Inspirational Devon headteacher awarded honorary degree

An inspirational Devon headteacher who helped transform a city school has been awarded an honorary degree.

The achievements of Moira Marder, Chief Executive Officer of The Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust, have been recognised by the University of Exeter.

Moira joined St James School, Exeter in 2007 as Deputy Headteacher, later becoming Headteacher. Her unrelenting focus on school improvement transformed St James School from one of the lowest performing schools in the country to one of the top performing in Devon for both progress and attainment.

The Ted Wragg Trust, based in Exeter, was set up in 2013 to transform the quality of education and life chances for all pupils in the city. Moira has been an instrumental force in realising the values of the Trust, working with lead Trust education partners; Exeter College and the University of Exeter.

Moira said: “I am so proud to be awarded this honorary degree by the University of Exeter.  The University has provided me with immeasurable support in helping set up an educational Trust that has fundamentally improved standards of secondary education across Exeter and beyond.”

Moira graduated from Leicester University with a BA in Combined Arts (History and Politics) and went on to obtain a PGCE in History. Moira began her career as a History teacher at Feltham Community College in West London, subsequently gaining the National Professional Qualification for Headship.

The Trust has grown to encompass six schools with primary, secondary and all-through provision and is responsible for providing collaborative and inclusive education for 4,000 children aged 2-16 across the greater Exeter area. Secondary educational standards have improved significantly and the reputation of the Trust is such that it now supports other under-performing schools.

Moira is also Director of Leading Schools South West, a Member of Uffculme Academy Trust and sits on the Devon Association of Secondary Heads Executive Board.