Sparx Learning , the Exeter-based education technology company, has announced that Sir Charlie Mayfield will become Chair in October 2025. He will succeed Simon Lebus CBE who is stepping down after six years of transformative leadership.
Since becoming Chair in 2019, Simon Lebus has overseen a period of remarkable growth and strategic progress at Sparx. At the start of his tenure, the company served just 14 schools in Devon. Today, Sparx’s platforms support over 2.4 million students in 2,600 schools, including almost 50 in Devon, across mathematics, literacy and science.
You don’t need a major renovation to breathe new life into your home. Sometimes, the smallest and most subtle changes can have the biggest impact on the way a space feels. Whether you're preparing for guests, refreshing a tired interior, or simply wanting a change without the cost and disruption of a full makeover, these simple updates can help your home feel brand new.
Refresh Your Walls with Paint or Wallpaper
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most effective ways to update a room. Even if you stick to the same colour, a clean, even layer can make the space look...
As the summer sun shines across Devon, families are heading outside to enjoy paddling pools, beach trips, and time by the water. But for children under five — the age group most at risk of accidental drowning — this season also brings hidden dangers.
According to the Royal Life Saving Society UK, one child drowns at home every month in England, with toddlers and preschoolers most at risk. These sobering statistics are a powerful reminder that water safety isn’t just a summer issue but it’s one that comes sharply into focus during the warmer months.
There are more shutterbugs across Exeter and the UK at large than ever before. Some still fully commit to a proper camera, a tripod, and the like to take the best possible pictures. Others are more than happy with snapping with their superbly high-powered smartphone cameras. Whichever of these categories you fall into, Exeter has plenty of top spots for you to explore and add to your increasingly stunning collection of photos.
The city, and the surrounding county of Devon, has so many spectacular buildings that deserve to be the subject of a snap on their own, as well as rolling...
A formidable new season of Gallagher PREM rugby awaits as our 2025/26 fixture list has now been confirmed.
Exeter Chiefs launch into the new campaign on the road to Northampton Saints at cinch stadium Franklin’s Gardens in round one on Sunday, 28 September.
That’s before rugby returns to Sandy Park with Newcastle Falcons on Saturday, 4 October. After a trip to near neighbours Bristol Bears in round three, the month draws to a close with back-to-back home games against Harlequins and Gloucester.
Sale Sharks in Manchester is the lone league fixture in November...
Sure, the high street may be filled with familiar corporate chains, but a short stroll off the main path reveals a treasure trove of delightful eateries, unique gift shops, and an array of charming pubs just waiting to be explored in Exeter. Newcomers will discover the enchanting historic centre or venture into one of Exeter’s delightful emerging suburbs, such as St Leonards, Heavitree, or the scenic Quayside.
While Bristol often grabs the spotlight among West Country cities, Exeter is quietly working to shake off its laid-back image. This vibrant city boasts an impressive museum...
An Exeter-based building and renovation business has been recognised for its exceptional work on a large-scale renovation project at the Federation of Master Builders’ South West Awards 2025.
Set up in 2014 by Ross Pollard, Vision has grown to handle increasingly complex projects from new build, extensions and single room refurbishments to whole house renovations.
The award-winning project is a luxury upgrade to a 1930s family home overlooking the Exe Estuary. Works undertaken by Vision included updating an indoor swimming pool and adding a steam room; creating a bespoke...
Heat pumps are having their moment—and with good reason. As energy efficiency climbs the priority ladder for homeowners, the appeal of a system that provides both heating and cooling, while using far less energy than traditional methods, is undeniable. Whether it's in a new build or part of a retrofit, heat pumps offer a future-forward solution that aligns with stricter regulations and evolving environmental standards.
But here’s the thing: even the best heat pump can underperform if it’s not installed correctly. In fact, installation missteps are one of the fastest ways to drain...
Picking wall insulation for interiors is pretty much like choosing the perfect blanket.. How cosy do you want the house to be? Will Material A keep it warmer than Material B? Some wall insulation materials are better at warming the house than others. Which materials are we talking about? Let’s look at the commonly used ones.
Fibreglass
Given its popularity, you’ve probably come across fibreglass in one of its numerous forms.
Fibreglass works by slowing heat flow and trapping air molecules. It’s made of tiny glass fibres created from a combination of...
