Manor Court Primary School’s headteacher wins Somerset Make a Difference Award

He was given the ‘Highly Commended’ Award in the ‘Together’ category for people who have "created real change by breaking down barriers and bringing together people from different walks of life for a common cause."

Mr Talmage, who has been the head of the Ofsted rated ‘Good’ school, since 2017, has always aimed to be at the centre of the community.

He has forged strong links with a wide range of community groups in Chard, for the good of the children and families of Manor Court, but also for the good of the wider community.

This became ever more apparent and important during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Luke Talmage (Image: Submitted)

Under Mr Talmage’s guidance and leadership, the school became a support hub for so many, not just Manor Court families, but families across the town.

The proficient links with community groups became even more accomplished and even more vital, and the school became a beacon of hope for so many.

Food was collected and delivered daily alongside pupil work packs and reading books, and children and families were engaged in learning through daily video links, online challenges, and regular celebration assemblies.

Videos, poems, stories, and postcards were also sent to care homes and other vulnerable groups within the area.

Regular home visits were made, and it was Mr Talmage’s vision that no child or family were forgotten or not engaging during the difficult times we all faced.

The community links with the school now include Chard Museum, care homes, doctor surgeries (where you can see our art installations), the Men’s Shed, Chard Hub, the local council, Chard Cricket Club, St Mary’s Church, Chard One Team, Chard library, Sunflowers of Somerset, Yeovil Town F.C. and more.

These impressive links not only benefit the families of Manor Court but also the wider community.

Under Mr Talmage’s leadership, the community of Manor Court now reaches far beyond the school gates, and working in partnership with such a range of groups and community members has had, and continues to have, such a positive impact on the wellbeing of Chard.

It was this work that recognised Mr Talmage as so much more than ‘just’ an outstanding head teacher and led to the nomination for the Somerset ‘Make A Difference Awards’.

He was honoured by the nomination and amazed to have been shortlisted, but to be given the ‘Highly Commended’ Award at the ceremony by Alex Lovell (Presenter of Points West), amongst so many other worthy winners from across Somerset, is something he is rightfully proud of and an award he will really cherish.