Inside the Newport secondary school full of students going above and beyond for their community

The school's values of 'Ambitious, Proud, Caring' are the three principles that school leaders say shape everything from classroom learning to community partnerships, and help develop confident, capable young people who contribute to the community around them. 

Principal Caroline Bedford said the school has been on an upward trajectory in recent years, with its progress further strengthened since joining the Learning Community Trust in 2024.

Leaders talk openly about the “positive journey” the school is on - sharpening its focus, strengthening its culture and widening opportunities for students.

"We’re proud of the progress that has been made, but we’re equally focused on what comes next and how we continue building something even stronger for our young people," said Mrs Bedford.

Academic success matters, of course, but Burton Borough places equal emphasis on personal development. Students are encouraged to explore sport, music, creative arts, leadership roles and community action. 

“Education is about much more than results," said Mrs Bedford. "Those experiences help students discover who they are and what they are capable of.”

That ethos is visible everywhere: in the thriving school choir and band, in the buzz around the recent production of The Addams Family, and in the excitement building for next week’s Big Sing, where primary pupils will join Burton Borough students for a celebration of music and creativity.

One of the school’s proudest innovations is the Pathway to Platinum - a programme designed by assistant head Karen Heins to recognise students who go above and beyond.

From Year 10 onwards, students can work towards Platinum Status, earning the distinctive tie that marks them out as role models within the school.

“To gain the platinum tie - to be seen as the best of the best in Year 11 - you need to have demonstrated that you’ve given back to us as a school or to our wider community,” Mrs Bedford explains. 

“You might have looked after our Year 7s in transition, helped other students with reading, supported at lunchtime, or played a part in a club in or out of school.”

The pathway sometimes sees young people head out into the wider community, train as baristas at Newport's community cafe, The Hub, or help out at local care home The Rylands. 

“We’ve been really fortunate with the support the Newport community has shown us,” added Mrs Bedford.

"There are also sports clubs, cooking clubs, the local rugby club, and cadets - all are part of that pathway.

"Anything that our students do in the community that built that leadership skills and shows that they really care about the community and the people around them - we celebrate that and bring that into school."

Going forward, strengthening its connection with the community around them is high on the school's priorities - building closer relationships with families, working with local organisations and reconnecting with alumni.

While they're proud of their progress, the team are even more excited about what comes next.

“Our ambition is simple: to create a school community where students feel they belong, where they are supported to aim high, and where they leave us ready to succeed in whatever path they choose," said Mrs Bedford.

"That ambition is something we share with our staff, families and the wider Newport community.”