We are delighted to publish the FFET Autumn Term 1 Newsletter, showcasing some of the incredible work taking place across the Trust.

This edition highlights a term full of inspiring moments, including pupils meeting the Prime Minister, a Trust-wide conference, Be More events, international partnerships, and the everyday achievements happening across our classrooms, schools, and communities.

In September 2025, the Trust held its annual conference, bringing together staff from across all schools within the Trust to celebrate and explore our shared purpose, culture, and approach.

The event provided an invaluable opportunity for collaboration, reflection, and professional growth.

Staff took part in a series of workshops exploring this year’s theme, focusing on how our shared values and consistent practice can continue to drive improvement and success across the Trust.

Pupils from Ellesmere Port C of E College (EPC) had an incredible opportunity to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer this September, ahead of the Labour Party Conference, taking place in Liverpool.

Our students were invited to take part in the event, where the Prime Minister answered questions on the landmark Hillsborough Law, which the government laid before Parliament in September.

During the meeting, pupils ad the opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversation with the Prime Minister on a range of important topics, including their local community, student finance, and education.

Students from Birches Head Academy, Ellesmere Port C of E College and Handforth Grange have returned from an unforgettable one-week immersive experience in Chengdu, China.

The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with Chinese culture, education, and history, fostering global connections and personal growth.

Last week, pupils from Birches Head Academy (BHA) delivered an unforgettable performance of Matilda Jr The Musical on the 26th and 27th of March 2025, bringing Roald Dahl’s beloved tale to the stage.

Students from across the academy amazed audiences with their remarkable acting, singing, and dancing, showcasing months of hard work. Under the direction of the performing arts department, the production featured impressive choreography, captivating set designs and musical numbers that had the audience singing along.

The grand final of the Frank Field Education Trust (FFET) 500 Word Competition was held on 26th March 2025 at Cranage Estate, celebrating the incredible creativity and imagination of young writers from Ellesmere Port C of E College, Birches Head Academy, and Handforth Grange Primary School.

This exciting event highlighted the winning stories from students spanning a range of age categories, all exploring the theme of "Extraordinary."

Birches Head Academy (BHA) is pleased to share its most recent Ofsted inspection report, which took place on 28 January 2025. The school received positive feedback regarding its ongoing improvements and commitment to providing a high standard of education.

The report acknowledged the school’s dedication to addressing previous recommendations, particularly in areas such as behaviour and attendance. Inspectors found that “there has been a focus on improving the culture across the school and creating a calm, safe environment for all. Pupils and staff know that the bar has been raised… and that expectations are high.”

Pupils from Ellesmere Port C of E College, Birches Head Academy and Handforth Grange Primary School are preparing for an unforgettable educational and cultural journey to Chengdu in China. Departing on 22th March 2025, this immersive trip promises to broaden their horizons through a series of enriching cultural experiences.

The week-long itinerary is packed with opportunities for pupils to engage with Chinese culture, history, and education. Upon arrival in Chengdu, the group will visit the renowned Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Centre, offering a first-hand look at China’s iconic giant pandas and conservation efforts.

February 2025 – A talented group of young performers from Ellesmere Port took centre stage at Ellesmere Port C of E College (EPC) to rock audiences with their production of School of Rock – The Musical.  

Based on the beloved 2003 film starring Jack Black, the musical – featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Julian Fellowes, follows the story of Dewey Finn, a failed rock musician who impersonates a supply teacher and transforms a class of elite prep school students into a high-energy rock band.

There are three age categories: Years 1 and 2, year 3 and 4, Years 5 and 6, Years 7 and 8 and Years 9 and 10. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are not marked – it’s all about creativity!

Finalists will be invited to go to a glamorous grand final at Cranage Hall where the bronze (2), silver (2) and gold (2) winners in each category will have their stories read out.

There are also prizes to be won – each winner will take home books and the gold winners also win books for their school library.

Not only that, but the winning stories will also be published in a FFET short story illustrated anthology.

Frank Field Education Trust (FFET) is working with leading education charity Teach First, to provide School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), allowing the teachers of the future to train within the local community.

The SCITT programme is a one-year teacher-training course for people eager to learn on the job, enabling those who want to train at one of the Frank Field Education Trust schools, making a difference in the community from day one.