Head of Somerset primary school steps down after nine years

Luke Talmage, a former pupil and now headteacher of Manor Court Community Primary School in Chard, will leave at the end of this academic year to become chief executive officer of the Educate Together Academy Trust, which oversees schools across the South West.

Mr Talmage said: "It has been an enormous privilege to return to the school I attended as a child and serve as its headteacher.

"Together, we have built something very special for the children and the town.

"Manor Court is now in a fantastic place, and I know the school will continue to thrive in the years ahead as a proud establishment in Chard and as a key part of PPAT Education.”

Mr Talmage as a student himself. (Image: Manor Court Community Primary School and Pre-School)

Mr Talmage, who attended Manor Court in the 1980s, has led the school for almost a decade.

During this time, he has overseen significant transformation, including growing pupil numbers, rising academic standards, and strengthened community partnerships — particularly with St Mary’s Church and Chard Town Council.

Parents, staff, and governors have praised his leadership for turning the school into a “community hub.”

This became especially clear during the coronavirus pandemic when the school established strong links with Lord’s Larder.

Face masks were donned during the global pandemic. (Image: Manor Court Community Primary School in Chard)

The school was used as a community food distribution centre, a scheme that continues today.

He was recognised with a BBC award for his community leadership during the pandemic and was invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party last year in honour of his services to education.

Mr Talmage (right) outside Buckingham Palace. (Image: Manor Court Community Primary School and Pre-School)

Mr Talmage enjoying a snowball fight. (Image: Manor Court Community Primary School and Pre-School)

Under his headship, Manor Court has seen continually improving pupil outcomes and has broadened its enrichment activities to include sports, music, outdoor learning, Portuguese language lessons, and multiple community projects.

Bernie Green, CEO of PPAT, wrote to parents following the announcement.

She said: "I am sure that you will join me in congratulating Mr Luke Talmage on his promotion to chief executive officer at Educate Together Academy Trust.

"He will be greatly missed at Manor Court Community Primary School, and we thank him for all of his hard work and commitment to ensuring Manor Court is the excellent school that it is today.

"We wish Luke every success for the future."

Mr Talmage’s new role will see him oversee five schools across the South West, supporting school improvement and widening educational opportunities.

The trust’s focus is on raising outcomes for all pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged, have special educational needs, or speak English as a second language.

Governors at Manor Court said they were sad to see him leave, but pleased that his leadership would now benefit even more children across the region.

They echoed the view that the school has become a true centrepiece of the community under his leadership.