An ex-student of Heathfield Community School (now Monkton Wood Academy) and former pupil of Priorswood Primary School has been elected to a prominent political position in London.
Zoë Garbett has become Mayor of Hackney, giving the Green Party of England and Wales its first-ever elected mayoralty.
Born in Somerset, Zoë Garbett was one of four children to teacher parents and previously worked for the NHS.
On winning, Zoë said she was ‘elated’ and promised it was ‘just the beginning’ after the Green Party won with 35,720 votes to Labour’s 26,865. The position had previously always been held by Labour.
A spokesperson for the schools said: “We are incredibly proud to see one of our former students achieve such an important milestone in public life.
“Zoë’s election is an inspiration to current pupils and demonstrates how determination, hard work and a commitment to serving others can make a real difference.
“We wish her every success in her new role as Mayor of Hackney.”
Monkton Wood Academy proudly hosted its annual Young Musicians of the Year finalist concert, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of its students.
The competition invited students to enter in one of three categories: Young Musician of the Year (solo performers), Young Band of the Year, and Young Composer of the Year.
Participants first took part in an audition process led by Head of Music, Joshua Horsey, alongside the academy’s music teachers.
Students were given time to prepare and present their performances or original compositions.
Following the auditions, the strongest entries were selected to perform at the finalist concert.
The event saw students take to the stage in front of a live audience, as well as a distinguished panel of judges, who were tasked with selecting winners in each category. This year’s judges included Glyn Bowen, Director of Somerset Music; Andy Pulleyn, Director of the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre; and James Cuthbert, Associate Assistant Principal at Monkton Wood Academy and Line Manager for Music.
The standard of performances this year was exceptionally high, making the judges’ decisions particularly challenging.
The 2026 winners are:
Young Musician of the Year (Solo): Elsie-Rose Kelly
Young Band of the Year: The Brightones (Scott, Aiden, Josiah, Oscar, Aiden)
Young Composer of the Year: The Overcasts (John, Harlow, Sonny, George, Will, Tom)
Joshua Horsey, Head of Music at Monkton Wood Academy, said: “Huge congratulations to our three winners of this year’s Young Musicians of the Year awards.
“The quality was outstanding, and all participants brought incredible energy and passion to the concert. We are extremely proud of every student who took part.”
Students from Monkton Wood Academy are celebrating success after impressing judges in this year’s The Page is Printed: Creative Writing Competition, hosted by Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre.
The annual competition aims to provide opportunities for writers of all ages to express themselves creatively.
By limiting entries to one side of A4, the event encourages focus and clarity, while celebrating the power of storytelling.
Organisers emphasise that every participant who takes the time to write contributes to the success of the event.
This year’s celebration event once again proved to be a powerful and inspiring occasion.
Despite a wide variety of themes and subject matter, each piece demonstrated a shared love of language and an appreciation of its ability to shape perspectives and influence the world.
The event maintained its reputation for a warm and supportive atmosphere, making it a highlight in the local creative calendar.
Two students were named Under-18s prize winners:
Livvy Morris (Year 11) for An Ode to Grief
Emily Twist (Year 9) for Revenge
Judges praised the high standard of entries and the originality of ideas explored.
The 2026 judging panel included lead judge and award-winning poet Graeme Ryan, alongside published authors Clare Donoghue and Chris Ewan, Lionel Ward of Brendan Books, writer Molly White, and English teacher Leanne Appleby.
The panel generously dedicated their time to reading submissions, offering feedback, and selecting the winners.
A spokesperson for the academy said: “We are incredibly proud of Livvy and Emily for their achievements in this prestigious competition.
“Their success reflects not only their individual talent and creativity, but also the enthusiasm for writing that we strive to nurture at Monkton Wood Academy.
“Opportunities like this are invaluable in encouraging young people to find their voice and share their ideas with confidence.”
Pic: Emily Twist
A globally acclaimed music group has brought rhythm and inspiration to students in Taunton during a week-long residency.
Monkton Wood Academy recently welcomed The Dhol Foundation, an internationally recognised musical group and academy founded by master drummer Johnny Kalsi in 1989, who spent the week delivering workshops centred on the Punjabi dhol drum and its vibrant musical tradition.
To read the full story on the County Gazette website please click here.
(Image: Shooting Pixels)
A Taunton educational worker is taking on a year-long running challenge.
Isabelle Ashton, year nine raising standards lead at Monkton Wood Academy, started her 12-month challenge on Sunday, March 1, by completing the Taunton Half Marathon.
To read the fully story on the Somerset County Gazette website please click here.
Monkton Wood Academy was delighted to welcome the internationally renowned Dhol Foundation, which spent a week in residence to deliver an inspiring week of music, culture, and performance.
Founded in 1989 by master drummer Johnny Kalsi, The Dhol Foundation is a globally celebrated musical group and academy dedicated to popularising the Punjabi dhol drum.
The group’s remarkable career has seen members perform for Queen Elizabeth II on multiple occasions, as well as at prestigious venues and events including Buckingham Palace, the Royal Variety Show, and the iconic Glastonbury Festival, among many other major UK and international stages.
Throughout the week, the band delivered engaging and energetic workshops to students across Years 7-11, alongside sessions for our SPACE Post 16 students and Cedar Centre students, a specialist autism resource base within the academy.
These workshops gave students a unique opportunity to experience live percussion, develop rhythm skills, and immerse themselves in a vibrant musical tradition.
The residency culminated in a spectacular live performance at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, where a select group of students had the unforgettable opportunity to perform on stage alongside the band.
Students across the academy described the experience as exciting, inspiring, and unforgettable, with many continuing to talk enthusiastically about the week’s events.
Joshua Horsey, Head of Music at Monkton Wood Academy, said: “It has been an absolute privilege to host The Dhol Foundation for the week.
“Their energy, expertise, and passion for music have been truly infectious.
“Our students have not only developed new musical skills but have also gained confidence and a deeper appreciation for global musical traditions. Opportunities like this are invaluable, and the impact will stay with our students for years to come.”
Isabelle Ashton, Year 9 Raising Standards Lead (RSL) at Monkton Wood Academy, is embarking on an extraordinary 12-month running challenge to raise funds for a cause close to the school community’s heart.
Isabelle will kick off her challenge by completing the Taunton Half Marathon on Sunday 1 March—her third half marathon of the year so far.
In 2026, Isabelle is taking on her biggest challenge yet: running 12 half marathons, one full marathon, and one ultra marathon within a single year.
She is dedicating her efforts to Cancer Research UK, a charity chosen by students at Monkton Wood Academy.
Throughout the year, students will also take part in fundraising activities alongside Isabelle and Sarah Kew, Head of Stuart House, helping to build a collective effort across the school community.
Isabelle hopes her journey will inspire students to challenge themselves, support one another, and recognise the power of resilience and determination. Her challenge reflects the core values of Monkton Wood Academy:
We aim for success
We realise our potential
We value our community
Isabelle Ashton said: “Taking on this challenge is about more than just running, it’s about showing our students what’s possible when you set a goal and stay committed.
“Knowing we’re raising money for Cancer Research UK, a charity chosen by our students, makes every mile even more meaningful. I hope this inspires them to push their limits and support causes they care about.”
If you would like to support Isabelle’s fundraising efforts, donations can be made via the following link:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/isabelle-ashton-12?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020
Dozens of pupils at a school near Taunton have been recognised for their achievements in a national maths competition.
Students in years nine and 10 from Monkton Wood Academy took part in the UK Mathematics Trust Intermediate Maths Challenge, earning a total of 37 bronze, silver, and gold awards.
To read the full story on the Somerset County Gazette website please click here.
Students at Monkton Wood Academy are taking the lead in online safety following the launch of a new student group digital leaders.
The digital leaders play a vital role in supporting students and staff with student apps, online learning tools, and tackling everyday digital challenges.
The group has already made a positive impact across the academy, helping to build confidence and promote safe, responsible technology use.
As part of Safer Internet Week, three of the digital leaders – Natalia, Kieran and Melissa – bravely took to the stage during assemblies to support this year’s focus on artificial intelligence (AI).
Safer Internet Day (SID) is a major international event, celebrated in approximately 170 to 200 countries worldwide, dedicated to promoting the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology, particularly for children and young people.
Their presentations helped students better understand the opportunities and risks linked to AI, while encouraging thoughtful and informed use of digital tools.
A spokesperson for Monkton Wood Academy said: “We are incredibly proud of our digital leaders for the confidence, maturity and enthusiasm they have shown.
“By supporting their peers and leading important discussions around online safety and artificial intelligence, they are helping to create a safer and more informed digital community within our academy.
“A huge well done to our digital leaders for leading the way and empowering others to use technology safely and smartly.”
A group of Year 9 and Year 10 students from Monkton Wood Academy took on the challenge of competing in the annual United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Intermediate Maths Challenge.
This national competition is designed to stretch high-achieving students with complex, thought-provoking problem-solving questions. It encourages mathematical reasoning, logical thinking and creativity beyond the standard curriculum.
Monkton Wood was proud to learn that 37 students achieved bronze, silver or gold awards, which is a fantastic accomplishment.
Even more impressively, two Year 9 students have progressed to the next round, earning a place in the Grey Kangaroo 2026, a follow-on round to the Intermediate Mathematics Challenge. It is a 60-minute multiple-choice test comprising 25 questions.
A huge well done to all students who took part, and good luck to Oliver and James as they prepare to compete in the next round.
A spokesperson for the academy said: “We are immensely proud of all the students who represented Monkton Wood Academy in this year’s UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge.
“Their dedication, resilience and enthusiasm for mathematics have truly shone through.
“Achieving 37 award winners is a remarkable accomplishment, and we are especially delighted that Oliver and James have progressed to the Grey Kangaroo round.
“We wish them every success as they continue this exciting mathematical journey.”
