GLF Schools

18/09/2026

An absolutely incredible feat! Excited to cheer James on as he attempts to set a Guinness World Record and, at the same time, raise funds for the new pavilion at Glyn School - something that will benefit thousands of students. Good luck James!

📰 Former Epsom Glyn pupil not tyred of flipping in world-record bid

A former Glyn School head boy is preparing to flip a 100kg tractor tyre continuously for 24 hours in an attempt to break a Guinness World Record and raise £20,000 for his old school.

Professional trainer and fitness instructor James Farmer will begin the challenge at midday on Sunday 25 October, finishing at midday on Monday.

He will flip the tyre around a marked course within the Epsom school’s grounds, continuing throughout the night under the observation of independent witnesses.

The current Guinness World Record for the greatest distance covered by tyre flipping in 24 hours stands at 11.21km. James hopes to exceed 15km.

Money raised will contribute towards a new sports pavilion at Glyn School, which is part of the 43-school GLF Schools trust.

The proposed pavilion would provide improved facilities for physical education, competitive fixtures and after-school sport. It would also offer opportunities for use by the wider community.

James has worked in health and wellbeing for more than 20 years, training athletes and Olympians and appearing on ITV as a fitness expert. He credits Glyn with setting him on the path to his career.

He said: “I owe Glyn a debt of gratitude for providing the foundation upon which I built my entire career.

“Twenty-four hours of flipping a tyre is a hard way to say thank you. But if it puts a pavilion on those playing fields, it will have been worth every hour.”

Glyn headteacher Jo Garrod said: “James left here in 1999 and he has never really left us behind, which says something about Glyn, and James as a person.

“What he is taking on is extraordinary, and the pavilion he is raising money for will be used by our pupils every week for decades. We will be out there cheering him on through the night.”

The challenge comes as Glyn prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2027. James hopes the new pavilion will honour the school’s history while supporting its ambitions for the future.

Spectators are welcome to attend and encourage James during the challenge. Local businesses interested in sponsoring his attempt can contact the school.

Donations can be made through the James World Record for Glyn fundraising page.

Further information about the school is available from the Glyn School website.

Image: James Farmer flipping a tyre and inset when head Glyn boy

🔗 https://epsomandewelltimes.com/former-epsom-glyn-pupil-not-tyred-of-flipping-in-world-record-bid

17/09/2026

A huge well done to everyone at Springfield Primary School and Nursery for making National Fitness Day such a brilliant success! From yoga and Joe Wicks workouts to fitness challenges, ball competitions and moments of mindfulness, pupils embraced every activity with energy, enthusiasm and big smiles.

The day was a fantastic reminder of the power of movement and the positive impact it can have on wellbeing, confidence, teamwork and learning. We're delighted to see opportunities like this helping children stay active, have fun and develop healthy habits for life.

Congratulations to all the pupils and staff who made the day so memorable. What a wonderful way to celebrate being active together! 🌟🏃‍♀️⚽🧘‍♂️

14/09/2026

So great to see that students at The Beacon School have such a wonderful opportunity to participate at The Wimbledon Champtions - what an experience!

This year's Championships and Qualifying saw very high temperatures which was extremely challenging for all those on court with both players and ball
boys/girls (BBGs) bearing the brunt of the heat . Despite the challenging conditions, the BBGs yet again delivered an exceptional service to players. They
continue to set the standard for every tournament globally. A big thank you to Mr Sasson for his contribution to the school ’s success , as well as the participating students for their hard work and commitment. Bring on Wimbledon 2027!

09/09/2026

Pupils at The Vale Primary School & Nursery showing off their creative talents and entrepreneurial skills this week! We look forward to hearing all about the upcoming event!

09/09/2026

What a great start to the year for pupils at Hardwick Primary School! Learning doesn't just happen in the classroom and experiences like these are invaluable.

09/09/2026

Congratulations to all the NPQ participants - an incredible achievement! Very well done! 👏🥳

🌟A huge congratulations to all those NPQ participants in the Autumn 2024 Leadership cohorts who received their results last week!

A wonderful achievement for you all, with 99% of the overall cohort passing! 👏

A special shout out to our very first NPQSENCO cohort with a staggering 100% pass rate.👏

🎉Congratulations and well done to you all! 🎉


GLF Schools Best Practice Network Teach First

08/09/2026

Fantastic to see how Year 6 pupils at Cuddington Croft Primary School are exploring tricky mathematical concepts!

07/09/2026

🎉 Opportunity Fund Applications Now Open! 🎉

Do you know a young person who could benefit from extra support to access an opportunity that will help them thrive?

The GLF Schools’ Foundation Opportunity Fund is now open for applications until 30 September 2026.

✅ Grants of up to £500 available
✅ Supporting students to access opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach
✅ Simple application process, taking around 8 minutes to complete
✅ Applications must be submitted on behalf of the student and include a GLF staff reference

Successful applications are funded through the generosity of our supporters and voluntary donations to the Foundation.

📅 Application window: 1-30 September 2026

Link in the comments 👇

07/09/2026

A huge well done to students from Aureus School and Highdown School & Sixth Form Centre who spent part of their summer in Morocco on a World Challenge expedition.

From helping build a road for a local primary school to trekking through the Atlas Mountains, they threw themselves into every challenge. Just as importantly, they returned with new friendships, new perspectives and some incredible memories. 🌍👏

Welcome to Aureus School, part of GLF Schools. Aureus School is located in the Didcot Great Western Park development in the heart of Oxfordshire.

01/09/2026

🍂 The classrooms are ready, the corridors are buzzing and a new year of possibilities begins today! 📚✨

We're excited to welcome everyone back for the Autumn Term and look forward to a year filled with curiosity, achievement, friendship and unforgettable moments.

A special welcome to all the children, families and staff joining our community for the first time. Here's to new opportunities, exciting experiences and a fantastic year ahead. Let's make it our best one yet!