Bath families are being invited to experience something truly different this May half term, as the immersive Colourscape installation arrives at Bath Recreation Ground for the first time. Running from 23–31 May, Colourscape transforms an entire acre into a walk-in labyrinth of glowing colour, light and live music, creating a unique adventure for children and...
Category: General news
New CEO appointed at Palladian Academy Trust
Palladian Academy Trust has announced the appointment of Lakmini Harkus as its new Chief Executive Officer, with her role beginning on 13 April. Lakmini joins the trust with extensive experience across the education sector, including her most recent position as one of His Majesty’s Inspectors with Ofsted. She has inspected more than 100 providers, including...
Primary schools unite in song for easter celebration
Pupils from Weston All Saints CE Primary School (WASPS) in Bath joined a joyful Easter collaboration that has brought together five local schools in song, while also cutting costs and supporting the environment. The Church of England schools, based across Bath and North East Somerset, have created a shared video performance of Jesus’ Love Is...
IKB Academy celebrates 10 years of inspiring STEM success
IKB Academy in Keynsham has marked a major milestone, celebrating its tenth anniversary. Since opening in 2015, the specialist science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) school has helped students progress into a wide range of successful careers. Many former pupils say they may not have gone on to higher education, degree apprenticeships or similar pathways...
New headmaster appointed at Wells Cathedral School
Wells Cathedral School has announced the appointment of a new headmaster, with Mr James Davies set to take up the role in September 2026. He joins from Halliford School, where he has served as headmaster since 2017, overseeing a period of growth and securing a ‘Significant Strength’ recognition in its most recent inspection for pupil...
Students unite to tackle bullying at Wiltshire leadership conference
Students from across Wiltshire came together to explore how to tackle bullying at a leadership conference hosted by the Ascend Learning Trust. The day-long event took place at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy on Wednesday 25 March, bringing together pupils from all seven schools within the Trust. Students from both primary and secondary settings worked side...
Free swimming and family sessions return to Wiltshire leisure centres this spring
Families across Wiltshire are being encouraged to make the most of quality time together in the water this spring, with a wide range of parent-and-child swimming sessions and the return of a popular free swimming initiative. Wiltshire Council’s leisure centres are offering something for all ages and abilities, from relaxed family swims to structured parent-and-child...
Schoolchildren help plant 9,000 trees in historic Westonbirt project
Schoolchildren have played a leading role in a major woodland restoration project at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, where more than 9,000 trees have now been planted. The milestone marks the completion of the Silk Wood Community Planting Project, a three-year effort to restore woodland affected by ash dieback while connecting young people with nature. Young...
Parents invited to shape future SEND support in Wiltshire
Families across Wiltshire are being urged to help shape the future of support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The call comes as the government prepares to roll out national reforms to the SEND system, with every local authority – including Wiltshire – tasked with creating its first Local...
Ready, teddy, go! Schools invited to join Big Teddy Takeover for Julia’s House
Schools, nurseries and community groups across the region are being invited to take part in a fun and meaningful fundraising event for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice. The charity’s Big Teddy Takeover is returning this June, encouraging children and adults to bring a favourite soft toy into school, work or their community group, along with a...
Hayesfield hosts Bath’s biggest school climate conference to inspire greener future
The largest school climate conference ever held in Bath and North East Somerset has brought together hundreds of students to explore how small actions can make a big difference. Hosted by Hayesfield Girls’ School on 18 March, the event welcomed 180 pupils aged 11–18 from 20 secondary schools across the region. The conference was supported...
Bath primary school brings books to life through unique Mr B’s partnership
Pupils at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School have been given a truly memorable World Book Day experience thanks to a growing partnership with Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights. Working closely with the renowned independent bookshop, the school welcomed visiting authors into the classroom, giving children the chance to hear directly from writers and discover...
Paragon pupils shine with top marks in drama exams
Pupils at The Paragon School in Bath are celebrating exceptional success in their recent LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) drama exams, with 31 children from Years 3–6 awarded prestigious Distinction certificates. The achievements span a range of disciplines, including verse and prose, as well as solo, duo and group acting, reflecting both...
New play equipment brings smiles to Leigh on Mendip school
Pupils at Leigh on Mendip School in Radstock are enjoying a brand-new outdoor play area after its official opening in the spring sunshine. The new equipment was unveiled during a special ceremony attended by Kerrie Courtier, Director of Primary Education for the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, who cut the ribbon in front of excited children...
Roundhill pupils enjoy hands-on learning at Bath City Farm
Reception pupils from Roundhill Primary School enjoyed a memorable day of outdoor learning during a visit to Bath City Farm. The children made the short walk from their school in Twerton to the 37-acre working farm, where they explored the site and met a range of animals including llamas, pigs, chickens and tadpoles. The visit...
Young community champions shine at Bath awards ceremony
Young people making a difference in their communities were among the standout winners at this year’s Community Awards in Bath and North East Somerset. Held at The Guildhall in Bath on March 23, the awards celebrated the incredible efforts of volunteers and community groups – with several inspiring young winners recognised for their impact on...
Wiltshire College exceeds apprenticeship target to boost local opportunities for young people
Families across Wiltshire could benefit from more career opportunities for young people, as Wiltshire College & University Centre has exceeded its ambitious apprenticeship target ahead of schedule. The college’s ‘150 in 100’ campaign set out to secure 150 new apprenticeship pledges in just 100 days – and has already surpassed that goal thanks to strong...
Family theatre group in Trowbridge faces ‘make or break’ Easter show
Families in Trowbridge are being urged to support a much-loved local theatre group this Easter, as its future hangs in the balance. The Trowbridge Players, which have been bringing generations of families together since 1969, say its upcoming production of The Wind in the Willows could be a ‘make or break’ moment for the group....
Call for autistic girls in BANES schools to share their experiences
Families across Bath and North East Somerset are being invited to take part in an important new research project exploring what is working well for autistic girls in mainstream secondary schools. The study is being led by trainee educational psychologists Katie and Heidi from the University of Bristol, in collaboration with BANES Educational Psychology Service....
Bath patient urges women to know ovarian cancer symptoms
A woman treated for ovarian cancer at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust is urging others to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease. Christine Grant, 68, from Trowbridge, went to her GP after finding she was having to get up frequently during the night to urinate. At first, it...
Gaming pioneers the Oliver Twins bring Easter adventure home to Trowbridge
Gaming pioneers Philip and Andrew Oliver are returning to their hometown of Trowbridge to launch a new interactive Easter adventure for families. The Oliver Twins will be in the town on Tuesday 24 March to introduce Billy Bunny’s Easter Egg Hunt, a digital trail that begins on Saturday 28 March in partnership with Trowbridge Chamber....