Blog
Latest News from Mercian Educational Trust
Celebrating Excellence Across MET – Our First MET Prize Winners!
This term, we launched something truly special across our family of seven schools – the first-ever MET Prizes, recognising and celebrating the amazing work of our teachers and support staff.
The MET Prizes were created to shine a spotlight on the people who live and breathe our Trust values: Empower, Thrive, and Prepare. Every member of staff had the chance to nominate a colleague they felt went above and beyond for their pupils, their team, and their school community. And the response was fantastic!
We received so many heartfelt nominations, filled with stories of dedication, creativity, compassion, and excellence. It’s clear that across MET, we are lucky to have staff who care deeply about their work—and about each other.
Although there could only be one winner from each school, we want to emphasise that every nominee was recognised and celebrated. Each received a personal email from our CEO, congratulating them on their nomination and thanking them for their contributions. This small gesture has had a big impact—raising morale and reminding everyone how valued they truly are.
We’re proud to announce the winners of our first MET Prizes:
Brookfield School – Wendy Roberts
Great Malvern Primary School – Helen Jenkins
Honeywell Primary School – Ruth Stoddart
Leigh & Bransford Primary School – Sab Lonsdale
Northleigh CE Primary School – Steven Holloway
Somers Park Primary School – Jen Price
A huge congratulations to our winners—and a heartfelt thank you to every single staff member who was nominated. You are the reason MET continues to be such a positive, supportive and inspiring place for our children to learn and grow.
This is just the beginning. The MET Prizes will now become a regular celebration in our calendar, helping us continue to recognise and appreciate the incredible work happening every day in our schools
Young Footballers Shine at Mercian Educational Trust Inter-School Tournament
The spirit of teamwork and empowerment was on full display as five schools from across Malvern and Worcestershire came together for the Mercian Educational Trust Football Competition, hosted at the picturesque Malvern Town Football Club.
With six teams representing Honeywell Primary School, Northleigh CE Primary School, Leigh and Bransford Primary School, Great Malvern Primary School, and both sites of Somers Park Primary School, the event was a celebration of youth sport, community, and collaboration.
Empowering Young Players Through Sport
The tournament was more than just a day of football—it was a reflection of the Trust’s guiding value: “We are empowered.” Children were given the chance to step into the spotlight, build confidence, showcase their talents, and support one another in a safe, inclusive environment.
From the first whistle to the final match, the pitch buzzed with energy and excitement. Every goal, tackle, and save was met with resounding cheers from pupils, staff, and families alike. It was a day where effort was as celebrated as achievement—and where sportsmanship was just as important as skill.
Tournament organiser and Year 5 teacher at Great Malvern Primary, Jack Giles, shared his enthusiasm:
“The M.E.T Football Competition was brilliant — every match was thrilling, and it was pure joy to watch from start to finish.”
Celebrating Success
After an afternoon of intense but friendly competition, it was Somers Park Primary School who emerged victorious, taking home the winner’s trophy. The top three teams—Somers Park, Northleigh CE, and Great Malvern Primary—received medals to mark their impressive performances.
Special awards also went to standout players who demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the day. Each was presented with a football shirt as a memento of their achievement.
Community Support Makes It Happen
The event was made possible thanks to the generosity of local supporters:
Malvern Town Football Club provided the perfect setting for the tournament and kindly donated signed photographs and two football shirts.
Empower Active sponsored the trophies and medals, ensuring every success was celebrated.
Processive supplied certificates so that every participant went home with a keepsake recognising their contribution.
Chris Pinder, Chair of Malvern Town Football Club, joined the celebrations to hand out awards and share words of encouragement with the young athletes, praising their passion and teamwork.
Looking Ahead
The Mercian Educational Trust Football Competition was a resounding success—bringing together schools, families, and local partners in support of children’s development and wellbeing through sport.
The Trust is already looking forward to next year’s event, as it continues to empower young people to grow, thrive, and achieve together.
Enhancing Scaffolding Strategies through Collaboration
Staff Collaboration on Scaffolding Strategies
At the Mercian Educational Trust, staff from various schools have been actively collaborating to enhance their scaffolding practices. This collaborative effort ensures that every pupil receives the support they need to succeed. Through regular workshops and inter-school meetings, teachers have been sharing effective strategies and resources to improve their teaching methods.
One key focus has been the use of visual aids, such as whiteboards, to help pupils structure their thoughts and understand complex concepts. Visual aids are powerful tools that can make abstract ideas more concrete and accessible for pupils. Additionally, teachers have been implementing step-by-step instructions and providing model examples to guide pupils through challenging tasks. These strategies help break down complex tasks into manageable steps, making it easier for pupils to grasp new concepts and build their confidence.
This collaborative effort has not only enriched teaching practices but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose among staff and pupils. By working together, teachers can learn from each other’s experiences and continuously improve their scaffolding techniques, ultimately benefiting the pupils.
Supporting Scaffolding at Home
Parents can play a crucial role in supporting scaffolding practices at home. Here are some practical tips to help reinforce these strategies:
Break Down Homework Tasks: Similar to how teachers do in the classroom, parents can break down homework tasks into smaller, manageable steps. For instance, if a child is working on a writing assignment, parents can help them brainstorm ideas, create an outline, and then write one paragraph at a time. This approach makes the task less overwhelming and more achievable.
Use Visual Aids: Visual aids, such as charts or diagrams, can be very helpful in organizing thoughts and making information more digestible. Parents can use these tools to help their children understand and retain new concepts.
Provide Examples: Offering examples or modeling how to approach a problem can guide children without giving away the answers. This method encourages independent thinking and problem-solving skills while still providing the necessary support.
By mirroring these scaffolding techniques at home, parents can reinforce their child's learning and build their confidence in tackling new challenges. Working together, both teachers and parents can create a supportive learning environment that helps children thrive.
Peer Coaching in Multi-Academy Trusts
At our Worcestershire-based multi-academy trust, we are committed to fostering collaboration and professional growth across our schools. A recent example of this commitment is the professional development session on Peer Coaching, led by our Trust Director of Learning.
What is Peer Coaching?
Peer coaching is a collaborative process where colleagues work together to:
- Reflect on current practices.
- Expand, refine, and build new skills.
- Share ideas and strategies.
- Conduct classroom research.
- Solve practical challenges together.
Why It Works
This proven approach supports teachers in creating a culture of trust, innovation, and continuous improvement. Key benefits include:
- Enhanced Professional Growth: Teachers learn from and with one another.
- Collaborative Learning: Encourages sharing best practices and fresh ideas.
- Improved Teaching: Constructive feedback helps refine teaching methods.
- Supportive Environment: Builds a community of trust among staff.
- Increased Confidence: Teachers gain confidence through shared success and mutual support.
In Action
During the session, staff from our six schools came together to explore strategies for implementing this approach. The event was hosted at Honeywell School, and the teachers enjoyed decorating Gingerbread's during the break
Building Global Connections at Mercian Educational Trust
At Mercian Educational Trust, we are committed to providing an education beyond academics and local borders. Our Global Links Programme embodies this vision, giving our pupils and staff opportunities to understand and engage with the wider world. By connecting our schools in Worcestershire and Herefordshire with communities abroad, we are preparing our pupils to become responsible global citizens, aware of the challenges and opportunities within a diverse, interconnected world.
A Journey to Tanga, Tanzania
Recently, as part of this programme, five MET teachers travelled to Tanga, Tanzania, where they spent time in local schools and communities. During their stay, they observed the daily realities of Tanzanian education, teaching in classrooms with over 100 pupils and observing traditional ceremonies. These experiences offered a fresh perspective, allowing our teachers to explore new teaching methods, connect with local educators, and appreciate the resilience and creativity of Tanzanian pupils and teachers. This exchange of knowledge and experience enriches our classrooms and builds lasting relationships with colleagues abroad.
Virtual Exchanges: Bringing Global Learning Home
While our teachers were immersing themselves in Tanzanian culture, our pupils in the UK were connecting with pupils in Africa through virtual exchanges. These online sessions allowed students to learn about each other’s daily lives, discuss cultural differences, and see firsthand how their efforts—such as fundraising on Non-Uniform Days—are making a tangible difference. This interaction helps them understand the global impact of their support, turning abstract lessons on empathy and responsibility into real-world actions and connections.
Creating a Path for Global Citizenship
Through our Global Links Programme, Mercian Educational Trust strives to cultivate a culture of empathy, responsibility, and global awareness. By bridging the gap between classrooms in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Tanzania, we are not just broadening academic horizons—we are preparing our pupils to become compassionate, informed individuals ready to contribute positively to the global community. This programme is an essential part of what makes MET a distinctive and forward-thinking multi-academy trust in Worcestershire.
Boosting School Attendance with a Support-First Approach: MET’s Recent Training Success
Last week, Headteachers, Attendance Leads, and Attendance Officers across Mercian Educational Trust (MET) came together for an impactful training session focused on improving student attendance. Led by Donna Parker, MET’s Attendance and Family Support Lead, the session introduced strategies from the “Support First” approach, which aims to address attendance challenges by building connections, fostering a strong sense of belonging, and ensuring a welcoming school environment.
The “Support First” approach is designed to help schools boost attendance by prioritising relationships and community. Donna shared practical, hands-on techniques that schools can use to monitor attendance and intervene early when issues arise. The session emphasised the importance of positive reinforcement and preventive measures to keep students engaged and attending regularly.
MET is proud to extend this valuable training to other schools across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, helping them implement effective attendance strategies. For schools interested in learning more, please contact Donna Parker at dparker@metacademies.org.uk.
Teachers' Reading Group Returns for a Second Year of Collaboration and Learning
We are excited to announce the return of the Teachers’ Reading Group for its second year, a collaborative initiative supported by the Open University and UKLA (United Kingdom Literacy Association). This group provides a valuable opportunity for educators from across Worcester and Worcestershire schools to come together, discuss the latest research on reading, and share best practices.
As a multi-academy trust in Worcestershire, Mercian Educational Trust (MET) is committed to supporting initiatives that foster collaboration and professional development across our schools. This year, the Teachers' Reading Group will host six meetings—starting with a launch session, followed by five project sessions. Each group will focus on two key lines of enquiry, helping teachers deepen their understanding of reading research and apply it effectively in their classrooms.
The group brings together educators from schools within our multi-academy trust in Worcester and beyond. Participants include staff from local libraries, two secondary schools, and three primary schools outside our Trust. This broad network enhances the learning experience and strengthens partnerships across Worcester schools.
A key success of this initiative has been the collaboration between Malvern Library, The Chase School, and primary schools within the Trust. Together, we share the latest publications and work on improving book engagement for our students. This partnership emphasizes the importance of teamwork, not just within MET schools but across the broader Worcestershire education community.
By bringing together educators from various Worcestershire schools, we continue to strengthen our commitment to collaboration and shared learning. If you're interested in learning more about the Teachers' Reading Group, please email us. We look forward to another year of professional growth and inspiring conversations!
Year 6 Pupils Enjoy Language Afternoon at The Chase School
On Wednesday, 2nd October, The Chase School hosted an engaging language afternoon for Year 6 pupils from local primary schools, including three schools from Mercian Educational Trust, Somers Park Primary School, Great Malvern Primary School, and Northleigh CE Primary School. Led by Mrs. Bennison and supported by Year 10 pupils, the event focused on enhancing the children's knowledge of French and introducing them to basic Spanish.
A Fun and Educational Experience
The session began with the children introducing themselves in French and practising conversational skills, such as asking questions about family and pets. This interactive experience allowed the Year 6 pupils to build confidence in using a foreign language while being supported by Year 10 pupils. A highlight of the afternoon was the croissant and juice break, where pupils had to ask for their snacks in French, making language learning fun and practical.
Introducing Spanish with Engaging Activities
After the break, the children learned to count to ten in Spanish—an exciting new experience for many. They applied this knowledge during three rounds of Bingo, listening attentively to the numbers called out in Spanish. The pupils' enthusiasm and engagement in the activity underscored the value of providing new learning experiences in a fun and supportive environment.
This event illustrates the benefits of Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), such as the Mercian Educational Trust, in fostering collaboration and creating enriching learning opportunities for pupils. At Mercian Educational Trust we encourage schools to pool resources and expertise and attend events like this language afternoon, which bring pupils from different schools together. Collaboration between schools within MATs supports academic growth and helps prepare and empower children to thrive in secondary education.
Opportunities for Schools in Multi-Academy Trusts
Events like this language afternoon provide a great opportunity for schools within a Multi-Academy Trust to enhance their curriculum and create shared learning experiences. The collaboration between primary and secondary schools helps students feel more confident and supported as they approach the next stage of their education. The children had the chance to experience high school language lessons in a relaxed, friendly setting, which will serve them well as they transition into secondary school.
Supporting Learning and Building Confidence
For Year 6 pupils, this event provided a valuable opportunity to expand their language skills, supported by older pupils and teachers. The interactive and fun nature of the activities ensured that the children were engaged throughout the session, helping to build their confidence in learning new languages. We are proud of the pupils who participated and grateful to The Chase School for hosting such a positive and educational event.
This event exemplifies the power of collaboration within Multi-Academy Trusts like the Mercian Educational Trust, showcasing the range of opportunities for schools to enhance learning. By working together, schools within our Worcestershire Multi-Academy Trust can offer pupils engaging and impactful educational experiences that build confidence and prepare them for future success.
