Proprietor’s Annual Report

As we begin a new academic year at Phoenix Bay, I’ve been reflecting on everything our students, staff, and families achieved together over the past twelve months. What stands out most to me isn’t just the qualifications or milestones, but the everyday moments of growth, trust, and transformation that quietly shaped our school year.

We didn’t end last term with a quiet goodbye but with a celebration — our annual end-of-year evening at the Livermead Hotel in Torquay. Students and staff arrived dressed in their best, full of pride and excitement, joined by families who have supported them every step of the way. We looked back on the year through video montages, heartfelt speeches, and awards that celebrated all kinds of success — not just academic achievements but personal journeys, resilience, and progress in every form. Then we danced. Because for many of our young people, this year was about much more than learning. It was about healing, rebuilding trust, and discovering their own potential. And those stories deserve to be honoured.

It was also a chance to say farewell to our Year 11 students — many of whom arrived at Phoenix Bay feeling unsure or disconnected from education and who now leave us with qualifications, confidence, and a sense of purpose. Watching them step into the next chapter of their lives is a privilege none of us take for granted.

One moment that stayed with me from that evening was a message read aloud on behalf of Tania, one of our Year 11 parents. Her words were honest, raw, and full of the kind of appreciation that reminds you why this work matters. She spoke not just about what we did but about what it meant — how Phoenix Bay became a safe space for her son Lucas, especially in times when home life was challenging. Her words weren’t just for me and Jane; they were for every member of our team. And they serve as a reminder to all educators of what it means to be someone’s safe place, someone who helps a young person believe in themselves again.

This past year, learning took place in many different ways. Our students completed Functional Skills qualifications, Entry Level Science, PE, and ICT, and some accessed GCSE pathways in core subjects and Art and Design. Every one of our leavers left with a recognised qualification — but more importantly, with pride in what they’ve achieved. For many, this was their first positive experience of success in education, and that changes everything.

But school life at Phoenix Bay extends far beyond qualifications. Our students took part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, gathering and delivering food to local food banks, growing vegetables from seed to harvest, and taking part in beach clean-ups to protect our coastline. These weren’t just chores — they were acts of compassion, responsibility, and service. This dedication was recognised when we received our DofE Social Value Certificate for 2024/25, celebrating the difference our students made to their community.

We explored mental health in meaningful, joyful ways. For Mental Health Awareness Week, students took part in calming Tai Chi, created nature-based art, and finished the day with a colour run and obstacle course that brought the whole school together. These moments weren’t just about fun — they were about creating shared experiences that build trust, connection, and a sense of belonging. We also spent a day at Stover Country Park, using the outdoors to explore mindfulness and photography as part of an AQA unit. It was a powerful reminder of how nature can support emotional regulation and wellbeing — especially for our learners with complex needs and experiences of trauma.

We continued to foster strong links within our community. Our local football team, the Watts Blake Bearne U14s — whom we proudly sponsor — didn’t just win their league. They also received the Fair Play Award and the Most Respect Points in their category at the Devon FA’s Greatest Game Festival. These achievements exemplify the values we hold dear at Phoenix Bay: character, teamwork, and respect.

Within our own walls, we kept investing in professional development that deepens our understanding of the children we serve. We welcomed Hannah Avent for a powerful training session on sensory awareness, helping us respond better to the needs of our neurodiverse and trauma-experienced students. We don’t see behaviour as something to manage — we see it as communication. And with empathy and the right knowledge, we can respond in ways that make young people feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.

As always, I must thank the incredible staff team at Phoenix Bay. Each person brings their own unique passion — whether that’s magic, music, nature, or a love for the Muppets — but what unites them is a deep, unwavering commitment to our students. This is a team that shows up every day with care, humour, and belief in every young person who walks through our doors.

To our families, thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your continued support. To our students, thank you for your courage. You have taught us as much as we’ve taught you.

As we step into the year ahead, we do so with fresh energy and the same values that guide everything we do: empathy, creativity, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Because at Phoenix Bay, education doesn’t just happen at desks — it happens wherever our students feel seen, safe, and supported.

We are proud to be more than just a school, and we can’t wait to see what this year brings.