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Welcome to the latest edition of The Beacon, the newsletter for Lighthouse Schools Partnership.
This edition covers news and developments from the first two terms of this academic year (2025-26) and highlights some of the activities taking place across our 34 schools.
It also outlines some of the training and development opportunities we offer as an organisation for those looking to join the education sector as well as those already employed within our schools. One of our priorities as a group of schools is to recruit and retain great staff to work in our schools. By developing and supporting our staff, we strengthen the quality of teaching, leadership and support services across all our schools—directly benefiting pupils and families.
I hope you enjoy reading this edition and gain a helpful insight into how we continue to work together to support every child to succeed.
Thank you for being an important part of our community.
Dr Gary Lewis, Chief Executive Officer
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In December 2025, Yatton Infant School, and Lighthouse Schools Partnership, proudly re-opened their Infant School building following a devastating fire in May 2023.
The rebuild project on Yatton Infant School was recently completed, following over two years of collaboration between North Somerset Council, school and trust leaders and contractors. Bray and Slaughter and Coreus provided extensive design, planning and building works, with the aim to create a bright, welcoming space for the children to learn and flourish. The new school building includes classrooms, hall, library, toilets and breakout spaces for interventions.
Tessa Munt MP joined Jo Keeble Headteacher and pupils from across the school to officially cut the ribbon on the new building. An event was then held to recognise the hard work of all those involved in the project. This included a heartwarming performance from the school choir and tour of the new facilities.
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Jo Keeble, Headteacher, reflected on having to design and plan the new building following the fire:
“We created a mood board with the children and wanted to ensure the building was light, bright and connected to the outside. The new building is exactly that, offering a wonderful learning space. My school staff have gone beyond what is expected of them, giving up time on weekends and during holidays, to ensure learning could continue as we have taught offsite, in temporary classrooms and then moving into our new space. I am very grateful for all they have done.”
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The construction also provided a great chance for pupils to learn and feel a part of the ongoing construction work - and their new school building. Teams from Bray and Slaughter and Coreus Group used the opportunity to help to engage pupils minds at various points throughout the process, teaching them about the construction process, introducing them to different career paths, as well as helping to build a sense of excitement.
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CEO of Lighthouse Schools Partnership, Dr Gary Lewis said:
“The rebuild is the result of incredible hard work, partnership and collaboration. We truly are delighted with the new building and it is wonderful to see the children already settling in so well. During the rebuild process, pupils and staff were relocated to alternative or temporary accommodation, showing incredible resilience and adaptability through what was a dark and difficult time for the school. The re-opening event was a great opportunity to celebrate the human-side of this project; the kindness, professionalism and energy shown by so many to enable Yatton Schools to continue to flourish.”
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‘The Body Coach’ Joe Wicks returns to Yatton Schools to celebrate reopening
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Celebrity fitness coach, Joe Wicks made a special return visit to Yatton Infant School on Wednesday 12 November, to celebrate the newly rebuilt facilities.
The Body Coach, known for his “PE with Joe” workouts during the pandemic, first visited the school in 2023 to lift spirits and run a special “PE with Joe” session with pupils. His visit provided much-needed motivation and positivity for the school community as they began the long process of rebuilding.
Two years later, as promised, Joe returned to see the transformed space and to meet pupils and staff now enjoying the brand-new school building. During his visit, Joe was given a tour of the new facilities and led pupils in another special “PE with Joe” session.
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QUICK GUIDE TO THE NEW OFSTED FRAMEWORK
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From November 2025, Ofsted introduced a new inspection framework designed to give parents clearer, more detailed information about how schools are performing. These changes continue into 2026 as routine inspections resume. The new framework has been designed to provide a more transparent, supportive, and fair approach to evaluating schools, nurseries, and colleges.
We've shared a brief overview of the Ofsted framework changes below:
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1. Report Cards Are Replacing Single Overall Grades
The familiar “Outstanding/Good/Requires Improvement/Inadequate” system has been replaced by detailed report cards. These cards break down performance across several areas, highlighting strengths, areas for development, and contextual information such as SEND and local demographics.
 2. A More Detailed 5‑Point Grading Scale
Each area of inspection will now be graded using a five‑point scale: Exceptional, Strong standard, Expected standard, Needs attention, Urgent improvement. Areas evaluated have changed slightly and include: curriculum and teaching, achievement, attendance and behaviour, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing, and inclusion.
 3. A Stronger Focus on Inclusion
Ofsted has placed new emphasis on how well schools support disadvantaged and vulnerable learners. This will be considered across all areas of evaluation as well as separately under the inclusion area.
4. Safeguarding Reported Separately
Safeguarding now receives a simple “met” or “not met” outcome so is not graded under the 5 point system.
5. More Support for Schools That Need It
Schools receiving lower grades will receive quicker and more targeted support.
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Lighthouse Schools Partnership employs more than 1,500 employees, serving almost 13,000 children across 34 schools.
We recognise the important role our staff play and our trust is committed to making health and wellbeing a strategic priority. We value and encourage continual professional learning to build leadership from within and provide flexible employment arrangements.
We are also proud to offer a wide range of benefits, including generous pension schemes, access to wellbeing support, and electric car and cycle schemes.
See the links below to find out more about working for Lighthouse Schools Partnership, and to view current opportunities.
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WELCOME TO HORFIELD CE PRIMARY
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 We are delighted to share that Horfield CE Primary School officially joined Lighthouse Schools Partnership on 1 August 2025. Horfield joins Easton CE Primary School, Fishponds CE Primary School and St Mary Redcliffe CE Primary School in our Bristol Hub, increasing the total number of schools within the Trust to 34, and expanding our presence in the City of Bristol.
We are excited about next phase in their development as a trust, serving schools in Bristol as well as rural or commuter-town schools. Horfield CE Primary School strives to create a nurturing community where children flourish and we are so pleased to have them as part of our trust.
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WHITCHURCH RECEIVE RECOGNITION OF SUCCESS
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Congratulations to Headteacher Carl Hornsby and his team at Whitchurch Primary School for being recognised by the Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson, for their success in delivering excellent outcomes for disadvantaged children.
The letter of recognition, delivered to Whitchurch alongside other schools across the country, recognises the school’s achievement and encourages them to share the effective practice that has contributed to their success.
Delivering great outcomes for disadvantaged children is one of our key priorities and values as a Trust, so a huge well done to Carl and his team!
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Speaking of the recognition of the school's hard work, Whitchurch Primary School Headteacher, Carl Hornsby said:
"All children, staff, governors and other stakeholders are delighted to have our work recognised for our relentless support for priority pupils. By adapting the LSP curriculum to include even more experiences and engaging events, alongside our developed pedagogy to scaffold learning and clear behaviour systems so that all can focus in class, we are overjoyed to see our pupils do well; it is not just the priority pupils who have benefitted from these advancements!
We'd all like to thank the trust for their support in these areas, and congratulate our pupils for their sterling efforts in making Whitchurch Primary a school where we all 'achieve our best together!'"
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St Andrew’s CofE Primary School receives ongoing praise from Ofsted
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Burrington CofE Primary School celebrates inclusive culture
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An Ofsted inspection in June 2025 has confirmed that St Andrew’s Primary School has ‘taken effective action to maintain the standards.’ The most recent inspection was ungraded, so Ofsted’s view from January 2018 when the school was graded good is retained.
The report is full of praise for the school and the learning provision for pupils “The curriculum is ambitious, it is designed to help pupils to build their knowledge over time.”
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Following an inspection in November 2025, Burrington CofE Primary School celebrates a positive Ofsted report.
The inspection team identified an inclusive environment where “pupils enjoy their learning” and where values such as compassion, perseverance and diversity are celebrated. The report acknowledges the school’s close links with a school in Zambia, which “enhance pupils’ understanding of different cultures and faiths”.
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NEW HEADTEACHER FOR HIGH DOWN SCHOOLS
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We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Mrs Abi Oldfield as the new Headteacher at High Down Infant and High Down Junior School, part of the Lighthouse Schools Partnership, effective from 5 January 2026. Mrs Oldfield is an experienced school leader who brings knowledge and enthusiasm and a passion for building the foundations for a positive and inspiring learning environment for all students. Welcome Abi!
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NEW 3G PITCH AT BACKWELL SCHOOL
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Exciting news at Backwell School this term, as their new 3G Astroturf pitch was officially open for student use. This fantastic facility further enhances the school's PE facilities which boasts vast fields, tennis courts and sports halls, and will no doubt be welcomed by many families as students move lessons from muddy grass to artificial turf!
Backwell School are excited to see this become a facility for the whole community and look forward to welcoming more local groups to the school in the months ahead.
A huge thank you to specialist contractors, S&C Slatter, for their expertise in creating this fantastic space for the school and wider community to enjoy.
Mark Middleton, Backwell Hub Estates Lead: “This is an amazing development for Backwell School. It is an essential resource for pupils, giving them an additional specialised PE space to use, especially in winter. It is also available for hire to the community outside of school hours so local groups can make the most of our new pitch.”
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CONGRATULATIONS TO HEADTEACHER AND AUTHOR, CHRIS HILDREW
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 Congratulations to Chris Hildrew, Headteacher at Churchill Academy & Sixth Form, on the publication of the second edition of his essential guide, "Beyond a Growth Mindset School: Transforming Teaching, Leadership and Learning."
The book provides evidence-based, step-by-step guidance for school leaders and practitioners seeking to embed a mindset culture where students embrace challenges and view effort as the path to mastery, making it an invaluable resource for the entire educational community.
The book is available from Routledge, Amazon, and other bookstores.
We would like to congratulate Chris on this amazing achievement!
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We'd like to say a big “Thank You” to all our Lighthouse Business Partners who are supporting us this year! As always, your support is very much appreciated and we look forward to working with you this year!
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Could you help young people in the local area develop employability skills and careers knowledge? Does your company want to improve its community social responsibility agenda? Joining the Lighthouse Business Partnership will improve the lives of young people across our Trust. We offer our official Business Partners:
- Public recognition of your support: additional coverage of specific help and sponsorship of events on social media and in newsletters.
- Company logo display and promotion: Business Partners logos are prominently displayed in the Reception areas of our four secondary schools, as well as on our Business Partners’ website and during our Business Breakfast events.
- Enrich and enhance the delivery of education and careers: Enrich and enhance the delivery of education and careers to young people in the North Somerset and BANES area and create greater awareness of, and interest in, your sector.
- Engage with our students: Engage with our dynamic students through work experience, apprenticeship opportunities, networking sessions, and more.
- Invitations to Business Partnership Events: Invitations to business partnership events, including our business breakfast event.
- Ability to use and promote partnership status: We grant businesses permission to use our partnership logo on publicity materials and to advertise your support of schools in the larger community.
Find out more by visiting: https://lspcareers.org.uk/business-employer-opportunities/ or email businesspartnership@lsp.org.uk to sign up.
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CHURCHILL ACADEMY PUT ON SHOWSTOPPING CHRISTMAS CONCERT
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Churchill Academy & Sixth Form successfully kicked off December with its annual Christmas Concert, captivating two sold-out audiences.
Students from across Years 7 to 13 delivered a fun and festive spectacle, treating attendees to a rich and diverse musical programme that spanned classic pieces to popular favourites. A highlight of the evening was the showcase of student talent, with the Year 7 cohort writing and performing their own songs to tell the Christmas story in a massed Junior Choir.
Well done to all involved!
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HIGH DOWN SCHOOLS HOST 3RD ANNUAL ECO FESTIVAL
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In June 2025, High Down Schools hosted the 3rd Eco Festival. Eco leaders from St Peter’s, Portishead Primary, High Down, St Joseph’s and Backwell Juniors all came together to celebrate their eco achievements and to learn more about what we can do to help our planet.
Pupils enjoyed team building activities including archery, and a carousel of workshops where they worked together in mixed school groups. They also learnt about reducing plastic waste, the importance of litter picking, and North Somerset council shared information about recycling at home.
In the afternoon, pupils were visited by Stephanie Franklin, the Environmental Officer from LSP schools. The children listened carefully as she delivered an important talk on the significance of pollinators in our eco system and how we can protect them.
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MP SADIK AL-HASSAN VISITS PORTISHEAD PRIMARY
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OUTDOOR EDUCATION SUCCESS AT GORDANO
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In November, MP, Sadik Al-Hassan, paid a visit to Portishead Primary School. During his visit, he enjoyed a tour of the school, witnessing some lessons in action, met the children and spoke to them about his role. Sadik was also the special guest for the school Podcast. We launched our Podcast, which was launched in September, and features Portishead students sharing news, interviewing special guests and learning about the technical side of podcasting too! See the latest podcast episodes here.
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Gordano School is delighted to celebrate a major milestone in its Outdoor Education journey: three members of staff — Sam Thomas (Teacher of MFL), Verity Eastwood Dewing (LSP Flourish Chaplain) and Rachel Allen (Deputy Lead for Outdoor Education) — are now fully qualified Hill and Moorland Leaders, a nationally recognised award from the Mountain Training Association.
This respected qualification allows leaders to take groups safely into UK hill and moorland terrain and represents a significant commitment of time, resilience and skill development. Well done all!
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FOOTLOOSE - SIXTH FORM PRODUCTION SUCCESS AT BACKWELL SCHOOL
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Congratulations to the talented Sixth Form students at Backwell School who put on an incredible run of performances of 'Footloose' from 14-16 January.
Every aspect of the production was organised and completed by the Sixth Form students, with minimal support from staff - from Direction, Choreography, Musical Direction, Blocking, Staging, Costume, Make-up, Mics and technical direction, lighting and more.
A huge well done to Backwell School Sixth Form for this incredible achievement.
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GORDANO SIXTH FORM STUDENTS EMBARK ON LIFE-CHANGING EXPEDITION
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Over the summer of 2025, a group of 15 Gordano Sixth Form students, accompanied by two staff members, took part in an extraordinary overseas expedition with World Challenge.
World Challenge describes its expeditions as “transformative school expeditions and educational school trips that empower students, enrich communities, and create lasting global impact” – and our students’ experience lived up to every word.
Over the course of their journey through Mozambique, South Africa and Eswatini, the team took part in a packed and meaningful programme of adventure, conservation, and cultural exchange.
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LEARNING HUB SUCCESS FOR HORFIELD CE PRIMARY SCHOOL
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Congratulations to Horfield CE Primary School who were successful in securing a 20K grant as part of a Learning Hub application in partnership with the Diocese of Bristol. This two-year project is awarded by the Church of England, and will be led by Kirsten and Laurel from Horfield supported by freelance musician, organist and composer Claire Alsop and closely partnering with Mother Diane, Holy Trinity Church and the Diocese.
Learning Hubs will become centres of innovation, where schools/churches are resourced to further embed creative practices that build flourishing strategic partnerships between school, church and home. Horfield's project, which will be composed of three parts, will connect young people through song and aims to reach out to Trust schools in Bristol and other faith school settings:
• The first strand, Song Trail, welcomes schools and communities into their local churches, encountering the space through song and sound, including organ where appropriate.
• Strand 2, Song Bank, will create a free song resource. Children will work with a composer to create songs for collective worship, using their own words, putting children’s voices and words at the heart of the worship.
• The final strand, Song Tree will celebrate diversity, collecting sound recordings of children singing songs in their mother tongue, celebrating their unique heritage.
Well done Horfield!
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PLATINUM SCHOOL GAMES AWARD FOR GOLDEN VALLEY
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CHURCHILL ACADEMY SET TO PUT ON LEGALLY BLONDE
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Congratulations to Golden Valley Primary School on being awarded the Platinum School Games Mark. A Platinum School Games Mark is the highest recognition a school can receive for its outstanding and consistent commitment to sport and physical activity, demonstrating sustained dedication over several years and a significant impact on students' lives. This award signifies excellence in competition, inclusion, leadership, volunteering, and community links. Well done Golden Valley!
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Churchill Academy are excited to be putting on their production of Legally Blonde: The Musical this February. Tickets are now on sale for our upcoming production, which is shaping up to be an unmissable run! You can expect high energy and confidence from both cast and crew.
Don’t miss out! Come along to support Churchill Academy's talented students.
Tickets can be purchased here.
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HIGH DOWN SCHOOLS RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS NURTURE UK AWARD
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We are delighted to announce that High Down Infant and Junior schools have been awarded the National Nurturing Schools Award by Nurture UK. The award demonstrates that the school has successfully embedded a nurturing culture that responds to the social, emotional and mental health needs of its pupils.
Andreya Cowan, Headteacher at High Down Infant and Junior Schools said “This is a really exciting achievement for our school and a testament to the dedication of our staff and the nurturing ethos that we have introduced at High Down. We’ve always been a value led school, we care deeply about nurturing our children.”
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HIGH DOWN Y6 CELEBRATE HARVEST FESTIVAL
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BISHOP SUTTON STUDENTS JOIN REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
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The Year 6 children at High Down School worked in small groups to create some creative doughy wonders in celebration of Harvest Festival. They worked well together and were incredible careful in following all of the detailed steps - Paul Hollywood, eat your heart out! The end results look absolutely fantastic (and we’ve been reliably informed, tasted pretty good too!). Well done Year 6!
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Students from Bishop Sutton Primary School visited Holy Trinity Church for special Service of Remembrance for Armistice Day. Children in Year 6 shared poems they had written for the occasion, and School Council representatives from every class laid wreaths at the church altar, each one made by the children in their class. The children showed deep respect for the sacrifices made by our armed forces, both past and present.
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BURRINGTON PRIMARY SCHOOLS BRINGS BACK GOLD FROM REGIONAL MATHS EVENT
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Four students from Burrington Primary School - Adam, Alice, Luke and Peter - stormed a Regional maths competition at Wells Cathedral School, clinching the overall Gold and winning two out of three individual categories outright.
Facing fierce competition from seven other schools, the organiser declared, “The winning team is no surprise given how outstanding at maths they have shown they are throughout the day.”
Their poster, themed around Fractions and the Gunpowder Plot, was a showstopper. Alice led as Art Director, Luke and Adam added flair, and Peter tackled the ambitious calculations. It was the only team to fuse fireworks with fractions—literally. Adam calculated Guy Fawkes’ escape fuse length, while Peter worked out the fraction of gunpowder needed for rocket propulsion and how the rest split into colourful shells. Yes… it was rocket science!
The teams competed in a Maths Relay, as well as Geometry, algebra, arithmetic, and MENSA-level puzzles.
Well done, Alice, Adam, Luke and Peter!
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As a trust, we are proud to partner with Aspens Services, a market leading contract catering company specialising in school food.
Aspens provide delicious home cooked food each day and cater for individual dietary requirements, making sure that menus are packed with comfort dishes as well as helping pupils to take their first steps with new tastes to explore.
The school menu rotates on a three-week basis and refreshes for Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer seasons.
Free school meals
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are currently entitled to receive UNIVERSAL FREE SCHOOL MEALS! We think it’s a fantastic idea, so please make sure that you support this initiative. Not only will you be saving money, but you will also be giving your child a nutritionally balanced meal to fuel their bodies for the rest of the learning day.
Visit your school's website to find out more about your latest Aspens menu.
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Thank you for reading this edition of the Beacon. To stay up-to-date with all our news, job vacancies and Trust-wide opportunities, please feel free to follow us on social media.
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