A Bristol PE lead, whose work to develop a thriving school sporting culture has helped establish one of the most successful school basketball programmes in the country, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s 2026 Birthday Honours List.

Tom Hooper, Head of PE at Bristol Metropolitan Academy, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his outstanding services to education.

Tom, who has taught at BMA for15 years and previously spent 18 months at Culverhay/Bath Community Academy, was cited for his exceptional leadership, innovation, and sustained impact on sport and education at Bristol Metropolitan Academy.

Through his leadership, dedication and commitment to improving opportunities for young people, he has inspired countless students to achieve their potential both inside and outside the classroom.

Under his leadership, Bristol Metropolitan Academy has achieved multiple national titles in basketball, alongside national success in cheerleading, fencing, and football, creating a culture where excellence is expected and celebrated.

Beyond sporting achievements, Tom has overseen consistently strong outcomes in GCSE PE and BTEC Sport, ensuring students leave with both academic qualifications and the personal skills needed for future success.

His commitment to developing young people has seen more than a dozen students progress to international honours, secure scholarship opportunities in the United States, and move into professional sport.

Equally important has been his work in creating pathways for all students, regardless of ability, to engage in physical activity and experience the benefits of sport.

A key feature of Tom’s leadership has been his ability to build meaningful partnerships with local sports clubs and community organisations, bringing external expertise and opportunities directly into the academy.

These partnerships have significantly increased participation levels, strengthened community engagement, and provided students with access to coaching, competition, and development opportunities that extend beyond the school environment.

Through a combination of strategic vision, outstanding educational leadership, and a relentless commitment to improving life chances for young people, Tom has transformed sport at Bristol Metropolitan Academy and delivered a lasting legacy that exemplifies the values and impact recognised through the award of an MBA.

On receiving the award, Tom said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this award. Any success I have achieved has only been possible because of the incredible students, colleagues, families and wider community I have had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career.

“This recognition reflects the collective effort of so many people who are committed to helping young people thrive and achieve their full potential.”

Students from Lime Hills Academy have been making waves in Bristol this term, taking part in an exciting water sports activity programme at the city’s iconic Floating Harbour.

The programme offered pupils the opportunity to engage in a range of new and adventurous water-based experiences, helping them to step outside their comfort zones and build confidence on the water. From their first moments on the harbour, students demonstrated enthusiasm, resilience, and a willingness to try something new.

Throughout the sessions, a strong emphasis was placed on teamwork and communication. Students worked collaboratively to navigate challenges, support one another, and develop essential life skills. The experience not only enhanced their physical confidence but also contributed significantly to their personal and social development.

This initiative forms a vital part of Lime Hills Academy’s wider personal development offer, ensuring that students benefit from enriching opportunities beyond the classroom that promote independence, self-belief, and positive relationships.

Deputy Principal Steve O’Callaghan praised the cohort for their efforts. He said: “I am incredibly proud of the courage and teamwork our students have shown during these sessions at the Floating Harbour.

“It’s been fantastic to see them embrace new challenges and grow in confidence with every activity. We’re excited to see how they continue to develop in future sessions.”

Lime Hills Academy remains committed to providing meaningful, aspirational experiences that support its ethos of excellent inclusion and high expectations, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.

A former Arsenal FC Community Outreach Officer who spent over a decade developing innovative projects that combined football and education visited City Academy to inspire and work with Year 8 students.

Steve Eadon, who now runs his own business, delivered a motivational talk on the importance of languages in football before leading a 50-minute football training session conducted entirely in Spanish.

During his time at Arsenal, Steve managed the award-winning Arsenal Double Club modern languages project, which used football as a tool to inspire young people to learn new languages. He worked with internationally renowned players, including conducting interviews with Mesut Özil in German and leading French lessons with the help of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. His experiences working around the world, including in Barbados and Brazil, have given him unique insights into the power of language in shaping careers.

Steve’s talk focused on the advantages of learning a second language, particularly in industries such as sport, travel and business. He encouraged students to persevere with their language studies, highlighting how multilingualism can open doors to exciting global careers, from football management and player care to international business and sponsorship.

The session was highly engaging, with students actively participating throughout. Following the talk, a Q&A session gave students the opportunity to ask Steve about his career, experiences and advice for the future.

Steve’s message was clear: learning a language can provide a unique advantage in life and work. His visit left students feeling motivated to continue their studies and explore new possibilities for their futures.

Emanuele Lumini, Subject Leader for Modern Foreign Languages, said: “Steve’s visit was a fantastic opportunity for our students to see first-hand how languages can create exciting opportunities beyond the classroom.

“His experiences working with elite footballers and international organisations brought language learning to life in a way that was both engaging and inspiring. The students were captivated by his story and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of taking part in a football session delivered entirely in Spanish.

“We are incredibly grateful for his time and expertise.”

Monkton Wood Academy’s Year 10 students enjoyed the trip of a lifetime, 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.”

Frome Vale Academy in Bristol has earned praise from Ofsted for its ‘strong’ leadership and teaching, as well as the behaviour, wellbeing and academic achievement of its pupils.

In the school’s first inspection under the schools’ watchdog’s new framework, Frome Vale received ‘strong’ grades in five of the seven areas, and was told it meets expectations in the remaining two.

It was also praised for its effective safeguarding by an inspection team which highlighted the school’s ‘inclusive’ ethos and ‘supportive culture’.

In her report, lead inspector Sophie Hillson wrote: “Frome Vale Academy is a calm, purposeful school where learning drives the culture.

“Leaders believe every child can achieve and never let barriers hold pupils back. They make sure children understand that education can open doors for their future.

“Staff and pupils share high expectations. Pupils thrive in a safe, predictable environment built on strong relationships and effective teaching.

“Staff know pupils extremely well, especially those facing extra challenges. This allows them to provide the right support at the right time.

“Strong links with the local community give pupils and families even more opportunities and help.”

Inspectors offered further positive assessments in a number of key areas.

On pupil achievement, Ofsted said: “Pupils achieve well and make strong progress. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and those who face other barriers to learning, make clear progress from their starting points.

“Pupils take pride in their learning. They develop detailed knowledge across a broad range of subjects.

“Pupils build independence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging. As a result, pupils transition well between year groups and older pupils become well prepared for success at secondary school.”

On curriculum and teaching, the inspectors said: “Teachers plan and deliver lessons skilfully using research-informed methods. Leaders review these regularly to keep teaching effective. They make sure staff have the skills to deliver the curriculum well.

“Because of this, all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, can access the curriculum confidently and make steady progress.

“The wider curriculum is a real strength. Pupils develop subject-specific skills and knowledge, and see themselves as historians, artists and geographers. Leaders ensure pupils have experiences linked to their learning, such as visiting Stonehenge, to deepen their understanding even further.”

On leadership and governance, the report said: “The leaders at Frome Vale Academy have a clearly defined vision for the school and make decisions focused on what is best for the pupils.

“They lead by example and create a positive, supportive learning culture where staff work together, learn from one another and seek to continually improve their practice.

“Staff, parents and carers, and pupils are positive about the school. Pupils show resilience, confidence and a strong sense of themselves as learners. Parents appreciate the school’s warm, welcoming atmosphere and the positive impact it has on their children’s learning and development.”

The report offered further praise for Frome Vale’s ‘rich, well-designed personal development programme’ and its ‘vibrant and well-organised’ early years provision, and described it as an ‘inclusive school where every child is expected to achieve their best’.

Leaders within Frome Vale and its parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation welcomed Ofsted’s findings.

Janet Saunders, Principal of Frome Vale Academy, said:

“We are incredibly proud that Ofsted has recognised the high expectations and supportive culture that sit at the heart of Frome Vale Academy.

“This report reflects the dedication of our staff, who know our pupils so well and work tirelessly to ensure every child can succeed. It is particularly pleasing that inspectors noted the strong progress made by all learners, alongside our inclusive ethos and commitment to providing the right support at the right time.

“We will continue to build on this success, ensuring every child feels safe, inspired and prepared for their future.”

Steve Taylor, Chief Executive of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:

“It’s great that Ofsted has recognised what a strong school Frome Vale is and has been over a prolonged period of time. I am delighted for the community that they can remain reassured of the high standards and excellent experiences for children. Well done to the Team at Frome Vale!”