Monkton Wood Academy is delighted to announce that Woody, one of the school’s much-loved dogs, has achieved the prestigious Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Gold Award, in the UK’s leading dog training and socialisation programme.
The achievement recognises Woody’s excellent training, obedience and temperament, as well as the hard work and dedication of his handler.
To achieve the Gold Award, Woody and his handler were required to successfully complete 10 practical exercises during a single assessment session. These included demonstrating the commands ‘off’, sit, stand and down, as well as off-lead heeling and performing a trick.
Woody thoroughly enjoys his training and is already looking ahead to his next challenge, with his sights set on achieving the Platinum Award.
Away from the training arena, Woody plays an important role in everyday life at Monkton Wood Academy. As one of the school’s much-loved canine companions, he helps create a welcoming and positive environment for pupils and staff. Whether greeting pupils, offering a friendly presence around the school, supporting wellbeing activities or simply providing a comforting companion, Woody is always happy to be involved.
A spokesperson for Monkton Wood Academy said:
“We are incredibly proud of Woody and this fantastic achievement.
“Gaining the Gold Award is a real testament to the time, commitment and dedication that goes into his training, and it is wonderful to see how much he enjoys it.
“Woody brings so much to our school community, and his positive impact on the wellbeing and happiness of our pupils and staff is immeasurable.
“We look forward to following him on his journey towards Platinum, we know he will give it his very best paw!”
Congratulations, Woody!
Monkton Wood Academy’s Year 8 students enjoyed a memorable visit to Cantabria in northern Spain, exploring the region’s stunning landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture.
The trip provided a fantastic opportunity for students to practise their Spanish, bring their classroom learning to life and experience the language and culture first-hand.
Highlights included a trip to the spectacular Picos de Europa mountains, an unforgettable day at Cabárceno Natural Park and a visit to a traditional Spanish village.
Throughout the visit, students immersed themselves in Spanish culture, developed their language skills and created lasting memories with their classmates. The experience offered a valuable opportunity to learn beyond the classroom, building confidence, broadening horizons and bringing their studies to life.
A spokesperson for Monkton Wood Academy said: “Experiences like this are a wonderful way for students to bring their learning to life.
“Visiting Spain gives them the opportunity to practise their Spanish in real-life situations, discover a different culture and develop their confidence and independence.
“Our Year 8 students embraced every opportunity, and we hope they return with lasting memories, a greater enthusiasm for languages and a real sense of achievement.”
Students at Monkton Wood Academy have returned to school to find a fantastic new kitchen and dining facility, following the successful completion of an extensive new build and refurbishment project.
This project has created a modern, welcoming, purpose-built space where students can enjoy freshly prepared meals provided by catering provider Innovate, while socialising with their peers in a bright and vibrant environment. This enhanced dining space will significantly enrich the daily experience of the academy community, fostering both wellbeing and a stronger sense of belonging
Funded by Somerset Council, the project was designed by Grainge Architects, with Futures for Schools providing technical advisory services throughout the development. Following a series of client engagement meetings that commenced in April 2025, the project has progressed from concept to completion in just over a year.
The scheme combines a new build extension with the refurbishment of existing spaces to deliver a modern kitchen and dining facility tailored to the needs of Monkton Wood Academy’s students and staff. The new facilities provide improved catering capacity and a bright, attractive dining environment that will serve the academy for many years to come.
Harris Bros & Collard Limited (HBC) were appointed as the main contractor and have successfully delivered the project, working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the highest standards of quality while minimising disruption to academy operations.
As part of the Cabot Learning Federation, Monkton Wood Academy is committed to providing exceptional learning environments that support the wellbeing, development and success of every student. The new facility represents a significant investment in the academy’s future and reflects a shared commitment to creating outstanding spaces where young people can thrive.
A spokesperson for the academy said: “We are delighted to welcome our students back to this fantastic new kitchen and dining facility.
“The project has created a bright, welcoming space where students can enjoy nutritious, freshly prepared meals and spend valuable social time together. This investment represents a real commitment to the wellbeing of our students and the quality of their day-to-day experience at Monkton Wood Academy.
“We are incredibly grateful to Somerset Council, our project partners and everyone involved in delivering such a high-quality facility.”
Two teachers from Monkton Wood Academy have completed an incredible 1,003-mile cycle ride from Land’s End to John o’ Groats (LEJOG), raising more than £2,700 for Cancer Research.
Vice Principal Ian Grant and Scott Ellwood, Head of Department, Food, Design & Technology took on the epic challenge, completing the route in an astounding 10 days.
The pair spent approximately 69.1 hours in the saddle, averaging around 100 miles of cycling every day. Their shortest day covered an impressive 86.2 miles, while their longest saw them tackle a gruelling 122.8 miles.
The demanding journey required exceptional levels of fitness, resilience and determination, with both cyclists pushing through the physical and mental challenges of completing such a demanding distance.
Their efforts also helped raise more than £2,700 for Cancer Research, adding an important fundraising element to an already remarkable achievement.
They said: “It was an incredibly tough challenge, but also an unforgettable experience.
“There were some very long and difficult days, but the determination to keep going and reach John o’ Groats kept us motivated. Knowing that we were also raising more than £2,700 for Cancer Research made all the hard work worthwhile. “
“We’re extremely proud to have completed the 1,003 miles in just 10 days.”
Students and staff at Monkton Wood are celebrating a strong set of GCSE results today, with outcomes exceeding those achieved in 2025.
The results reflect the dedication, resilience and hard work shown by students throughout their studies. School leaders praised the commitment of the young people who have worked tirelessly to achieve their goals and make the most of every opportunity available to them.
Hannah Jones, Principal, said:
“We are incredibly proud of all our students and everything they have achieved. These results are a testament to their hard work, determination and positive attitude. Each student should take great pride in what they have accomplished, and we wish them every success and happiness as they move on to the next stage of their education, training or employment.”
The school also recognised the outstanding contribution of its teachers and support staff, whose dedication has played a vital role in helping students realise their ambitions.
“We would like to thank all of our staff for their unwavering commitment to supporting our young people. From classroom teachers to teaching assistants, pastoral teams, professional services, site staff and all those working behind the scenes, this success reflects the collective effort of our whole school community.”
The improved results come during a period of sustained development at the school. In recent years, significant work has been undertaken to strengthen teaching and learning, raise attendance and promote high standards of behaviour. These improvements have helped create a positive environment in which students can thrive academically and personally.
The achievements of this year’s cohort embody the school’s core values of aiming for success, realising potential and valuing the community. Students have demonstrated these values throughout their time at the school, supporting one another while striving to achieve their individual goals.
Everyone at Monkton Wood Academy would like to congratulate the Class of 2026 on their achievements and wish them the very best for the future.
Sixth form performing arts students from The SPACE (Somerset Performing Arts Centre of Education) at Monkton Wood Academy wowed audiences with a sell-out production of the award-winning musical Chicago at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre.
The West End and Broadway classic, featuring the iconic choreography of Bob Fosse and the unforgettable music and lyrics of Kander and Ebb, tells the story of murder, corruption, crime and celebrity in 1920s Illinois.
The talented cast delivered outstanding performances throughout the production, with standout roles including Amira Major as Velma Kelly, Daisy Walker as Roxie Hart, Fin Coath as Billy Flynn and Freddie Muir as Amos Hart.
Performed to packed audiences, the production featured a revolving stage and live band, creating a truly professional theatrical experience.
The cast received standing ovations every night, reflecting the exceptional standard of the performances.
David Duthie, Course Director at The SPACE, said: “Watching our students bring Chicago to life with such confidence, professionalism and passion has been incredibly rewarding.
“They embraced every challenge of this iconic production and delivered performances that would not have been out of place on a professional stage. The standing ovations each night were thoroughly deserved and are a testament to the hard work, dedication and talent of every student and member of the production team.
“We are immensely proud of what they have achieved.”
Open Evening at The SPACE this year is 6 Oct at 6pm.
Photo by Len Copland
Monkton Wood Academy is celebrating the fantastic achievements of six students – Joshua, Eliza, Ben, Jackson, Jessica, Rosie and Harry – who all took part in the UKMT Junior Kangaroo event.
The Junior Kangaroo is an invitation-only follow-on round to the UK Mathematics Trust’s Junior Mathematical Challenge, recognising students who have demonstrated exceptional mathematical problem-solving skills.
Special congratulations go to Monkton Wood’s award winners:
Bronze Award: Joshua, Eliza and Harry
Gold Award: Ben
Naomi Dodd, Head of Maths, said: “We are incredibly proud of all our students who took part in this prestigious competition.
“Their dedication, resilience and enthusiasm for mathematics have been truly inspiring, and their success reflects the hard work they have put into developing their mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills.
“We are thrilled to celebrate their achievements.”
A night of celebration, style, and fun saw students from a school in Taunton mark the end of an era surrounded by friends and laughter.
Monkton Wood Academy held its annual prom at Old Oak Farm in Curry Rivel, with more than 220 students gathering to mark the milestone in a countryside setting.
To read the full story on the Somerset Gazette website please click here.
It was an evening of glitz, glamour and style as students from Monkton Wood Academy celebrated their milestone prom in spectacular fashion.
This year’s annual prom, the formal farewell for students, was held in the stunning countryside setting of Old Oak Farm, Curry Rivel, creating a memorable evening that will remain with students for years to come.
More than 220 students attended the event and enjoyed a choice of delicious refreshments, including pizza, burgers, hot dogs, chicken and chips, followed by ice cream or sorbet.
There was plenty to keep everyone entertained throughout the evening, with activities including a DJ, magic mirror photo booth, casino tables, a photographer, outdoor games such as quoits, wooden skittles and giant Jenga, a giant chair with balloon arch for photographs, a sweet stand, and even a World Cup football match shown in the snug area.
Monkton Wood Academy would like to extend its sincere thanks to Old Oak Farm for hosting the event, Milos Dog Hotel for generously providing the sweet stand, and Vision Living for its £300 sponsorship, all of which helped make the evening such a special occasion.
A spokesperson for Monkton Wood Academy said: “Our annual prom is one of the highlights of the school year and a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate everything they have achieved together.
“Seeing everyone dressed so elegantly, enjoying themselves and creating lasting memories made for a truly special evening.
“We wish all of our students every success and happiness as they begin the next exciting chapter of their lives.”
Monkton Wood Academy’s Year 11 Art Exhibition opened this week, celebrating two years of dedicated artistic work. The showcase features an impressive range of painting, drawing, sculpture, lino printing and photography, highlighting the breadth of skills developed by the students.
More than 100 guests attended the opening night, where families, staff and community members explored the diverse collection and celebrated the achievements of the young artists.
Throughout the week, all Year 7 and Year 8 classes visited the exhibition during lessons. Students completed an art critic sheet, selecting a favourite piece and analysing its media, theme, artist and composition. This activity encouraged thoughtful engagement and inspired younger students with the standard of work they can aspire to.
The exhibition remained open for a week, giving the wider school community the opportunity to enjoy and celebrate the creativity and hard work of the Year 11 artists.
Monkton Wood Academy is proud to celebrate this outstanding showcase of talent, the emerging generation of young artists, and the strong community engagement it has inspired.
Heather Essadiq, Head of Art, said: “This exhibition is a wonderful celebration of our student’s creativity, commitment and artistic growth over the past two years.
“Each piece reflects not only technical skill but also the individuality, imagination and determination of the artist behind it.
“We are incredibly proud of what our Year 11 students have achieved and delighted to share their work with families, younger students and the wider community.”
