As we reach the end of a busy and successful few weeks, we’re looking back on just some of the fantastic achievements, opportunities and experiences that have brought our schools and communities together. From exciting new initiatives and sporting successes to inspiring visitors and student leadership, there has been so much to celebrate!

We began the term by welcoming Milking Bank Primary School to Invictus Education Trust, marking an exciting new chapter as our Trust continues to grow. We also celebrated some fantastic news across our schools, including Kinver High School’s Strong Ofsted outcomes, which reflect the dedication of staff and students to providing an excellent education. Our secondary school open evenings were another great success, welcoming prospective students and their families to discover the opportunities, experiences and support available across Invictus.

We were delighted to welcome Dudley Mayor Pete Lowe, Mayoress Su Lowe, Deputy Mayor Adam Aston and Mayor’s Consort Ben Middleton to Invictus HQ and Kinver High School, showcasing the fantastic work taking place across our Trust and celebrating our strong connections with the local community.

Beyond the classroom, our students have continued to embrace opportunities that build confidence, develop skills and inspire ambition. Two Year 11 students from Kinver High School enjoyed an unforgettable gliding experience, with both subsequently being offered scholarships to continue developing their flying skills. Meanwhile, Wombourne’s Silver Duke of Edinburgh group successfully completed their expedition, demonstrating outstanding resilience, determination and teamwork.

Innovation has been at the forefront with the launch of STEM On Track across all our secondary schools, giving students the opportunity to design, build and race a go-kart. This week, Pedmore celebrated an incredible achievement, ranking fifth in the UK for progress in STEM On Track! We also launched our very own Invictus Games this half-term, with the first session hosted at Kinver High School. The event brought students together through sport, teamwork and friendly competition.

There have been plenty of other highlights this half-term, too. Ellowes hosted a Black History Month panel and a Student Leadership Fayre, Crestwood welcomed the Youth Got Talent Roadshow auditions as defending champions, and Rufford celebrated a thrilling 5–4 football victory against Ham Dingle. At Rufford, six pupils also became Diana Award Ambassadors following anti-bullying training at Himley Hall. They will now play an important role in launching Rufford’s whole-school anti-bullying campaign.

This half-term, Leasowes’ Ethos team took 14 students to the launch of Impact Innovators, an exciting student leadership programme they’ll be embarking on over the next year. Furthermore, at Wombourne, the Student Leadership Team worked alongside dedicated staff to organise a fantastic Halloween Bingo event, bringing the school community together for an afternoon of spooky fun, exciting prizes and plenty of Halloween spirit!

Thank you to our students, staff, families and communities for making this another memorable half-term. We wish everyone a safe and restful break and look forward to welcoming you back soon.

 Here’s to more excellence, every day!