Under the leadership of newly appointed headteacher, Matt Bindon, Mount Tamar will continue to provide education for children and young people who have social, emotional or mental health needs or autistic spectrum conditions across a range of sites in the city.

The move formalises Mount Tamar’s existing sponsor relationship with the Trust and means its pupils, staff and school community will benefit from TFT’s extensive experience in creating positive futures for young people with special educational needs. Plans for the school include building a new secondary block for pupils to access purpose-built facilities, a comprehensive curriculum improvement plan and staff training and development.

Matt Bindon, Mount Tamar headteacher, said: “Joining the Trust feels like the school has come home because its ethos and spirit matches incredibly closely with Mount Tamar’s aspiration that all students can reach their full potential. We’re already seeing huge benefits for our whole community and I’m looking forward to working with students, staff and our community as we integrate and make the most of the opportunities ahead of us.”

Specialising in working with children and young people who cannot access mainstream education, TFT’s core aim is to create positive futures for all. The Trust is building a culture of Trauma Informed Practice in all its schools to support the wellbeing and development of all children and young people, head teachers, school staff, parents/carers and stakeholders and their wider communities.

Matthew Barnes, Chief Executive Officer for the Transforming Future Trust, said: “We want Mount Tamar to become the latest beacon of best practice for our Trust by ensuring Mount Tamar benefits from all of the support and infrastructure the Trust can offer. We are looking forward to working closely with the team on its mission to provide the best education for some of Plymouth’s most vulnerable children and young people.”

Mount Tamar joins TFT’s group of three schools: Courtlands, a primary school for children with social, emotional and mental health needs; ACE Tiverton, a secondary school for young people with autistic spectrum conditions; and ACE Schools, which provides alternative provision across Devon, Cornwall and Plymouth.

Photo: Fresh from signing the documentation are Carole Burgoyne, Co-Vice Chair of Trustees, Matthew Bindon, Headteacher, Laura Partridge, PHP Law, Jim Barnicott and Steve Rowlands Members of the Interim Education Board and Logan and Akira, pupils from Mount Tamar School.