Cambrian Learning Trust

Character and Citizenship Platinum Award Winners

Pupils, families and staff from across Cambrian Learning Trust came together at The Beacon in Wantage last night to celebrate the achievements of this year's Character and Citizenship Platinum Award winners.

Pupils, families and staff from across Cambrian Learning Trust came together at The Beacon in Wantage on Thursday to celebrate the achievements of this year's Character and Citizenship Platinum Award winners. The special evening recognised Year 6 pupils who have successfully completed the Trust's Character and Citizenship Awards programme, culminating in the prestigious Platinum Award, the highest level of achievement within the scheme. The Trust was delighted to welcome John May CVO OBE DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, who attended on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant and presented certificates and enamel badges to the pupils. Pupils from seven Cambrian Learning Trust primary schools took part in the scheme: Wantage CE Primary School, Millbrook Primary School, Charlton Primary School, Thameside Primary School, St Nicholas CE Primary School, John Blandy Primary School and St James CE Primary School. Beginning in Year one, the Character and Citizenship Awards encourage pupils to understand the positive impact they can have on the world around them. Through a series of challenges and activities, pupils develop key qualities including kindness, resilience, responsibility, leadership and service, progressing through Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards before undertaking the Platinum Award challenge in Year 6. The programme reflects Cambrian Learning Trust's belief that every child can make a positive difference to their own life and the lives of others. Alongside academic success, the awards recognise the importance of developing character, citizenship and the wider skills that help young people flourish both in school and beyond. Addressing the pupils, John May CVO OBE DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, highlighted the significance of the values demonstrated by the award winners, telling them: "The sort of person you are matters every bit as much as the things you achieve." He praised the children for trying new things, showing courage, taking responsibility and helping others, reminding them that, "You do not have to wait until you are grown up to make a difference. You make a difference now." Paul Chadwick, Enrichment Lead for Cambrian Learning Trust, said: "The Character and Citizenship Awards represent the very best of what education can achieve. While academic success remains important, we also want every child to develop the confidence, compassion and sense of responsibility that will help them make a positive contribution to society. The pupils receiving their Platinum Awards this evening have demonstrated exceptional commitment, perseverance and service to others. They should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved, and we are delighted to celebrate their success alongside their families, schools and communities. "What makes these awards particularly special is that they begin in Key Stage 1 and encourage children to develop habits of service, leadership and citizenship over many years. The Platinum Award represents the culmination of that journey and demonstrates that these young people are already making a positive difference within their schools and communities." The annual awards ceremony showcased the remarkable achievements of pupils from across the Trust and highlighted Cambrian Learning Trust's commitment to developing young people who are not only successful learners, but also active, responsible and caring citizens. Sixth Form pupils from King Alfred's Academy also spoke at the ceremony, letting the year six pupils know how they can get involved in enrichment activity once they get to Secondary. Congratulations to all of this year's Character and Citizenship Award winners.

We're seeking experienced finance professionals to join our Central Team and help support excellence across our family of schools. Current vacancies: Head of Finance Business Partnering Finance Business Partner (20 hours per week, term time + 2 weeks) These are excellent opportunities to contribute strategically, build strong relationships with school leaders, and support effective financial decision-making across the Trust. Apply by: Head of Finance Business Partnering – 22 June 2026 Finance Business Partner – 29 June 2026 Apply via MyNewTerm: Head of Finance Business Partnering: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/3083/EDV-2026-CLT-92530 Finance Business Partner: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/3083/EDV-2026-CLT-61359 Join us in nurturing growth and inspiring minds.

Become a Governor for Cambrian Learning Trust We currently have a number of vacancies for governors in our Cambrian Learning Trust schools. Volunteering as a school governor has so many benefits. In volunteering your time, you are making a positive contribution to the success of the school you serve, creating real impact on the lives of its pupils, staff and the local community. If you are interested in becoming a Governor in one of the Cambrian schools, please scan the QR code that takes you to all the information on the next steps. If you are interested, please contact: queries@cambrianlt.org for further information.

Job Vacancy: Part-time: EYFS (Reception) / Key Stage One Teacher Salary Scale: Main scale or UPR if post threshold Appointment type: Temporary / 0.4 part-time, initially fixed term from 1st September 2026 – 21st July 2027. Shellingford CE (A) Primary School is a successful rural school (4 miles from Faringdon and 7 miles from Wantage) with a strong family atmosphere and Christian ethos. Our school motto 'Inspiring Hearts and Minds' is intrinsic to school life. We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and creative forward-thinking teacher who can achieve the very best in every child. The post is a 0.4 part-time (2 days a week) temporary position. This post is not suitable for NQTs. The post will commence on 1st September 2026 until the 21st July 2027. This school presents an opportunity to be part of a happy, hardworking team of staff and governors, with parents who are supportive of their children's education. As a Church school, it will be important for the successful candidate to be in sympathy with the aims and ethos of a school based upon Christian values. Visits to the school are encouraged and warmly welcomed. For an informal discussion about the post and to enquire about visiting, please telephone Mrs Kim Pendell our School Administrator on 01367 710301. How to apply: For an application pack and further details, please visit the school website www.shellingford.oxon.sch.uk Please include a statement to support your application within the 'relevant skills and experience' section on the application form, together with a covering letter detailing your suitability for the post. Please send your completed application via email to office.3853@shellingford.oxon.sch.uk Closing Date: Wednesday 17th June 2026 at 12noon Interview Date: Thursday 25th June 2026

Small school, big hearts At Buckland CE Primary, every child matters. As a small, nurturing school, we offer a close-knit community where children are known, valued and encouraged to flourish both academically and personally. Our Outstanding school combines high academic standards with exceptional pastoral care, helping every child grow in confidence and achieve their potential. Guided by our values of being Wise, Responsible and Kind, we provide a rich and exciting learning experience where children feel happy, supported and inspired every day. Come and discover what makes Buckland so special. Get in touch to find out more or arrange a visit – we'd love to welcome you! 01367 870236 office@buc.cambrianlt.org

Cambrian Learning Trust is now part of the Government's Disability Confident Scheme. The Disability Confident scheme supports employers to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to your workplace. Disability Confident employers of all sizes are: - challenging attitudes towards disability - increasing understanding of disability - removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions - ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations For more information please visit How to sign up to the Disability Confident employer scheme - GOV.UK

Pop along to the St Nics forest school open session to raise money for their outdoor learning space!