing colleagues from across our Trust came together at Magna Science Adventure Centre for our first WPT SEND Conference, ‘Understanding Neurodiversity’ – a significant moment in our shared journey towards more inclusive practice.
The day was designed to deepen our understanding, challenge our thinking and strengthen our collective commitment to children and young people with SEND.
Y6 Transition
Y6 Transition
The importance of a good start to secondary school education cannot be overemphasised. Our transition programme ensures that we embed the learning habits that will stand our students in good stead for their future academic studies. e believe that all students joining us in Year 7 should understand the core values and expectations of the school, experience the sense of school community and be familiar with the school site, key staff and peers.
This year, we've had the following number of students take part in our Transition days:
CCS - 179
RCS - 174
TA - 91
TGA - 163
WSSC - 334
Residentials
Residentials
Across June, our Year 6 students took part in the WPT Residentials, a key part of our Enrichment and Entitlement Promise, and our wider transition programme. The children enjoyed an action-packed trip, including a day at Ulley Reservoir where they took part in a range of outdoor activities such as kayaking, den-building and archery. They also visited Rufford Abbey Country Park, exploring the beautiful surroundings on a scenic walk and taking part in an exciting duck hunt through the woodland. And, finally, they camped overnight at our Cranworth site and spent quality time with their friends.
Pupils built resilience, teamwork, and friendships, while enjoying a range of adventurous experiences - all provided free of charge.
A huge thank you to all the staff who made this year's residentials such a success!
Y6 Prom
Y6 Prom
Year 6 pupils from across WPT came together at the end of June for a fantastic Prom celebration.
The event, part of our wider transition programme, gave pupils a chance to reconnect with friends made during the free WPT Residential and enjoy an evening of fun, dancing, and celebration.
A huge thank you to all staff and contributors for making this memorable, cost-free event possible.
Celebrations and Memories
Celebrations and Memories
Y11 Proms
Y11 Proms
As the academic year ends, our secondary schools marked a major milestone with memorable Y11 Prom Nights.
Students and staff came together to celebrate five years of hard work, with awards, meals, discos, and photobooths provided by the WPT Media Team.
More than just a celebration, the proms recognised the values and character our students have developed.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 - we’re proud of all you’ve achieved and wish you the very best for the future!
Sports Awards
Sports Awards
This year’s Sports Awards at Wickersley, Rawmarsh, and Thrybergh celebrated the achievements, progress, and dedication of our students across a wide range of sports.
From individual honours to team success, each event recognised not just performance, but the values of respect, fairness, and teamwork.
Thank you to our amazing PE staff for making it all possible, and congratulations to every student who received an award!
Awards Assemblies
Awards Assemblies
Over the last few weeks of term, our secondary schools have celebrated students' achievements through our End of Year Awards Assemblies.
These events recognised academic success, personal growth, and positive contributions to school life - reflecting the values of The School Ways and the key skills our students develop, including independence, responsibility, and resilience.
Education & Teaching Awards
Education & Teaching Awards
WPT Celebrates Success at the MAT Excellence Awards
WPT Celebrates Success at the MAT Excellence Awards
Wickersley Partnership Trust is honoured to have been named Highly Commended in the Wellbeing Trust of the Year category at the MAT Excellence Awards.
This national recognition celebrates our whole-Trust approach to supporting both students and staff across 13 schools, additional resource provisions and our Central Team. It reflects our commitment to providing a wide-ranging and inclusive wellbeing offer that enables everyone to achieve their best.
WPT Teachers receive Certificate of Excellence
WPT Teachers receive Certificate of Excellence
We’re delighted to share that several teachers across Wickersley Partnership Trust both teaching and support colleagues – have been nominated and recognised in this year’s Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Janice Thompson, Teacher at Wickersley School and Sports College, was named a Bronze Winner in the Lifetime Achievement category – a fantastic recognition of her dedication and contribution to education over the years.
These awards celebrate the dedication, passion and commitment of staff who go above and beyond to make a real difference in the lives of our students. Congratulations to all nominees and recipients – we’re incredibly proud of the exceptional work happening across our classrooms.
WPT Shortlisted for SEND Award
WPT Shortlisted for SEND Award
We’re proud to share that our Trust has been shortlisted for the SEND Excellent Award at the School & Trust Leadership Awards.
This nomination reflects a shared approach across all 13 schools, where SEND provision is woven into everyday practice, and inclusion is shaped through strong relationships, trauma-informed approaches and consistent Trust-wide development. It also recognises the impact of our Additional Resource Provisions, designed to strengthen pathways back into mainstream learning and support every learner to feel seen, understood and able to succeed.
Success at the National School Awards
Success at the National School Awards
We are incredibly proud that Lee Rushforth, our Director of Estates, has been honoured in the National School Awards for Estates Management of the Year.
The ceremony took place in December at the House of Lords in London, where he and other inspiring education leaders celebrated excellence and innovation across the sector.
Lee received the award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and transformational impact across our Trust’s 13 schools and integrated resources – many of which serve communities in some of the most deprived areas of the country.
Since joining WPT several years ago, Lee has delivered an ambitious programme of estates improvements that have strengthened sustainability, enhanced learning environments and ensured safer, more efficient day-to-day operations for staff and students.
Staff Development
Staff Development
This year, WPT has supported 44 Early Career Teachers (ECTs) across our primary and secondary schools. We’re pleased to report that all ECTs currently in school are on track to successfully complete their induction years.
Thank you to all staff involved in mentoring, supporting and developing the next generation of teachers.
Staff Wellbeing
Staff Wellbeing
The wellbeing of our staff and students is of utmost importance to us at WPT. This year we launched our Wellbeing Charter; our commitment to a supportive and rewarding workplace for all our staff.
We have also continued with our Wellbeing Events for our staff members, to be able to take part in an activity designed to help them relax and have fun together after work. This year, our Wellbeing team have helped to put on 4 events:
Pumpkin carving
Wreath making
Easter Sweet Treat making, and;
Summer Sip & Paint event
We look forward to seeing what next year brings, and welcoming more colleagues to our wellbeing events!
Supporting our Local Communities
Supporting our Local Communities
WPT Relaunches Uniform Bank
WPT Relaunches Uniform Bank
This term, WPT was proud to relaunch our Uniform Bank - a new initiative designed to support families across our Trust by providing access to good-quality school uniform and other essential items, free of charge.
We are asking for the support of our communities to help us build a stock of uniform items that can benefit students across our schools.
Every donation, no matter how small, will help us create a sustainable resource that supports students throughout the year.
Donations can be dropped off at any of our schools reception during the school day or at the following drop-off events:
Friday 24th July | 11am – 2pm | Cutler’s Hall, Sheffield
Saturday 25th July | 11am – 2pm | Cranworth Road Centre, Rotherham
If you have any questions about donating, please contact uniformbank@wickersleypt.org.
Fundraising across our Schools
Fundraising across our Schools
Supporting our local communities is a key focus across Wickersley Partnership Trust, with students and staff coming together to raise thousands of pounds for important charitable causes.
Schools across the Trust showed incredible creativity and community spirit in support of the Pride of Yorkshire fundraiser for Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity. Together, we raised an outstanding £8,986 through a range of fundraising activities. As part of the charity's biggest fundraising campaign to date, students across several of our schools designed and painted their own lion cub sculptures. Monkwood hosted a Sponsored Safari Treasure Hunt, encouraging teamwork, problem-solving and outdoor adventure, while Aston Hall held a sponsored neon danceathon, with staff and students dancing throughout the day to raise money for the charity.
At Christmas, the students from Monkwood Primary School took part in a Reindeer Run, raising £8,000 for Rotherham Hospice. The staff from Monkwood Primary School also took part in the Rotherham Hospice Midnight Walk. Staff completed the 10km walk around Rotherham, raising vital funds to support the hospice and the care it provides to local families. Together, they raised almost £1,600, demonstrating once again the generosity, compassion and community spirit that runs throughout our Trust.
Ashwood Students Spread Community Joy
Ashwood Students Spread Community Joy
Rawmarsh Ashwood Primary School students are continuing to make a difference in the community through a long-standing partnership with Broadacres Care Home.
The partnership started back in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when Ashwood students became pen pals with residents who were unable to receive visitors due to lockdown restrictions.
What began as handwritten letters of kindness soon developed into regular in-person visits, and they’re now an established and much-loved part of school life.
The collaboration is now a structured and sustained programme that runs throughout the academic year. Each half term, a different year group visits Broadacres to take part in a variety of shared experiences.
Interested in working with WPT? You can find all our vacancies on our Recruitment Portal here.
Alumni
Alumni
Did you attend one of our Trust schools?
Can you help us inspire the next generation by sharing your post-secondary school experience story?
No matter the route you took after school, or how long it is since you left, we’d love to hear from you.
As part of our Careers Entitlement, we want to feed our students with as much information as we can so that they leave their schools and Wickersley Partnership Trust able and qualified to play their full part in the world.
And who’s better to help us raise aspirations than those who have been in their shoes?
Interested? Please fill out the form below:
Previous Newsletters
Previous Newsletters
Want to see everything else that we've been up to across our Trust this year?
Take a look at the links below 👇
Page updated
Report abuse