Recognising a growing concern across the country, where 2.5 million children in the UK are growing up without a father figure, Chris and his team wanted to act. Statistics from the Centre for Social Justice show that boys are falling behind girls in education across every stage, and the number of young men not in education, employment or training has risen dramatically since the pandemic.

Determined to make a difference, Chris launched The GOAT (Greatest of All The) Boys project — a pioneering initiative that unites men from all walks of life to mentor, guide and inspire students. “We’ve seen the real impact that positive male role models can have,” says Chris. “When boys have someone to talk to and look up to, they start to see a path forward.”

The ceremony at Windsor Castle was a proud moment not only for Claire and her family, but for everyone across our team. It represents national recognition of her dedication, leadership and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference through her work.

Claire’s Reflections on the Honour

Speaking after the ceremony, Claire shared, “I feel so proud to be working in such a rewarding role and profession. Thank you to all of my incredible colleagues and wonderful family.”

An incredible 100% of pupils from South Farnham and The Raleigh School met the expected standard for reading, writing and maths, taking the top two spots in the Surrey performance table compared to the Surrey average of 66% and national average of 62%.

Great Bookham School took third spot with 96% meeting the expected standard, a huge rise from 88% last year and 53% in 2023.

Normandy Village School has risen to 13th place from 157th last year, achieving 85%, while Highfield is ranked 19th with 81%.

South Farnham also topped the England table of the percentage of pupils achieving at a higher standard in reading, writing and maths – 63% compared to the national average of 8%.

These fantastic results place South Farnham Educational Trust as the top performing multi-academy trust in the country out of 657 based on Key Stage 2 results with 95% of pupils meeting the expected standard for reading, writing and maths.

This outstanding recognition reflects the hard work, dedication and commitment of the entire school community. With a strong focus on providing an ambitious and inclusive curriculum, South Farnham School ensures that every child is supported to thrive, achieve and enjoy their learning.​

The event brought together more than 20 employers for a careers fair, alongside mock interviews for Year 10 students with industry professionals. Employers included AWE, Gateley, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Volker Fitzpatrick, the University of Winchester, BCOT and QMC.

Career development is embedded at Brighton Hill from Year 7 onwards through a structured careers roadmap, NHS-led workshops, careers adviser appointments, CV-building sessions and use of the Unifrog platform.

For more information about career development at Brighton Hill Community School please email: admin@bhcs.sfet.org.uk

Achieving Outstanding in every area reflects the remarkable journey of growth and transformation the school has undergone over the past three and a half years.

Inspectors praised Busbridge Infant School for its safe, nurturing and vibrant environment where pupils flourish and children are enthusiastic about learning. The Ofsted report highlighted:

“From the youngest age, children thrive, benefiting from nurturing relationships and consistent routines. They are engaged and inquisitive learners who build confidence and independence.”

The report also commended the school’s strong commitment to an ambitious curriculum where children thrive academically but also provide numerous opportunities to help them grow into well-rounded individuals and responsible citizens.

‘Besides academic learning, pupils gain life skills, such as visiting a farm and learning how to care for animals. The well-considered school events extend and enrich the schools curriculum, for example, experiencing live theatre, VE Day celebrations and learning in a science week project.’

This year is especially exciting as we begin under the leadership of our new CEO, Claire Harnden. There is so much to look forward to, and we cannot wait to get started. Welcome back everyone – let’s make this year one to remember!

A message from our CEO, Claire Harnden:
“It is with great delight that I welcome all staff and pupils back after the summer break. I look forward to all that the year ahead holds across our schools and I am especially pleased to welcome The Priory Primary School to the SFET family. As we continue to grow and thrive across the Trust, I am excited for the opportunities and successes this year will bring.”

Nestled in the picturesque hamlet of Pamber End, North Hampshire, The Priory is a vibrant and nurturing school, home to 190 children across seven classes from ages 5 to 11.

Our relationship with The Priory began through the Teaching School Hub where together we built a strong partnership underpinned by shared values, a commitment to excellence and a supportive approach to education.

The purpose-built space will serve as an additional classroom and is equipped with modern resources designed to foster a dynamic and interactive learning environment. New features include an all-weather outdoor area, a dedicated Phonics room and a new entrance, bringing Reception children back into the heart of the school community.

Headteacher, Jonny Franks, commented, “We are thrilled to receive the keys to our brand-new Reception building, which is eagerly anticipating welcoming its first ever class in September 2025.  This fantastic new space will provide our youngest learners with the very best facilities to support their first steps in education.”

Finding an area that met the grant criteria took a little time. Preparing the area needed drainage works and the removal of a food kiosk used by the school’s catering company. Before the works started a group of staff took part in a gardening day to tidy up the surrounding area during the Easter Holidays. Even the school therapy dog, Vinnie, came to help!

Whilst the preparation works were being organised, the Blue Coat School asked their parent community for support with the project seeking gardening and landscaping expertise. A parent happily came forward to support and this, combined with input from Mrs Fitzgerald (Geography Teacher) and the students, a fantastic design for the space was created. The students wanted a green space they could enjoy and encourage wildlife, but be accessible to all students. The students are keen to select bulbs to plant at different times of year to enhance the area further.

The prestigious award recognises Claire’s exceptional leadership, her pioneering work in teacher training innovation and her influential contributions to national education policy. Throughout her career, Claire has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to raising standards, supporting aspiring teachers and shaping the future of education for the benefit of all.

National Leadership and Policy Influence

Claire’s impact extends far beyond the Trust, with her work at the heart of national educational reform. Her prominent high-profile roles include:

• Teaching School Hub Council Member: Supporting and challenging the national network, while advising the Department for Education on policy. Claire currently leads the national ITT (Initial Teacher Training) Advisory Board.
• Co-Chair of the Teacher Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group: Leading national stakeholders in the development of new teacher training routes. Ministerial announcements have confirmed the group’s recommendations are now being implemented.
• Chair of the Queen Street Education Expert Group: Facilitating strategic discussions among senior education leaders on trust development and quality of education.
• NASBTT Trustee: A registered charity representing over 10,000 individual trainees and mentors, dedicated to promoting high-quality, schools-led teacher training.

These roles have placed South Farnham Educational Trust at the forefront of national education policy, ensuring the Trust is well-prepared for future developments while providing staff with unique professional opportunities.

Evie and her younger sister Ada lost their father to suicide in 2018. For years, Evie kept this private, especially as she noticed classmates joking about suicide or using words like “depressed” without understanding their true meaning. “People don’t realise how much it can hurt,” Evie says.

Students shared stories and engaged in conversations about the significance of VE Day, which served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and courage demonstrated during such a pivotal time in history.
 

As a Lead School, South Farnham will play a central role in shaping and strengthening music education throughout Surrey. Working closely with Surrey Music Hub, other schools and music educators, South Farnham will help ensure that all children have access to enriching and inspiring musical experiences. The school will collaborate on a variety of musical projects and activities, aiming to engage young people and offer support to other schools across the county.

To set the scene for this unique event, staff members from Jane’s Historic Kitchen, dressed as Tudor cooks, visited each class at The Raleigh School. They shared the fascinating story of how, in 1533, King Henry VIII gifted West Horsley Place to his cousin, Henry Courtenay. The children were transported back in time and invited by these ‘Tudor cooks’ to design and create an elaborate pastry lid, as though contributing to a grand feast for the King’s arrival. The cooks were keen to discover the best and most creative pastry lids to prepare for His Majesty’s visit.

Ofsted Ratings:

• Quality of education: Good
• Behaviour and attitudes: Outstanding
• Personal development: Outstanding
• Leadership and management: Outstanding
• Early years provision: Outstanding

At Kings Furlong Infant School, students and teachers indulged in delightful pancake tastings, enjoying the sweet and fluffy treats. Meanwhile, over at Normandy Village, Highfield South Farnham, and South Farnham School, the energy was high as students and even teachers took part in thrilling pancake races!

Leading the way is South Farnham School, which has retained its title as the number one primary school in Surrey. Closely following is The Raleigh, ranked 2nd, while Great Bookham School, a recent addition to the Trust in July 2022, secured 9th position. Completing the Trust’s impressive lineup is Highfield South Farnham, which achieved 24th place.  These rankings are based on Key Stage 2 test results in reading, writing, and maths.

On a national level, South Farnham School excelled as the 35th best performing school out of 20,940 for the expected standard and impressively ranked 7th for higher standard.

Commenting on this incredible success, a spokesperson for the Trust shared:

“These results reflect the unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts of our pupils and staff across all our schools. At South Farnham Educational Trust, we are committed to achieving excellence, not only in academic performance but in providing a rich curriculum that nurtures creativity and character. From performing arts to sports and music, we ensure every child thrives.”

The day featured a range of engaging activities, culminating in a community food-tasting event. Parent volunteers shared their favourite dishes, offering a delicious array of flavours from around the world.

The event's success has inspired the school to make International Day an annual tradition, fostering inclusivity and celebrating the rich diversity within the school community.

Among the many poignant tributes, the children of South Farnham Junior School delivered a moving performance, outlining the events of the First World War which really captured the spirit of remembrance, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

#LestWeForget

At The Raleigh, a brand-new building has been completed and will be used as an additional classroom. This fantastic new facility comes equipped with modern resources, providing a more open learning environment that's designed to promote interactive and engaging lessons.

Joining SFET means becoming part of a supportive network of schools, each bringing its own strengths, experiences, and commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for children. This new partnership strengthens our collective skills and knowledge while nurturing existing relationships across Basingstoke. 

It was a delight to witness parents experience first hand the unique qualities that make Busbridge Pre-School exceptional. The pre-school prides itself on creating a "home from home" environment, where caring staff are always available to look after the children.

The children were thrilled to play in the new play areas, with particular excitement for the outdoor spaces, which feature a new playhouse and balancing water buckets.

Great Bookham School's Artistic Showcase

On Tuesday, 4^th June, Great Bookham School hosted an event that brought together four local schools: Great Bookham Primary, Eastwick Junior, Polesden Lacey Infants, and St Lawrence Primary. The school hall was transformed into an underwater wonderland, complete with jellyfish hanging from the ceiling, fish decorating the walls, and even a real beach in the corner. The event featured a variety of engaging activities, including games, pledge-making stations, and a popular "sounds of the sea" station.

Children from each school displayed their projects, attracting over 300 visitors, including teachers, parents, and governors. The event was honoured by the presence of Mrs. Clare Curran, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Children, Families, and Lifelong Learning, who interacted with the children and explored their impressive artwork, models, poems, letters, and posters. Additionally, James Landon, Head of Science, and Ruth Hopkins both from The Howard Partnership attended, expressing their admiration for the quality of the work displayed. James Landon has led science training for all the teachers involved in the project for which the Trust was very grateful.

The Raleigh's Under-the-Sea Extravaganza

On Thursday, 6^th June, The Raleigh hosted an exhibition where students from The Raleigh, St Matthews Infant School, Downside, Cobham, and Royal Kent Primary, Oxshott, showcased their work. The school hall was transformed into an underwater scene, complete with a giant display of sea creatures hanging from the ceiling. There was an exclusive screening of the play "Sid the Squid," recorded during its performance at the school. The exhibits demonstrated imaginative ideas and creativity and visitors enjoyed the engaging and educational displays.

Sir Andrew Carter, CEO of South Farnham Educational Trust, Claire Harden, Deputy CEO of SFET and Linda Ross, Chair of the Trustees, expressed their heartfelt appreciation. Claire Harnden stated, “It is such a privilege to deliver a small token of appreciation to all the schools that make up the SFET family. Our wonderful staff change children's lives!”

An estimated 70 plus children joined the parade to represent the school. This year's theme was 'The Olympics' and the children all looked wonderful dressed in their sports kits whilst walking underneath the maypole draped with paperchains in the Olympic ring colours.  Despite the changing weather conditions, everyone who attended had a great day.

The inspection team commended South Farnham for delivering an excellent education where pupils learn exceptionally well studying a highly ambitious and aspirational curriculum.  The report stated, ‘By the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, outcomes in reading, writing, and mathematics are significantly above the national average’.  It also continues to highlight the school's ‘sharp focus on identifying and meeting the needs of all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)’.

Achieving outstanding in all areas of the report truly reflects the dedication of the school's staff and the effectiveness of their teaching methods.

South Farnham Educational Trust is incredibly proud of all pupils and staff at The Raleigh and the inclusive environment it provides.  This latest Ofsted report reflects the hard work that goes into creating a fantastically rich curriculum, including performing arts, sport and music. 

The inspection team summarised, ‘The school has exceptionally high expectations for pupils’ achievement, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  This leads to all pupils achieving significantly well across the curriculum, including in end of key stage assessments. There is a culture of ambition and high aspiration that permeates the school.  Pupils thrive in the caring and nurturing school community.’

South Farnham Educational Trust is incredibly proud of all pupils and staff at Highfield South Farnham remembering the incredible change and meteoric rise from a struggling Pilgrims Way school in 2014 to now being named 7^th best performing primary in Surrey.  This latest Ofsted report reflects the hard work that goes into creating an inclusive environment where all pupils have the opportunity to develop their talents and interests.

Out of 16,783 schools Ofsted ‘outstanding’ South Farnham and The Raleigh are named within the top 15 best performing primary schools across England.  South Farnham maintains it’s fantastic national reputation in 10^th place whilst The Raleigh has been named 11^th.  A significant achievement from a few years ago when in 2020 it placed 257^th.
South Farnham School has also retained its number one spot as best performing primary in Surrey with The Raleigh named 2^nd and Highfield South Farnham another Trust school 7^th.
The league table is based on results that are ranked on the percentage of pupils who achieved their expected grade in the 2023 SATs tests. 
 

The rankings were put together by The School Guide, which uses the latest exam data, Ofsted reports and parent reviews to rank the schools. More information is available on The Schools Guide website. 

South Farnham Educational Trust is a collective cross phase group of seven schools that share a commitment to ensuring the highest possible outcomes for all their children, creating an inclusive environment where all pupils can thrive.  It is also home to SFET Teaching School Hub, Appropriate Body and South Farnham SCITT, providing teacher training and development for over 300 schools.