Cabot Learning Federation

It was brilliant to welcome our Pupil Parliament representatives to the CLF Institute this afternoon. Huge thank you to all our brilliant children and colleagues for supporting our live meeting this term. It was great to be able to share the Ambitious about Inclusion report and to keep the conversation going around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.

Mission 44 and the Centre for Young Lives publish Ambitious About Inclusion Report:

https://www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/mission-44-and-the-centre-for-young-lives-publish-ambitious-about-inclusion-report

Lime Hills students make a splash at Bristol’s Floating Harbour

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.

Great to welcome BBC News to John Cabot Academy. All the details to follow.

Artwork is a roaring success

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 this link
https://tauntontown.com/lion-trail/

On National Thank a Teacher Day, we recognise and appreciate the dedication, expertise, and lasting impact of teachers in shaping future generations. Thank you for all that you do.

Seven Year 10 students from King’s Oak Academy have voluntarily stepped away from social media recently, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement of plans to ban under-16s from accessing a range of social media platforms.

The students chose to take part in the challenge to explore the impact that social media has on their daily lives, relationships, wellbeing and concentration. Throughout the week, they have been reflecting on their experiences without platforms that many young people use every day.

BBC Points West visited King’s Oak Academy to speak with the participating students and hear their reactions to both the social media challenge and the proposed changes.

City Academy Bristol has welcomed the national conversation around young people's use of social media following Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement that under-16s in the UK will be banned from using social media by spring next year.

The proposed legislation follows a government consultation in which 89% of 9,499 parents and carers said they strongly supported a legal minimum age for social media access. Of those respondents, 88% strongly agreed that the minimum age should be set at under 16.

ITV News West Country visited City Academy Bristol and spoke to Principal Ben Tucker about this latest initiative.

Please note this a small part of a bigger piece broadcast by ITV News West Country.

A big thank you to the Bristol Parent website for publishing this story about Frome Vale Academy.

Please click on the link for all the details.

Frome Vale Academy praised in strong Ofsted report Frome Vale Academy in Bristol has earned praise from Ofsted for its high expectations, inclusive culture and the strong progress by pupils.

The CLF is proud to have been named Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI.) Trust of the Year at the MAT Excellence Awards last night.

Judges praised our trust’s approach to ‘difficult conversations’, where local stories are championed and the scope is broadened to include all marginalised groups.

They said: “Cabot’s systems positively support the work, with link governors overseeing their DEIB efforts. They have a strong MAT-wide commitment to creating a legacy of equitable opportunities for their community and a ‘clear values-led commitment to inclusion for staff and students’.”

The promotion of inclusivity and rejection of discrimination in all its forms are enshrined in our HEART Values – and we are proud this has been recognised on the national stage.

A big thank you to the County Gazette for publishing this story about Castle Primary School.

Please click on the link for all the details.

Somerset primary school pupils enjoy day out at home of English rugby Castle Primary School pupils from Stoke-sub-Hamdon enjoyed a memorable tag rugby tournament and stadium tour at Twickenham, the home of English…