What this priority is about

We want TEAM schools to be strong community hubs and outward-looking at the same time. Our rural and coastal schools, in particular, play a central role in local life. We also want pupils to experience contrasting contexts across the UK and internationally, so that they develop a broader understanding of the world and their place in it.

What this means for children and families

You should see:

• Schools actively engaged in local community life, including volunteering and social action.
• Strong links with local secondary schools to support smooth transitions.
• Opportunities for pupils to connect with schools in different parts of the UK, especially linking small rural schools with urban and suburban schools.
• Global learning embedded across the curriculum, including partnerships with schools abroad.
• Church schools working closely with the Diocese of Exeter to strengthen their Christian distinctiveness.

How we will get there

We will:

• Develop a structured global partnership programme, aiming for all schools to gain and sustain the British Council International School Award.
• Build a national network of partner schools in contrasting contexts to support collaboration, pupil exchanges and professional learning.
• Launch a Trust-wide community engagement framework to coordinate and strengthen local partnerships, volunteering and social action.
• Work with secondary schools on joint transition projects that support curriculum continuity and pupil wellbeing.
• Celebrate and share the impact of community and partnership work across the Trust.

How we will know it is working

Over time, we expect to see:

• All schools holding and maintaining relevant international school accreditation and active global links.
• Each school sustaining multiple long-term community partners.
• High proportions of pupils taking part in service, citizenship and social action each year.
• Strong parental feedback on secondary transition, including for vulnerable groups.
• Church of England schools recognised as living up to their foundation and enabling pupils and adults to flourish.