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.”
Fifteen students from Monkton Wood Academy recently took part in an exciting music workshop run by two members of Somerstage, organised by the Octagon Music Hub (Somerset Music).
Somerstage, a Bridgwater-based musical theatre school for young people aged seven to 18, operates out of The McMillan Theatre.
During the workshop, students learned how to properly warm up their voices and develop key performance skills, including diction, voice projection, and stage presentation.
The session culminated in a spectacular group performance of At the End of the Day from Les Misérables.
All students who participated said they thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and gained valuable experience in musical theatre performance.
Sian Bowen, a teacher at Monkton Wood Academy, said: “It was wonderful to see our students so engaged and confident. Experiences like this help nurture their talents and inspire a lifelong love of music and performance.”
A school in Taunton has established exciting new European links through a pen pal scheme with a school in Spain.
Year 10 students at Monkton Wood Academy have been paired with students from IES Cartuja, based in southern Spain, giving students the chance to develop international friendships while enhancing their language skills.
Although there are currently no plans for an exchange visit, both schools are keen for students to meet virtually via Zoom, helping to strengthen the connection and bring the partnership to life.
The pen pal scheme offers students a valuable opportunity to practise Spanish in a natural and meaningful way. In their first letters, Monkton Wood students shared personal information about themselves and their families, as well as insights into life as a teenager in England.
In return, Spanish students introduced themselves and shared cultural aspects of teenage life in Spain, including favourite football teams, music, hobbies, Christmas and New Year traditions, and how they like to spend their free time.
Donna Lees, Head of Modern Foreign Languages at Monkton Wood Academy, said: “This pen pal scheme is a fantastic opportunity for our students to use Spanish in a real-life context while learning about another culture.
“The enthusiasm shown by both our students and those in Spain has been wonderful, and we hope this partnership continues to grow through virtual meetings and ongoing communication.”
There’s no confusion at all with football’s offside rule for one Somerset teenager, after RJ Pattison, a Year 11 student at Monkton Wood Academy, was voted the county’s Youth Referee of the Year 2025.
RJ began refereeing at the age of 14 and currently officiates matches across local youth leagues in Somerset.
To read the full story on the Somerset Gazette website click here.
There’s no confusion at all with football’s offside rule for one Somerset teenager, after RJ Pattison, a Year 11 student at Monkton Wood Academy, was voted the county’s Youth Referee of the Year 2025.
RJ began refereeing at the age of 14 and currently officiates matches across local youth leagues in Somerset.
Since taking up the whistle, he has shown exceptional understanding of the game, strong leadership on the pitch, and a calm, confident approach to decision-making.
This prestigious award recognises RJ’s hard work and dedication and reflects his outstanding commitment, responsibility, and professionalism while refereeing youth football.
Alongside his studies, RJ trains three times a week to maintain his fitness levels. He is supported through regular referee training and mentoring sessions provided by the Somerset Football Association, which have helped him continue to develop his skills and confidence as a match official.
RJ has now taken the step up to refereeing adult games too.
On winning the award, RJ said: “I’m really proud to receive this award. Refereeing has taught me so much about responsibility and teamwork, and it’s amazing to be recognised for doing something I love.”
Katrina Darley, Year 11 Raising Standards Lead and Science Teacher at Monkton Wood Academy, added: “RJ is an outstanding young man who demonstrates maturity and dedication in everything he does.
“This award is well-deserved and we’re incredibly proud of his achievements.”
This achievement highlights not only RJ’s passion for football, but also the important life skills he demonstrates through refereeing, including resilience, communication, and leadership – qualities that will serve him well both on and off the pitch.
The festive season got off to a memorable start for Monkton Wood Academy when two students, Chloe Woodhams and Verity Jones, joined Admin Assistant Amanda Ella to perform with the Somerset Youth Orchestra at a spectacular concert in the magnificent Wells Cathedral.
The trio were also delighted to be joined by former Monkton Wood Academy student Callum Ella, making the evening an especially proud occasion for the school community.
Audience members were treated to a festive feast of music and traditional carols, beautifully performed by the orchestra and supported by a wide variety of singing groups and a choir.
The stunning cathedral setting provided a breathtaking backdrop to the seasonal celebration.
Amanda Ella said: “It was an incredible experience to perform in such a magnificent venue alongside so many talented young musicians.
“Sharing the stage with current and former Monkton Wood Academy students made the evening even more special and was a wonderful way to begin the festive season.”
The concert showcased the dedication, talent and musical excellence of the performers and marked a joyful start to Christmas celebrations across the region.
