Avocet Learning Trust

The Avocet Learning Trust is a pioneering partnership which will benefit the learning of hundreds of Exmouth children has been formed by four primary schools, Bassetts Farm, Brixington, Exeter Road and Marpool.

The heads of the four schools say that it will strengthen the quality of teaching and learning through working together as four schools, sharing best practice, ideas and resources, and increase the children’s aspirations ‘through challenging learning experiences’.

The partnership will also enable the schools to raise standards, share staff and their skills and expertise and governors and enable children to make friends from other schools. However, the schools will maintain their individual identities and the governing bodies will continue to run each school and be responsible for its performance. Staffing will not change as a result of the trust.

During the summer building of the new Educational Centre on land adjacent to Marpool Primary School commenced and the necessary ground work, base and services were all completed. Scaffolding was erected and the builders commenced work on the framework of the new bespoke centre.

Now complete, as part of Marpool's Juniper Base, it is providing an invaluale learning environment for many children who otherwise might struggle in a conventioanl classroom environment.

The Trust has received an ongoing Service Agreement from Devon County Council to cover the operating costs of providing, initially, the first eight children with the support needed for their education.

The initial proposal is to build a straightforward building with Phase One being some 200 Square Metres in size with the external works are due to be completed in November 2021. At this point our input to the project commences with support for the internal fitments. The commitment, originally made by the former Club of Exmouth & District to support this most worthy project, has been taken up by our merged club and a substantial sum has been ring-fenced as our donation towards the costs of the bespoke learning areas, namely the Sensory Room and its Specialist Equipment, Phase 1 Classroom, Breakout Room and the Forest School Area.

The principals at The Avocet Learning Trust have advised us that the fact that Rotary has agreed to offer support is having a most positive effect on their fund-raising efforts.

We truly believe that we can help build a legacy for these most vulnerable children in our community which will have a lasting effect on their entire lives.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in receiving any further information.