Students from across the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) made a big splash during the trust’s inaugural swimming gala.

Weston-super-Mare’s Hutton Moor Leisure Centre played host as five CLF academies took part in a range of aquatic events.

Swimmers from Monkton Wood Academy in Taunton, Hans Price, Winterstoke Hundred, and Broadoak academies in Weston, and King’s Oak Academy in Bristol showcased their sporting talents in a wide range of events.

Students competed in swimming disciplines that included front crawl, back stroke, breaststroke, and butterfly with skill and determination.

In a nail-biting finish, Monkton Wood emerged victorious, narrowly ahead of Hans Price in second and Winterstoke Hundred Academy in third. Organisers praised entrants from all five schools for the determination and sportsmanship they demonstrated through throughout the event.

Hans Price Academy PE teacher Chris Green, who organised the gala, said: “This was a first for me organising an event like this, so I did expect some hiccups, but everything ran real smoothly.

“It was a definite success and participation levels were high. It was fantastic to see each student represent their academies with pride.

“I hope we can continue to run this event and I anticipate it to be even bigger and better in 2025.”

A Somerset primary school teacher has been selected as one of only 70 teachers nationwide to take part in this year’s UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador programme.

Frances Abbott, of Castle Primary School in Stoke-sub-Hamdon, was invited to join the initiative to gain valuable insight into how the UK Parliament works, and how to grow pupils’ engagement in politics.

She watched debates in the House of Commons and House of Lords and learned more about the role of MPs and Lords, doorkeepers and select committees.

Mrs Abbott also toured the palace, met fellow teachers, and had an opportunity to quiz Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, and his counterpart in the Lords, Lord McFall of Alcluith.

Sir Lindsay said the three-day programme ‘offers a great opportunity for politicians and teachers to share their experiences’.

He said: “In my view, you are never too young to get involved in democracy and to make things happen – so giving teachers an insight into our world is a great way to pass that message back to the classroom.

“We also appreciate having the chance to talk to teachers about their experiences, to thank them for their hard work, and to see how we can work together to get children interested in politics.”

Mrs Abbott, who is also the Senior Mental Health Lead at Castle School, said: “It was an absolute privilege to attend the Parliament Teacher Ambassador course. I am brimming with ideas and knowledge and look forward to sharing with students and staff in our school and community.”

Fran Jeens, UK Parliament’s Head of Education and Engagement, said: “Hundreds of teachers from across the country have been trained through the Teacher Ambassador programme, and have gone on to teach thousands more students and colleagues about the UK Parliament.

“I congratulate this year’s successful applicants and thank them for their support in inspiring and engaging young people with the work of the House of Commons and House of Lords.”

Students at Bristol’s King’s Oak Academy learned how to cope in a water emergency during life-saving lessons from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Lifeboat volunteer Geoff Vian’s made a big impact on students with the delivery of five educational workshops across various year groups within the academy.

Students learned about the amazing rich history of the RNLI and were informed where they can find their local lifeboat station, so they can follow-up their learning and view a lifeboat up close.

Students were also taught what to do in the case of a water emergency, learning vital – and potentially life-saving – information. They also enjoyed an opportunity to get hands-on interactive experience with some of the kit which RNLI crewmembers use on board their vessels.

Dan Jackson, King’s Oak’s Lead Practitioner in Health, Hospitality & Catering, PSHE & PE, said: “It was brilliant having Geoff visit from the RNLI. I believe it is really important that pupils know how to keep themselves safe, and Dean delivered how to do this really well.

“Throughout the workshops the pupils showed brilliant understanding of what they would do in differing scenarios, and hopefully now they will feel more confident if they were to ever find themselves in a dangerous situation.”

The RNLI is the largest charity that saves lives at sea around the coasts of the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, as well as on some inland waterways.

Hanham Woods students enjoyed a unique insight into the world of politics this week when they were invited to put questions to the man widely tipped to be the next UK Prime Minister.

Labour Party Leader Sir Keir Starmer visited the Bristol school alongside Damien Egan, a former Hanham Woods pupil who is representing Labour in the Kingswood by-election later this month.

The visitors began their visit by meeting Principal Steve O’Callaghan, who outlined the school’s rapid journey from an inadequate Ofsted rating in 2017 to its current rating of ‘good’, earned in 2019.

Mr O-Callaghan – and colleagues from the Cabot Learning Federation, which Hanham Woods is part of – also updated Sir Keir on the challenges schools face in returning pupil attendance to pre-pandemic levels.

The group then enjoyed a tour of the school and took time to speak with Year 7 pupils during a tutor session, where they were quizzed about their respective career paths into politics, and whether Sir Keir ‘is friends’ with current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

They were also asked role of a Prime Minister, which Sir Keir answered by likening the job to that of a school Principal, who he said is also responsible for creating a community environment where all members can thrive.

The visitors then moved on to a grilling from school council members, who tackled them on their past careers, future ambitions and topical issues.

Students were urged to ‘be happy, and be confident’ in life, with Sir Keir reminding them ‘it is very important you don’t have that voice in your head saying you can’t do something’.

Students were asked too about the issues that matter most to them, both in school and out. Answers ranged from environmental concerns to support for young people’s mental health to the cost-of-living pressures facing families.

Sir Keir said the pupils had been ‘absolutely fantastic’ and ‘a credit to the school’.

Hanham Principal Steve O’Callaghan said: “It was fantastic to welcome Sir Keir Starmer and former Hanham Woods student Damien Egan to the academy.

“This was a great opportunity for students to engage, ask questions and explore future career opportunities. Thank you to our wonderful students who were fantastic throughout.”