Tom Larkham, Headteacher at Coleham Primary School in Shrewsbury, explains how Trust investment in staff development supports his school.
“Our Trust has made a significant investment in developing the expertise and leadership capacity of staff across the school.
“Through Trust-funded training and support, five teaching assistants have successfully gained SEND Teaching Assistant qualifications, with a further three currently enrolled.
“Three staff members have qualified as SENDCos, strengthening specialist provision for pupils with additional needs, while four leaders have completed National Professional Qualifications, including NPQLT and NPQH.
“The Trust has also supported career progression pathways, enabling one teaching assistant to achieve HLTA status before qualifying as a teacher, helping to grow and retain highly skilled staff within our school.”
Tom Larkham, Headteacher, Coleham Primary School
Coleham Primary School – creativity, caring and community
Coleham Primary School joined The 3-18 Education Trust in 2017, as a vibrant two-form entry primary school with a vision to provide an excellent education for every child.
Creativity, caring and community form the beating heart of Coleham Primary School.
We value being part of The 3-18 Education Trust, they understand that people matter and want to invest in us. There are many opportunities to develop our practice and progress careers.
We can support each other in an ever-changing educational landscape through collaboration on a range of issues to ensure everyone in our school has the best experience possible. We also support staff in other schools which, in turn, further enhances our own practice.
Notes for editors
The 3‑18 Education Trust is a Shropshire‑based Multi‑Academy Trust providing a high quality, aspirational education from early years through to post‑16.
Our Trust comprises fourteen schools bringing together a vibrant and diverse community of over 6,200 students, 900 teaching and support staff and 84 local committee members.
September 2026 marks ten years of The 3-18 Education Trust, from the founding schools of Priory and St Martins in 2016 to our growing Shropshire-wide community of schools today.
This year we celebrate Our Trust at 10 recognising ten years of collaboration, growth and shared ambition across our Trust and community of schools.
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