Sixty-six Monkton Wood Academy Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) students took on the challenge of their qualifying expedition in the beautiful – but testing – Quantock Hills.
The first evening brought some particularly tough weather conditions, pushing everyone out of their comfort zones.
Despite this early challenge, the students showed remarkable resilience, teamwork and determination, supporting one another and adapting brilliantly to the situation.
A spokesperson for the academy said: “We are incredibly proud of how our students responded to the challenges they faced during their expedition.
“The difficult weather conditions tested their resilience and teamwork from the outset, but they rose to the occasion with maturity, determination and a positive attitude.
“The experience has helped them develop valuable life skills and demonstrated exactly what the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is all about.”
Monkton Wood students are proudly taking part in an inspiring community art project in collaboration with Taunton Town Football Club – the Lions Trail.
Students were specially selected to design and paint 12 striking lion silhouettes, each representing a nation competing in the World Cup. These sit alongside 37 additional lions, all beautifully decorated and displayed across Taunton town centre, forming an exciting and colourful trail for the community to discover.
Visitors are invited to explore the town, follow the trail, and experience this unique outdoor gallery – celebrating creativity, culture, and community spirit.
Following the exhibition, the lions will be auctioned on 23 September, with all proceeds supporting the Barnaby Webber Foundation.
Sarah Balkwill, teacher of art, said: “A committed group of highly talented Year 8 and Year 9 students dedicated their time and energy – working at home, during lunchtimes, and after school – to bring these incredible designs to life. Each lion has been thoughtfully created to reflect the identity and vibrancy of its country.
“The result is a collection of truly outstanding pieces, demonstrating exceptional creativity, teamwork, and pride. We are immensely proud of what our students have achieved, so please keep an eye out for our MWA Lions when you are in town.”
Trail Dates:
Friday 6 August – Friday 14 August 2026
For more details of how you can follow the trail, please click here.
Thirty year 10 students from Monkton Wood Academy in Taunton travelled to New York City during May half term for a week-long exploration of art, culture and independence.
Their journey began in Williamsburg with a graffiti workshop and guided street art tour, where they learned directly from practising artists.
To read the full story on the Somerset Gazette website please click here.
Monkton Wood Academy’s Year 10 students enjoyed the trip of a lifetime this May half‑term, when 30 budding artists travelled to New York City for an unforgettable week of creativity, culture and independence.
The group began their adventure in Williamsburg with a hands-on graffiti workshop and guided street art tour, giving students the chance to learn from real NYC artists while exploring one of the world’s most vibrant creative communities.
From there, they immersed themselves in two of the globe’s most iconic art institutions: the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art, where masterpieces from across centuries sparked lively discussion and fresh inspiration.
Of course, no first visit to New York would be complete without taking in the skyline. Students ascended both the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock, experiencing breathtaking views that many described as the highlight of their week.
They also walked the Brooklyn Bridge, explored the art installations along the High Line, and discovered the character of DUMBO.
For many, this was a week of firsts: the first time on a plane, the first time navigating the subway, and the first time experiencing the pace and independence of a major global city. Alongside the art, students learned valuable life lessons about responsibility, confidence and travel.
Evenings were just as memorable, with meals at the Hard Rock Café and a final night of singing and celebration at Ellen’s Stardust Diner. Staff praised the students for their excellent behaviour throughout and a credit to themselves and to Monkton Wood Academy.
The trip not only deepened their understanding of art and New York’s rich history but also broadened their horizons in ways that will stay with them for years to come.
A spokesperson said: “This was a truly transformative experience for our students. Not only were they able to engage with world-class art and culture, but they also developed confidence, resilience and independence by stepping outside their comfort zones.
“They embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and maturity, and we are incredibly proud of the way they represented the academy throughout the trip.”
Recreating Art.
Year 7 and Year 8 students from Monkton Wood Academy took on the challenge of competing in the annual UKMT Junior Maths Challenge.
This challenge is a national competition 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 leaders were incredibly proud to see 67 students achieved bronze, silver or gold awards which is a fantastic accomplishment. Even more impressively, seven students have progressed to the next round, earning a place in the Junior Kangaroo 2026.
The Junior Kangaroo is an invitational round for high-performing students, featuring more demanding problem-solving questions that encourage deeper mathematical thinking.
School leaders offered a huge well done to all students who took part, describing students’ effort and enthusiasm as ‘fantastic’. Good luck to Joshua, Eliza, Jessica, Ben, Rosie, Harry and Jackson as they prepare to compete in the next round.
A final well done to James and Oliver, who took part in the Grey Kangaroo last term – another fantastic achievement.
Naomi Dodd, Head of Maths, said: ” We are incredibly proud of all our students and their commitment to maths, and delighted by the outstanding achievements of our students in this year’s UKMT Junior Maths Challenge.
“Their success reflects not only their mathematical ability, but also their determination, resilience and enthusiasm for learning. To have so many students receive awards and seven progress to the Junior Kangaroo is a remarkable accomplishment.
“We wish them every success in the next stage of the competition and look forward to seeing what they achieve in the future.”
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.
