Our trust was delighted to see St Paul’s Way Secondary School welcome schools from across the borough to its recent Open Day, including Cyril Jackson Primary School, one of our Trust schools.

The event provided primary pupils with an exciting opportunity to experience life at secondary school first-hand. Visitors explored the playground, food technology rooms, sports hall, library, classrooms, dance studio and theatre, giving them a real sense of the facilities and opportunities available at St Paul’s Way.

The young learners also took part in interactive departmental activities, from exploring circuit boards to discovering more about different subjects, while speaking directly with teachers about what school life is really like. Science demonstrations and presentations offered further insight into the engaging and ambitious learning environment.

The day concluded with a presentation from the Headteacher about the importance of choosing the right school and understanding its values. Students also heard directly from Year 8 students alongside a Year 13 student leader, who shared their personal experiences of joining the school community.

Their reflections highlighted the importance of confidence, friendship, opportunity and belonging. The student leader described secondary school as a bridge between childhood and becoming a young adult, a time when students can discover who they are and explore opportunities they may never have imagined.

Events such as this are an important part of bridging the gap between primary and secondary education. For our trust it demonstrates the value of being part of a family of schools where we can support young people through crucial steps in their academic journey, helping them move confidently from primary into secondary education.

This shared approach reflects our mission of providing transformational education for all, ensuring every young person has the support, opportunities and experiences they need to thrive at every stage of their education.