National award recognises excellence at North Devon school

A North Devon school has received a prestigious national award for its work to support the wellbeing of pupils.

On Track Barnstaple, an independent special education and support service for students aged 11-19 with special educational needs, has been awarded the School of Excellence award by Thrive, an organisation which trains teachers and other education professionals to support the social and emotional development of children and young people.

The award is the highest level of achievement in Thrive’s Ambassador Schools scheme, which was launched in 2020 as a way of recognising excellence in member schools.

Lucy Basey-Fisher, Deputy Headteacher at On Track Barnstaple, said: “Many of our students came to us with broken down school placements, insecure attachments and not seeing a future for themselves and Thrive underpins the success of our school.

“Our pupil surveys show that they feel safe and like coming to school which is so important to us. Thrive has helped us to achieve a calm, caring environment, where all our students feel valued and have an opportunity to thrive at being themselves.

“We feel very proud to become a Thrive School of Excellence as we believe it demonstrates our commitment to ensuring relational and evidence-based practise is at the centre of what we do.”

Staff and students were joined at the school’s Northam site by parents, carers and members of the local community to celebrate the well-deserved Thrive School of Excellence Award.

Guests included Mayor of Northam Niki Tait, Deputy Mayor Barry Edwards, Reverend Jules Harris of St Margaret’s Church and Eva-Marie Ford, Regional Development Manager from Thrive.

At the colourful and lively event guests enjoyed music by the school band, a variety of games and activities, a delicious BBQ, and a visit by an ice cream van.

Anna Smee, managing director of Thrive, said: “On Track Barnstaple is an extraordinary school which puts the wellbeing of pupils at the very centre of their work through their use of the Thrive Approach. This award is recognition of that amazing work.”

Thrive has been working in partnership with educators and organisations to help young people feel safe, supported and ready to learn since 1994. With its focus on building secure relationships and providing positive experiences, the Thrive Approach has been proven to improve behaviour, attendance and learning outcomes. Over 795,500 young lives have been positively impacted by the Thrive Approach.