Cambrian Learning Trust

St Nicholas C of E Primary School in Wantage is celebrating a significant environmental achievement after being awarded the Gold Green Tree Schools Award by the Woodland Trust. The award recognises the school's continued commitment to environmental education and outdoor learning, following the successful completion of the Bronze and Silver levels of the programme. The Green Tree Schools Award encourages schools to inspire pupils about trees, woods and wildlife through hands-on activities and practical projects that benefit both the environment and the school grounds. At St Nicholas, pupils have embraced a wide range of outdoor learning opportunities, exploring nature, developing conservation skills and taking part in creative environmental projects. Their enthusiasm and dedication have played a central role in achieving the Gold award. The school also credits the passion and leadership of its Forest School Lead, whose guidance has supported pupils in developing a deeper understanding of the natural world and the importance of protecting it. The achievement reflects the school's vision that "Together we love, learn and flourish," with children working collaboratively to care for their environment while building confidence, curiosity and respect for nature. Michelle Rooke, Headteacher at St Nicholas C of E Primary School, said: "We are incredibly proud to have achieved the Gold Green Tree Schools Award. This recognition reflects the enthusiasm and commitment of our pupils, who have embraced every opportunity to learn outdoors and care for the environment. "Our children's passion for nature, conservation and outdoor learning has been inspiring to see. With the support of our dedicated Forest School Lead, they have developed a real sense of responsibility for the world around them and have helped create a greener future for our school community." The Woodland Trust's Green Tree Schools Award supports schools across the UK in delivering engaging outdoor learning experiences while helping to improve school environments and encourage environmental responsibility.

St Nicholas C of E Primary School Celebrates Gold Green Tree Schools Award

St Nicholas C of E Primary School in Wantage is celebrating a significant environmental achievement after being awarded the Gold Green Tree Schools Award by the Woodland Trust.

Young carers action day

On Wednesday 11th March, our schools across Cambrian Learning Trust proudly marked Young Carers Action Day.

On Wednesday 11th March, our schools across Cambrian Learning Trust proudly marked Young Carers Action Day. Our dedicated Young Carers Leads delivered assemblies to all pupils, helping raise awareness and understanding of the important role young carers play. Throughout the day, children also took part in arts and crafts activities that celebrated empathy, kindness, and support for one another. We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the young carers in our schools – your strength, care, and resilience inspire us every day. Lynne Hammond Trust safeguarding Lead

Young Mathematicians Put Their Skills to the Test at Cambrian Learning Trust 'Maths Feast' Students from across Cambrian Learning Trust came together on Tuesday for a lively and challenging Maths Feast, designed to inspire a love of mathematics and celebrate problem-solving skills. Following the success of last year's Year 10 Maths Feast, the event was expanded this year to include Year 7 pupils from King Alfred's Academy, Wantage, Larkmead School and St John's CE Academy. Thirty-six enthusiastic young mathematicians took part in the event created by Maths Teacher Bob Scott, working in teams to tackle four demanding challenges over two hours. The activities tested a wide range of mathematical thinking, from code-breaking and geometry to pattern-spotting and logical reasoning. Supported by sixth form students from King Alfred's Academy, the teams worked collaboratively to solve a series of fiendish puzzles, demonstrating impressive teamwork and determination throughout the competition. The event remained highly competitive, with the lead changing hands several times between teams. In the end, a team from King Alfred's Academy narrowly secured victory, although all students impressed with their mathematical thinking and enthusiasm. Matt Taylor, Trust Maths Lead at Cambrian Learning Trust, said: "The Maths Feast is a fantastic way to bring students together to celebrate mathematics beyond the classroom. It challenges pupils to think creatively, work collaboratively and apply their mathematical knowledge in new and exciting ways. "It was brilliant to see so much enthusiasm, resilience and teamwork from all the students involved. Events like this are a wonderful example of the enrichment opportunities we are able to offer across the Trust, helping to nurture curiosity and confidence in mathematics." Cambrian Learning Trust regularly organises cross-school events to bring pupils together, giving them the opportunity to develop their skills, build confidence and share their enthusiasm for learning.

Young Mathematicians Put Their Skills to the Test at Cambrian Learning Trust ‘Maths Feast’

Students from across Cambrian Learning Trust came together on Tuesday for a lively and challenging Maths Feast, designed to inspire a love of mathematics and celebrate problem-solving skills.

The Trust is delighted to expand its partnership with Dolce Schools Catering, as the company launched its service across three more of the Trust's secondary and all-through schools. Following the successful introduction of Dolce at Faringdon Community College, the catering provider has now mobilised services at King Alfred's Academy, Wantage, Larkmead School and St John's CE Academy, bringing an exciting new dining experience for students and staff. Over half term break, the Dolce team worked intensively to prepare the new services, introducing refreshed dining spaces, modernised service areas and a wide range of nutritious, freshly prepared meals. At KA's, the Sixth Form café has also been revitalised, creating a welcoming space for older students. The arrival of Dolce has brought a fresh energy to breaktimes and lunchtimes across the schools, with pupils enjoying an enhanced food offer designed to support both wellbeing and the school day. The expanded partnership with Dolce sits alongside the Trust's continued collaboration with Caterlink, which provides catering across Cambrian's primary schools and has also successfully extended its service to six additional primary schools on Monday 23rd February. Together, the two providers support high-quality catering across the Trust's 18 schools. By working with two specialist providers, CLT ensures that the distinct needs of different age groups are met with tailored, age-appropriate food provision. Dolce, a family-founded business, is committed to transforming the pupil dining experience through inspiring menus, dining area redesigns and innovative digital systems that support schools and families. Caterlink brings more than 20 years of experience in education catering, with a strong emphasis on fresh, high-quality and locally sourced ingredients. Richard Evans, CEO of Cambrian Learning Trust, said: "We are delighted to be expanding our partnership with Dolce and to see their catering services now operating across more of our secondary schools. Providing high-quality, nutritious food is an important part of supporting our pupils' wellbeing and their ability to thrive throughout the school day. "Our collaboration with Dolce and Caterlink reflects our commitment to ensuring that every school in our Trust benefits from excellent catering provision that meets the needs of pupils at different stages of their education. We are incredibly grateful to the teams at both providers, and to our own school staff, whose hard work and support have ensured such a successful launch." Scott Curtis, Managing Director at Dolce Schools Catering, said: "We're incredibly proud to be supporting the schools within the Cambrian Learning Trust and to play a part in their continued success. Winning this contract is a real vote of confidence in our approach, and we're excited to build strong partnerships across the Trust. "We remain focused on delivering fresh, exciting food that pupils genuinely enjoy, while also creating dining spaces that encourage them to sit down, socialise and refuel properly during the school day. From our catering service to our design and fit-outs, we want to help schools turn mealtimes into a positive and valued part of the school day." The Trust is incredibly grateful to the teams at Dolce and Caterlink for their hard work and dedication in ensuring a smooth launch across the schools this week. Thanks are also extended to staff at King Alfred's Academy, Larkmead School and St John's CE Academy, whose support and collaboration helped make the transition such a success. The launch also coincides with International School Meals Day, a global celebration of the importance of nutritious school food in supporting pupils' health, wellbeing and readiness to learn. Cambrian Learning Trust looks forward to continuing its partnership with both catering providers to ensure students across the Trust benefit from high-quality meals every day. #ISMD2026 #InternationalSchoolMealsDay #SchoolMeals #NutritionForAll #HealthySchoolMeals #schoolfood

Cambrian Learning Trust Expands Catering Partnership with Dolce Across Secondary Schools

Cambrian Learning Trust is delighted to expand its partnership with Dolce Schools Catering, as the company launched its service across three more of the Trust’s secondary and all-through schools on Monday 23^rd February.