Students at Monkton Wood Academy have taken part in an exciting collaboration with Nadja Media, an online publication dedicated to reporting news and social issues through a lens that highlights their impact on women and girls.
This unique opportunity not only supported the students in developing their English language and communication skills but also gave them first-hand insight into the world of journalism.
Over the course of the project, students engaged in six supervised Zoom sessions with a professional journalist, who provided guidance, mentoring, and real-world perspectives on media production.
Through these sessions, students learned how to research effectively, identify and understand bias, and apply journalistic techniques to produce their own written pieces.
The project culminated in each student creating a piece of work that showcased the skills they developed throughout the programme.
To celebrate their achievements, the students work will be presented to the wider school community during upcoming assemblies.
A spokesperson for Monkton Wood Academy said: “We’re incredibly proud of our students for embracing this opportunity with such enthusiasm and maturity.
Working with Nadja Media has given them not only valuable academic skills, but also a deeper awareness of the role journalism plays in society—especially in highlighting the voices and experiences of women.
“This project has been a powerful step in building both confidence and critical thinking.”
A school in Taunton has been recognised by Ofsted for progress in behaviour and safeguarding following a monitoring inspection in May.
Inspectors visited Monkton Wood Academy to assess how effectively leaders were improving pupils’ behaviour and managing safeguarding procedures.
To read the report in full on the Somerset Gazette website please click here.
‘Robust’ safeguarding measures and ‘knowledgeable and well-trained staff’ are helping students form ‘positive relationships’ at rapidly-improving Monkton Wood Academy, according to Ofsted.
Inspectors from the education watchdog visited the Taunton academy in May to scrutinise students’ behaviour and assess the school’s safeguarding practices.
Though the school is not due to have its next full inspection for at least another year, he Ofsted team ruled that Monkton Wood has shown a big improvement in these areas since its previous inspection, noting that suspensions and exclusions for poor behaviour have reduced and student attendance has increased.
In his judgement letter, Lead inspector Matthew Haynes said: “Leaders and those responsible for governance have taken effective action to improve behaviour and secure consistently positive attitudes to learning. Arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
On behaviour and attitudes within the school, he wrote: “Since the school opened as an academy in December 2023, leaders have rightly prioritised improving pupils’ behaviour. Staff and pupils are clear about expectations in lessons and at other times of the school day. Lessons are typically calm and there is little low-level disruption. Students in the sixth form act maturely and work together in productive, constructive ways
“The majority of pupils form positive relationships with each other. They socialise well together and develop strong friendships. Bullying is not tolerated and is dealt with when it occurs.
“Pupils and staff rightly recognise the improvements in behaviour at the school. The school’s use of suspensions and exclusions to tackle poor behaviour has reduced. Rewards for good behaviour and effort are increasingly valued by pupils. Pupils’ rates of attendance are rising overall because of the school’s effective actions.”
On safeguarding, he wrote: “Safeguarding processes are robust and well managed. The records that the school keeps are comprehensive. Knowledgeable and well-trained staff refer concerns appropriately and leaders follow these up rigorously. Pupils receive the care and support that they need.
“Leaders prioritise safeguarding and have established an open and vigilant culture. Staff have a strong understanding of the signs of potential risks, including those more specifically relevant to the school.”
Inspectors also acknowledged the additional support Monkton Wood’s leaders have received from the school’s parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) to drive up standards.
Mr Haynes continued: “The trust has helped to establish ambitious expectations for pupils’ behaviour and attendance, including developing the policies and processes to underpin these. Trust officers contribute important support for leadership in the school, provide training for staff and regularly monitor the school’s progress. This includes support in vital areas such as safeguarding.
“The trust has helped the school to stabilise staffing, recruiting new staff and leaders. The school benefits from accessing expertise in other schools in the trust.
“Trustees and members of the local academy council keep close oversight over both behaviour and safeguarding in the school. They have an accurate understanding of the school’s priorities and progress. They are realistic about what the school has achieved so far and what needs to improve further. This means the trust provides the right support and challenge for the school’s leaders.”
Ofsted’s judgement has been welcomed by leaders at Monkton Wood and the CLF, who say they will continue to work hard to ensure further school improvements follow.
Hannah Jones, Principal at Monkton Wood Academy, said:
“We are pleased that the inspection team has recognised the impact of the Monkton Wood team’s work on behaviour and attitudes at the school. I am incredibly proud of our students and of the staff who support them so well.”
Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:
“It’s great for the whole school community to be able to read that our school is making such strong progress since becoming part of the trust last year – I’m delighted for the team that they have received this recognition for all their hard work. Well done to all staff and students.“
A Year 10 student at a Taunton school has claimed victory in an international boxing competition.
Jessy Heyburn, from Monkton Wood Academy, won a gold belt at the 2025 Portimão Box Cup Portugal.
Representing Blue Flames ABC, she won by unanimous decision in the final bout.
To read the full story on the Somerset County Gazette click here.
Jessy Heyburn, a talented Year 10 student at Monkton Wood Academy, has claimed an impressive victory at the 2025 Portimão Box Cup Portugal, winning a gold belt by unanimous decision in the final bout.
Representing Blue Flames ABC, Jessy was placed straight into the final, where she boxed over three intense rounds. Demonstrating both adaptability and tactical skill, Jessy stepped out of her usual fighting style and achieved a decisive result.
“I boxed a different style to what I normally do and had a good outcome for it,” said Jessy. “I am really pleased with my success.”
A spokesperson for Monkton Wood Academy added: “We are incredibly proud of Jessy’s outstanding achievement on an international stage.
“Her dedication to both her sport and her education sets a fantastic example for students across the academy.
“She continues to embody the values of hard work, resilience, and ambition.”
Monkton Wood Academy is celebrating an unprecedented sporting achievement—winning three district football championships in a single season.
Mel Pattemore, Head of Physical Education spoke to BBC Radio Somerset about this, here is what Mel had to say.
Monkton Wood Academy has won three district football championships in one season.
The finals were all held at Taunton Town Football Club.
In the first match, the Year 8 team succeeded with a 4-3 penalty win against Bishop Fox’s School.
To read the full story on the Somerset Gazette website click here.
A determined team of six students from Monkton Wood Academy has successfully completed the gruelling Ten Tors Challenge, covering 35 miles across rugged Dartmoor.
Led by team captain Elsie Ryder, the team—consisting of Ned Ellwood, Thomas Rowson, Emily Lewis, Alex Bashford, and William Davis—spent months preparing for this demanding event with training sessions both in the classroom and out on the moors.
The Ten Tors Challenge, organised annually by the British Army, pushes young people aged 14–19 to their limits. Teams must navigate unassisted across Dartmoor, visiting ten designated tors (hilltops) while carrying all necessary gear and camping wild overnight. The event tests not only physical stamina but also teamwork, resilience, and navigation skills.
This year, the Monkton Wood Academy team completed the 35-mile route with skill and determination, managing all aspects of the expedition independently. Their impressive performance is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and unity.
Jennifer Martin, a member of the staff who supported the team throughout their preparation, said: “We are incredibly proud of what these students have achieved.
“The Ten Tors is one of the most challenging youth events in the UK, and to see them complete it with such confidence and teamwork has been truly inspiring.
“Their resilience and spirit represent the very best of Monkton Wood Academy.”
Monkton Wood Academy is celebrating an unprecedented sporting achievement—winning three district football championships in a single season.
All three finals were held at the prestigious Taunton Town Football Club.
Year 8 students were crowned district champions after a thrilling 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Bishop Fox’s School, following a fiercely competitive match.
Year 9 took on The Castle School. After a 1-1 draw in regular time, Monkton Wood secured a commanding 3-0 win in the penalty shootout.
Year 11 faced Bishop Fox’s in a gripping match that ended 2-2. Monkton Wood again triumphed on penalties, winning 4-2 after an end-to-end battle.
Mel Pattemore, Head of Physical Education, praised the teams: “We are immensely proud of all our players.
“Their determination, teamwork, and composure under pressure have been phenomenal.
“To win three finals is an incredible achievement for our players and academy.”
Monkton Wood Academy’s year eight students have been crowned district football champions.
The team secured the title after a competitive match against Bishop Fox’s School at Taunton Town FC’s stadium.
To read the full story on the Somerset Gazette website please click here.
