A huge congratulations to all the children who took part in our 500 Words Competition 2026 across the Trust!
This year, pupils from Year 2 and Year 6 took on the challenge of writing a complete story in just 500 words. It sounds simple, but anyone who has tried to tell a compelling story within such a tight word limit knows just how difficult it is! The creativity, imagination and writing talent on display were truly impressive.
Our judges had the difficult task of selecting the winners from a fantastic collection of entries, and we are delighted to celebrate the following pupils:
Year 2
🥉 Bronze – Arlo, Overdale Infant School
🥈 Silver – Arshdeep, Brookside Primary School
🥇 Gold – Sara, Overdale Infant School
Year 6
🥉 Bronze – Faris, Woodland Grange Primary School
🥈 Silver – Abdussamad, Overdale Junior School
🥇 Gold – Nur, Woodland Grange Primary School
Every child who entered should be incredibly proud of their achievement. It takes imagination, resilience and determination to craft a story that captures a reader’s attention in just 500 words, and the standard of entries this year was exceptional.
Thank you to everyone who supported the competition, including our staff who encouraged and inspired our young authors throughout the writing process. Competitions like these are a wonderful way to nurture a love of reading and writing, build confidence, and give children the opportunity to share their unique voices and ideas.
Well done once again to all our entrants and congratulations to this year’s winners. We can’t wait to see what stories you’ll create next year!
This month, schools across the Trust came together to celebrate creativity at our Trust-wide Art and Design Technology Exhibition, held over two inspiring evenings. The event showcased the very best of student achievement, with Year 11 students proudly presenting their final pieces alongside a stunning selection of work from our most talented artists in Years 7, 8 and 9.
The exhibition was also an opportunity showcase the artwork of primary children from across the Oak Trust. Young artists from Overdale Junior School, Overdale Infant School, Woodland Grange Primary School and Brookside Primary School were selected to exhibit their work, highlighting creativity from pupils as young as Foundation.
With over 350 visitors attending across the two evenings, the exhibition was a true celebration of artistic talent and community. Despite the hot weather, the event remained vibrant and well-attended, providing an inspiring experience for all who visited.
A particularly special feature of the event was the opportunity for visitors to engage directly with the artwork by voting for their favourite piece from each school. This interactive element encouraged conversation and reflection, and allowed students of all ages—from Year 2 through to Year 11—to feel recognised and valued for their creativity.
Overall, the exhibition was a fantastic success, showcasing the breadth and quality of art and design across the Trust while inspiring the next generation of young artists.
A team of staff from Woodland Grange Primary School, part of OAK Multi Academy Trust, will be taking on the Leicestershire Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday 23 May to raise money for Leicester Hospitals Charity (Ward 27).
The team will complete a demanding 16-mile route, taking in countryside paths, woodland trails and hilltop climbs including Bardon Hill, Old John Tower and Beacon Hill. The challenge is hosted by Elite Adventures and will test both endurance and determination.
The fundraising effort holds deep meaning for the school community, and is a way of recognising the care, compassion and expertise shown by the staff on Ward 27.
It is also about standing alongside all children and families facing similar challenges, and acknowledging the vital role hospital teams play in supporting them through incredibly difficult times.
This reflects the values at the heart of OAK Multi Academy Trust, where kindness, community and collective support underpin everything we do. Colleagues coming together in this way demonstrates the strength of that community and the desire to make a positive difference beyond the classroom.
Families, colleagues and the wider community are invited to support the team, whether through donations or by helping to raise awareness.
Every contribution will support the continued work of Leicester Hospitals Charity and help ensure families receive the care and support they need.
At OAK Multi-Academy Trust, we are proud of the way our schools support young people to flourish, succeed and develop a lifelong love of learning. The 500 Word Competition is a wonderful example of this in action.
Now in its fifth year, the competition invites Year 2 and Year 6 pupils from across our schools to write an original piece of up to 500 words on a subject of their choice. It is an opportunity for every child to express themselves, to explore their imagination, and to take pride in their own learning journey.
Each year, we are inspired by the ambition and creativity of our pupils. Their stories reflect curiosity, knowledge and a real sense of possibility. From imaginative adventures to thoughtful reflections, the quality of writing continues to grow year on year.
Following the SATs period, pupils begin working on their entries within their schools. Teachers select the strongest pieces, with Headteachers nominating finalists to represent their school at trust level. These shortlisted entries are then brought together in a professionally produced and illustrated book, celebrating the very best writing from across OAK.
The competition will culminate in a special celebration event on Thursday 2 July 2026, where shortlisted pupils will come together to share their work and where winners will be announced.
New for 2026
This year, we are delighted to invite finalists to attend the event with their families, with up to two parents or carers joining each pupil. This reflects our commitment to working closely with our communities and celebrating success together.
The 500 Word Competition continues to bring our schools together, rooted in their local contexts yet united by shared values of opportunity, achievement and kindness. It is a chance for our pupils to be ambitious, to develop confidence in their knowledge and creativity, and to see the art of the possible in their own work.
We look forward to sharing highlights and excerpts from previous years in the coming weeks. We cannot wait to see what our young writers create in 2026.
We are incredibly proud of pupils from Overdale Junior School and Overdale Infant School, who have contributed to a deeply meaningful mural unveiled at Leicester Central Library.
The project, developed in partnership with Leicester Libraries and the University of Leicester, was created in memory of Ayana, whose love of reading, stories and imagination has inspired this special installation. Her passion for books and creativity sits at the heart of the mural, which now forms a lasting tribute within a space dedicated to learning and community.
Over the past year, 40 pupils from both schools have taken part in a series of creative workshops led by writer and poet John Berkavitch. Through discussion, drawing and writing, pupils explored their favourite stories, characters and imagined worlds, bringing their own ideas and voices into the project.
These contributions were then brought to life by internationally recognised mural artist Peachzz, resulting in a large-scale artwork that winds around the central staircase of the library. Designed as a painted bookshelf, the mural is filled with objects, characters and moments inspired by the children’s ideas, reflecting both individual creativity and shared imagination. At the top of the staircase sits a portrait of Ayana, surrounded by the stories she loved.
The unveiling event brought together pupils, families and partners, alongside authors, artists and representatives from across the city. It was a special moment to recognise not only the finished artwork, but the care, thought and creativity that had gone into its creation.
We are especially proud that individual pupils were recognised for their contributions. A piece created by Din (Overdale Juniors) was selected for the Benjamin Zephaniah People’s Poet Art Award, with judges recognising its powerful expression and connection to voice and identity. Evelyn (Overdale Infants) was also recognised for her innovative design, selected by Two Queens Leicester.
A selection of the children’s work is now displayed within Leicester Central Library, allowing the wider community to see and celebrate their contributions.
This project is a powerful example of what can happen when schools, communities and creative partners come together with a shared purpose. It has given pupils the opportunity to express themselves, to contribute to something lasting, and to be part of a piece of work that holds real meaning.
We are incredibly proud of all the children involved and the care, creativity and respect they brought to this very special project.
We are delighted to share that OAK Multi Academy Trust has been shortlisted for Small MAT of the Year at the MAT Excellence Awards 2026.
We are also proud that Chief Financial Officer Sarah Davis has been shortlisted for CFO of the Year, recognising her outstanding leadership in strengthening the trust’s financial strategy and long-term sustainability.
The MAT Excellence Awards celebrate excellence across the academy trust sector, recognising organisations and individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation and impact in education.
OAK has been shortlisted in recognition of its values-driven approach to school improvement and its clear strategic vision: “Together we grow great schools.”
Across its five schools, the trust has focused on strengthening teaching, inclusion, digital innovation and operational excellence while building a strong culture of collaboration and shared responsibility.
A key part of this work has been the development of the BespOAK Instructional Playbook, providing a shared professional framework for teaching and learning across the trust. This approach focuses on effective modelling, feedback, retrieval and practice, bringing greater consistency and clarity to classrooms.
OAK has also delivered a significant digital transformation through its Frontiers 1:1 iPad programme, ensuring digital equity for pupils while enhancing teaching, feedback and accessibility across primary schools.
Stakeholders have recognised the impact of the trust’s improvement journey. Former Vice Chair of Trustees Kam Karaji reflected on the progress made, writing:
“You have transformed this Trust… something I am proud to be a small part of.”
The awards also recognise the contribution of Sarah Davis, whose leadership has helped reshape the trust’s financial culture. Her work has strengthened transparency, sustainability and strategic financial planning across the organisation.
Under Sarah’s leadership, OAK has built robust financial systems, delivered two consecutive external audits with no management points and successfully delivered major capital projects supporting pupils and communities.
Her collaborative approach ensures that financial decisions remain aligned with the trust’s core purpose: improving outcomes and opportunities for learners.
The winners of the MAT Excellence Awards 2026 will be announced at the awards ceremony in June.
Find out more about the awards here:
https://matexcellence.co.uk/
Students from Manor High School, part of OAK Multi Academy Trust, recently returned from an unforgettable geography trip to Iceland, giving them the opportunity to experience first-hand the landscapes and natural forces they study in the classroom.
The five-day trip took pupils across some of Iceland’s most iconic and dramatic environments, often described as the “Land of Fire and Ice”. The itinerary included visits to volcanic landscapes, glaciers, waterfalls and geothermal sites around Reykjavik and the south-west of the country.
During the trip, students explored the Reykjanes Peninsula, where they were able to see the effects of tectonic movement between the North American and Eurasian plates. They also visited the famous Golden Circle, including the erupting Strokkur geyser and the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall.
Other highlights included hiking near the Sólheimajökull Glacier, visiting the black sand beaches near Vík, experiencing the unique Vík Lava Show, exploring a lava cave and learning about renewable energy at Iceland’s largest geothermal power station. The trip also included a visit to the world-famous Blue Lagoon.
In addition to the geography learning, the trip offered many students an opportunity to travel internationally for the first time. Among the group were 15 students with SEND, representing around 30% of participants, as well as five pupils eligible for pupil premium support.
For some students, the trip marked their first experience of travelling abroad, while others were building confidence through international travel after previous school trips.
Experiences like this are a powerful reminder of how educational visits can bring learning to life. Seeing landscapes shaped by volcanoes, glaciers and geothermal activity helped students deepen their understanding of geography in ways that simply cannot be replicated in the classroom.
The trip also provided opportunities for pupils to build independence, confidence and lasting memories while sharing the experience with friends and staff.
Manor High School continues to prioritise inclusive opportunities that allow as many pupils as possible to take part in enrichment experiences, ensuring that travel and cultural learning are accessible to all.
| After many years of dedicated service, we are saying a fond farewell to Paul, OAK Multi Academy Trust’s Estates Manager, as he prepares for retirement.
Paul’s journey with OAK began before the trust itself was formed. Prior to becoming Estates Manager, he was Site Manager at Manor High School, where he built his experience and worked as part of a strong, committed team. During that time, he played a key role in site improvements and carbon reduction work, laying foundations that would later support the trust’s wider estates development. When OAK Multi Academy Trust was established in 2018, Paul was involved in those early stages and stepped into the role of Estates Manager, supporting the trust as it began to grow and evolve. From that point on, he became a familiar and reassuring presence across all five schools, supporting projects large and small and helping to shape learning environments that children and staff use every day. One of the things Paul has spoken about most fondly is the time spent travelling between schools. “Cycling around our schools on fine sunny days was not like work at all.” Over the years, Paul has been closely involved in a number of complex, high-value projects across the OAK estate. These include major developments such as the sports hall at Manor High School and the Badger Building at Overdale, both of which have had a lasting impact on school communities and will continue to benefit pupils for years to come. While the projects themselves are significant, Paul has always been clear that it is the people he has worked with that matter most to him. He has consistently spoken with appreciation about colleagues across the trust and the understanding shown during essential but often disruptive works. “All of our staff are friendly and understanding, especially when it comes to intrusive construction projects like new heating installations, re-wiring, new roofs and windows. The list goes on, and I thank you all for your patience.” Reflecting on his time with OAK, Paul has seen the Central Team grow in knowledge, experience and capacity, strengthening the support offered to schools and enabling the trust to respond more effectively to changing needs. He leaves with a strong sense of pride in the journey he has been part of and confidence in the trust’s future. As he prepares to step into retirement, Paul’s message to colleagues and communities across OAK is simple, warm and characteristically understated. “Thank you, and of course I will miss you all. On rare occasions I can be found at the Navigation Inn at Kilby Bridge – please pop in for a sherbet.” Paul’s knowledge, commitment and good humour will be greatly missed across OAK Multi Academy Trust. We thank him sincerely for everything he has given over the years and wish him a long, happy and well-earned retirement. |
At OAK Multi Academy Trust, we believe that supporting the people who work in our schools is fundamental to providing the best possible education for children.
In the short film below, staff and leaders share how OAK’s approach to professional development, coaching and wellbeing supports them in their roles and helps them grow with confidence.
“People First at Oak Multi Academy Trust”
Investing in professional development
Across OAK, staff development is prioritised through structured coaching and ongoing professional learning. This approach supports teachers to reflect on their practice, build effective habits and continually improve in a supportive environment.
Strong professional development leads to stronger outcomes for children.
Creating a supportive working culture
Staff wellbeing is an important part of everyday life across Oak schools. Dedicated wellbeing support, thoughtful use of space and a culture of openness help staff feel supported, motivated and equipped to do their best work.
Growing together as a trust
As a family of schools, OAK Multi Academy Trust works collaboratively to support staff and leaders at every stage of their career. Schools joining Oak become part of an organisation that values people, learning and shared responsibility.
At OAK, putting people first helps everyone thrive — staff, leaders and, most importantly, the children in our care.
At OAK Multi Academy Trust, inclusion is not something that sits separately from everyday school life. It is part of who we are and how our schools support children and families.
In the short film below, parents and staff share what inclusive practice looks like in action across our schools — from specialist support within mainstream settings to the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a caring school community.
“Inclusion in Action at Oak Multi Academy Trust”]
Supporting individual needs within a mainstream community
Across OAK, specialist provision is embedded within mainstream schools. This allows children with additional or complex needs to receive tailored support while still accessing the wider school experience, building friendships and feeling part of everyday school life.
Every child is different, and our approach reflects that understanding.
Working closely with families
Strong relationships with families sit at the heart of inclusive practice. By listening, understanding and working together, our schools aim to create environments where children feel supported and parents feel confident in the care and education their child receives.
Parents in our film speak about the difference this has made — not just for their children, but for their whole family.
A genuine sense of belonging
Inclusion is about more than support structures. It is about belonging, community and feeling valued.
Across OAK Multi Academy Trust, our schools work hard to ensure every child is welcomed, understood and able to thrive as part of a wider school community.