A 21st is always a cause for celebration and a lovely bit of sponge cake, and this was never more the case than at Warbstow Primary School recently.

The small village school joins Aspire as academy number 21 — so marking a significant milestone for Cornwall’s largest multi-academy trust.

Headteacher Dominique Dyer was officially presented with a celebratory cake by chair of the trust Mrs Jacky Swain, and, just to keep it in the family, the tasty creation was handmade by teaching assistant Kiley Tregunna, from fellow Aspire school Sandy Hill Academy in St Austell.

Mrs Dyer said: “The 1st of April marked the official start of our Aspire journey but long before this we had already received months of support and friendship as we transitioned from local authority control. Being part of Aspire is essential to the future success and wellbeing of Warbstow Primary as we access richer provision and resources that ultimately will ensure higher standards for pupils.”

Jacky Swain added: “We are all delighted to have Warbstow Primary on board and being our 21st school it’s all the more special! In 2011 we embarked on an incredible journey and as the Trust’s profile continues to flourish, both on the South West and national stages, we can’t wait to see what comes next!”

The celebration at Warbstow marks a coming of age for Aspire since its inception in 2011 with just three primary schools under its wing. The Trust now looks after 850 members of staff and 4,500 pupils across Cornwall and strives to guide its 21 diverse schools with compassion, humility and determination.

As the summer term gets underway, the county’s largest educational family looks forward to celebrating further milestones and successes together, with the forthcoming Aspire Sailing Regatta, Surfing Festival and Summer Games just a few ‘red letter’ dates in the Trust’s calendar.