DSAT Family of Schools Update
I am thrilled to share an overview of the wonderfully active and successful start we've had across the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust this year.
It has been particularly heartening to see our new Reception children settling in so beautifully across the Trust, forming new friendships and embracing school routines with confidence, which is a real testament to the nurturing environment provided by our staff.
Our schools have been buzzing with activity, both inside and outside the classroom. Children at St Michael's CE Primary School have created some beautiful block prints, inspired by the insects they've been studying, whilst Year 4 pupils from St John's CE Primary School had a fantastic educational visit to the Dorchester Museum and Art Gallery. Making the most of the changing seasons, children at Broad Chalke CE Primary School have been revelling in the autumn colours in their beautiful setting, as well as spending quality time with Crumble, the school dog. St James' CE First School and Nursery's little ones have also been busily exploring the emerging signs of autumn. Wimborne St Giles CE First School and Nursery's children have greatly enjoyed their weekly sessions with the school's talented Artist In Residence, producing some stunning autumnal artwork.
Trent Young's CE School football team got their season off to a winning start. Some of the children at St Bartholomew's Primary Academy have been developing their fencing skills, whilst others enjoyed a very exciting visit to the Houses of Parliament at the beginning of term. A magical residential trip to Avon Tyrell was a highlight for Wilton CE Primary School pupils, with mountain biking and kayaking featuring among their adventures. Meanwhile, the Sports Leaders at Cranborne CE First School and Nursery set a brilliant example at a recent Play Leader event, making everyone incredibly proud.
Marden Vale CE Academy also thoroughly enjoyed celebrating World Porridge Day, whilst Beaminster St Mary's Academy was delighted to welcome back Benny the elephant after his 'Stampede By The Sea' adventures. St Nicholas and St Laurence CE Primary School has achieved the well-deserved Eco Schools Green Flag Award, and St Nicholas CE Primary were delighted to be awarded the Music Mark of Recognition for Ambition and Quality.
The term also saw important developments in our physical spaces. St Michael's CE Primary School unveiled lovely outdoor learning spaces and a revamped playground, whilst Whitesheet CE Primary Academy unveiled a beautiful new mural, and we were excited to see St Martin's Primary School open their doors to their first nursery pupils. Archbishop Wake CE Primary School and Dunbury Church of England Academy have also proudly launched their own on-site nurseries.
Community spirit within the DSAT family is thriving, marked by the many wonderful Harvest Festivals celebrated across the Trust. Our schools also came together earlier this week for our wonderful iSingPop event in Salisbury Cathedral, always one of the highlights of our school year.
Thank you to all our staff for their hard work and dedication, and to our parents for their continued support. Enjoy a restful half term break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for an adventure-filled second term.
Mark Lacey (Chief Executive)
DSAT Family of Schools Update I am thrilled to share an overview of the wonderfully active and successful start we've had across the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust this year. It has been particularly heartening to see our new Reception children settling in so beautifully across the Trust, forming new friendships and embracing school routines with confidence, which is a real testament to the nurturing environment provided by our staff. Our schools have been buzzing with activity, both inside and outside the classroom. Children at St Michael's CE Primary School have created some beautiful block prints, inspired by the insects they've been studying, whilst Year 4 pupils from St John's CE Primary School had a fantastic educational visit to the Dorchester Museum and Art Gallery. Making the most of the changing seasons, children at Broad Chalke CE Primary School have been revelling in the autumn colours in their beautiful setting, as well as spending quality time with Crumble, the school dog. St James' CE First School and Nursery's little ones have also been busily exploring the emerging signs of autumn. Wimborne St Giles CE First School and Nursery's children have greatly enjoyed their weekly sessions with the school's talented Artist In Residence, producing some stunning autumnal artwork. Trent Young's CE School football team got their season off to a winning start. Some of the children at St Bartholomew's Primary Academy have been developing their fencing skills, whilst others enjoyed a very exciting visit to the Houses of Parliament at the beginning of term. A magical residential trip to Avon Tyrell was a highlight for Wilton CE Primary School pupils, with mountain biking and kayaking featuring among their adventures. Meanwhile, the Sports Leaders at Cranborne CE First School and Nursery set a brilliant example at a recent Play Leader event, making everyone incredibly proud. Marden Vale CE Academy also thoroughly enjoyed celebrating World Porridge Day, whilst Beaminster St Mary's Academy was delighted to welcome back Benny the elephant after his 'Stampede By The Sea' adventures. St Nicholas and St Laurence CE Primary School has achieved the well-deserved Eco Schools Green Flag Award, and St Nicholas CE Primary were delighted to be awarded the Music Mark of Recognition for Ambition and Quality. The term also saw important developments in our physical spaces. St Michael's CE Primary School unveiled lovely outdoor learning spaces and a revamped playground, whilst Whitesheet CE Primary Academy unveiled a beautiful new mural, and we were excited to see St Martin's Primary School open their doors to their first nursery pupils. Archbishop Wake CE Primary School and Dunbury Church of England Academy have also proudly launched their own on-site nurseries. Community spirit within the DSAT family is thriving, marked by the many wonderful Harvest Festivals celebrated across the Trust. Our schools also came together earlier this week for our wonderful iSingPop event in Salisbury Cathedral, always one of the highlights of our school year. Thank you to all our staff for their hard work and dedication, and to our parents for their continued support. Enjoy a restful half term break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for an adventure-filled second term. Mark Lacey (Chief Executive)
ISingPOP 2025
ISingPOP 2025
ISingPOP 2025
ISingPOP 2025
ISingPOP 2025
ISingPOP 2025
What a wonderful way to finish this term Today, schools from across the Trust came together in the spectacular surroundings of Salisbury Cathedral for our much-anticipated ISingPOP concert Well done - and thank you! - to all who put so much time and effort into the organisation of this event - and to the parents, carers and families who attended to support their children
Our Trust Bears have each found a comfy space to sit and enjoy our Trust-wide ISingPOP concert at Salisbury Cathedral!
A big well done to the football team from Trent Young's CE School
The end of a wonderful residential trip for Wilton CE Primary School
We are delighted to announce that St Nicholas and St Laurence CE Primary School has achieved the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag Award The school's dedicated and enthusiastic Eco Council has been working tirelessly to help make a positive impact on the environment. From tackling plastic waste to organising a litter picking committee they have committed to making the school cleaner and greener The council has also taken the lead in collective worships, inspiring others with their message of sustainability, and has arranged for knowledgeable visitors to educate everyone about how we can better care for our planet In their latest effort to reduce waste, the Eco Council has organised a free second-hand school uniform collection, carefully sorted and prepared to help families and reduce textile waste Their passion and hard work are helping to shape a more environmentally conscious school community #EcoSchoolsGreenFlag #StNicholasAndStLaurence #EcoCouncil #SustainabilityInAction
St. Martin's Primary School Nursery opens its doors to first pupils St Martin's CE Primary School Nursery was officially opened on 15th October by Mark Lacey, CEO of the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust (DSAT). The nursery opened in early September and is already off to a great start with its initial group of children. With capacity for just over thirty 2 to 4 year olds, it helps address a local shortfall in childcare places for families in and around Salisbury. Executive Headteacher Ollie Martindale explained that this shortage was a key factor in securing government funding for the project: "Across the country, around 650 schools applied to open a school-based nursery. St Martin's is proud to be one of only two successful schools in Wiltshire, helping to expand access to high-quality early education and childcare for local families." One of the distinctive features of a school-based nursery is that qualified teachers lead the provision and work closely with other professionals to ensure children get the best possible start in life. Head of School Becka Miller-Goddard said: "Whether children join our nursery for a year or begin their whole school journey with us, we see each child as a whole supporting their wellbeing and learning side by side. From the very start, we set high expectations in early maths and writing, helping every child to thrive." For the official opening, Ollie and Becka were joined by the entire school community and the parents of the first cohort of nursery children. With help from those children, Mark Lacey cut the ribbon, planted an apple tree to mark the occasion and led the school in a reflection. He commented: "St Martin's has grown into a strong, confident school at the heart of its community. The relationships between staff, pupils, and families are a real strength, creating the perfect foundation for the new nursery to thrive and extend that sense of belonging to even more families." To register interest in the nursery or arrange a tour, prospective parents are encouraged to contact the school office or visit the school's website: www.stmartins.dsat.org.uk
Exciting adventures on residential for Wilton CE Primary School
A beautiful new mural at Whitesheet CE Primary Academy