Year 9 students at Tewkesbury Academy recently took part in an exciting Mission to Mars STEM workshop delivered by engineers from Airbus.
As the largest commercial aerospace company in the world, and the UK’s largest space company, Airbus is at the forefront of European commercial and space innovation. Airbus in Stevenage has developed Europe’s first interplanetary rover vehicle for the European Space Agency, the Rosalind Franklin ExoMars Rover, which is expected to launch in 2029.
The event was made possible with the support of Tewkesbury MP Cameron Thomas, who helped arrange this fantastic opportunity for students.
Kate Murtagh, Associate Assistant Principal, said, “As you can see from the photos, the students thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Working in teams, they took on the roles of both scientists and engineers, exploring Mars in search of alien life and operating a model Mars rover.
“The activities challenged students to communicate effectively, solve problems, and work collaboratively to complete their mission. The enthusiasm, teamwork and professionalism shown by all students was outstanding, and they were a real credit to the school.
“We are incredibly proud of how they embraced the challenge and engaged with real-world STEM applications.”
Well done to our future scientists and engineers from Year 9.
Year 9 students from Tewkesbury Academy took part in a planning session run by Tewkesbury Borough Council.
Through a series of tasks, students shared their ideas about the leisure facilities and services they would like to have in the proposed garden town.
Two Tewkesbury Academy alumni returned to support the event. Morgan Pavey explained how jobs in several towns had led him back to his home town of Tewkesbury where he is now completing an IT apprenticeship with Tewkesbury Borough Council.
Margot Messenger talked passionately about her human geography degree and master’s course in urban planning. It was lovely to hear of their successes.
Huge thanks to Sarah Baird, Careers and Pathways Leader at Tewkesbury Academy, for all the brilliant organisation and to all who supported the event.
Sarah said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to have their voices heard and contribute ideas that could help shape the future of their community.
“They approached the activities with enthusiasm, creativity and maturity, and it was wonderful to see them engaging with real-life planning challenges.
“We were also delighted to welcome back former students Morgan and Margot, whose experiences provided valuable inspiration and demonstrated the many different pathways available after leaving school.”
Tewkesbury Academy’s after school clubs are proving a real hit with students.
A recent highlight at the academy’s make and bake club has been students using their creative talents to design, make and sew pocket mobile phone cases.
Their amazing hard work and efforts have produced bright, colourful and trendy cases that wouldn’t look out of place in a high street store.
A spokesperson for the academy said: “It has been fantastic to see our students showing such creativity, enthusiasm and attention to detail during the club sessions.
“The phone cases they have produced are incredibly impressive and reflect the students’ imagination and commitment.
“After school clubs like this provide a wonderful opportunity for students to learn new skills, build confidence and enjoy working together in a fun and supportive environment.”
A leaders’ celebration marking the achievements and successes of Year 13 students of Tewkesbury Academy has been held in the beautiful and grand setting of Tewkesbury Abbey.
It was a wonderful occasion and truly heart‑warming to see so many proud families, staff, dignitaries and guests coming together to wish the class of 2026 well as they reach the end of their journey with Tewkesbury Sixth Form and prepare to begin their final examinations.
The evening included speeches from Dr Griggs, Director of Sixth Form, and Ms de Glanville, Vice Principal.
Attendees were treated to two outstanding guitar performances from Tom Shenton, while addresses from Head Students, Sophie Messenger and Olivier Eden, were delivered with powerful words and heartfelt meaning.
Thomas Davies shared a deeply moving poem, before Amelia Kleczynska rounded off the evening with her words of thanks.
School leaders congratulated all prize winners and every student who contributed to the service. A special thank you to Father Nick for his kind words and blessing, to teaching staff, to guests for attending, and most of all parents, carers and families for their ongoing support.
A spokesperson for Tewkesbury Academy said: “The Year 13 leavers’ celebration was a truly special evening and a fitting way to recognise the achievements, resilience and character of this exceptional year group.
“We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished during their time with us and wish every student the very best as they begin the next exciting chapter of their lives.”
Congratulations to the following students who received awards for their outstanding achievements:
Peter Remmer Service to the Community – Esme Burton, Martha Simpson, Dervla Hiller, Sophie Messenger, Beth Roberts and Eva Messenger
Henry Disston Award for Science and Technology – Leland Pratley
Shirley Wood Humanities Award – Max Bishop
Alan Hayes Award for Drama – Stanley McKenna
Tim Hill Sports Award – Martha Simpson
Martyn Alan Scholarship – Liam Russell
Outstanding Contribution to Sixth Form – Olivier Eden
Outstanding Contribution to Sixth Form – Sophie Messenger
Outstanding Effort Award – Samuel Whatmore
Personal Excellence Award – George Macpherson
Contribution to Sixth Form Community – Esme Burton
Outstanding Conduct Award – Jack Powell
Determination & Progress Award – Amelia Kleczynska
Sixth Form Ambassador Award – Thomas Davies
We wish the Class of 2026 all the best for the exciting journeys that lie ahead.
Tewkesbury Academy is incredibly proud of the sporting achievements of former student Amelie Curtis, who continues to represent Wales at U19 level in women’s football.
Earlier this week, Amelie played a key role as Wales faced England in Switzerland in a UEFA U19 Women’s Euro Qualifier, securing a historic 3–2 victory — believed to be Wales U19s’ first ever win against England.
Amelie proudly features on the academy’s Sporting Hall of Fame Honours Board and stands as a fantastic example of where hard work, resilience, and dedication can lead.
This remarkable achievement highlights not only Amelie’s talent but also her commitment to excellence both on and off the pitch. She continues to inspire current students and the wider school community.
David Graham-Kevan, Head of Physical Education, said: “Amelie’s achievement is nothing short of outstanding.
“To represent your country at this level is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and passion for the game.
“We are immensely proud of her success and delighted to see her making history with Wales. She is a true role model for our students.”
Officers have been travelling into schools to teach pupils “hard truths” about the reality of criminal exploitation and knife crime.
Six new Youth Engagement Officer roles have been created by Gloucestershire Constabulary to deliver talks across the county.
To read the full story including an interview with teacher Jamie Gowers PSHE lead, click here.
Students at Tewkesbury Academy have put on an amazing school production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, delighting audiences across three sell-out nights.
Based on CS Lewis’s much-loved novel, the production was specially re-written for the school by Morgan Taylor, Head of Drama and Lead Drama Teacher.
The adaptation brought the magical world of Narnia vividly to life, showcasing the talent, creativity, and dedication of the school’s students.
The story follows the Pevensie children — Peter (Noah Green, Year 11), Edmund (Joseph Curtis, Year 10), Susan (Indi Morgan, Year 11) and Lucy (Olivia Holtham, Year 9) — as they step through a wardrobe and discover the magical world of Narnia. There, they encounter talking animals, mythical creatures, and the powerful forces of good and evil, learning powerful lessons about courage, loyalty, and friendship along the way.
More than 70 students from Years 7 to 11 were involved in the production, taking part both on stage and behind the scenes in vital backstage, lighting, and technical roles.
Rehearsals began in June 2025 and took place every Wednesday after school, alongside two Friday rehearsals and two additional Sunday rehearsals in the weeks leading up to the performances.
Miss Taylor said: “I am incredibly proud of every student involved in this production.
“Their commitment, teamwork, and creativity have been outstanding from the very first rehearsal.
“Seeing students from different year groups work together to bring such a well-loved story to life has been truly inspiring, and the final performances were a wonderful celebration of their hard work and talent.”
Gloucestershire Police has appointed six new Youth Engagement Officers as part of a county-wide initiative to strengthen relationships between young people and the police.
The officers, who have recently begun their roles, will work directly with schools, youth groups and local communities to build trust, improve understanding, and encourage positive dialogue between young people and policing teams across Gloucestershire.
BBC Radio Gloucestershire reporter Duncan Cook recently joined the new Youth Engagement Officers on a visit to Tewkesbury Academy, where they met with students to talk about their role, listen to young people’s experiences, and discuss how police and communities can work together more effectively.
Part one
Part two
Students in Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 at Tewkesbury Academy recently took part in the Bebras Challenge, an international competition designed to promote computational and logical thinking skills.
The challenge takes place annually and is undertaken by students in over 80 countries worldwide.
Academy leaders are proud to celebrate the achievements of Tewkesbury students, with many receiving Merit awards (top 50% at school) and Distinction awards (top 25% at school). In addition, awards for Best in Key Stage were presented in both Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5.
A particularly outstanding achievement was recorded by Matthew Dorehill, (pictured) who was awarded a Gold Award. This prestigious accolade is only given to students who place in the top 10% nationally, highlighting Matthew’s exceptional performance in the challenge.
Tom Lakin, Lead Teacher in Computing and IT, said: “We are incredibly proud of all our students who took part in the Bebras Challenge.
“The results reflect not only their hard work and determination, but also their ability to apply logical and computational thinking to complex problems. Achievements such as these demonstrate the strength of computing education at Tewkesbury Academy.”
Full List of Results
Key Stage 4 Awards
Matthew Tarff (Year 10) – Distinction
Harrison Jenkins-Sallis (Year 10) – Distinction
Alice Stanley (Year 10) – Merit
Theo Fletcher (Year 10) – Distinction
Jonathan Lobo (Year 10) – Distinction
Harry Ryland-Brookes (Year 10) – Merit
Emilia Davis (Year 11) – Distinction
Daniel Harding (Year 11) – Distinction
Amber Flatman (Year 11) – Merit
Luke Griffin (Year 11) – Distinction
George Jones (Year 11) – Distinction
Daniel Price (Year 11) – Merit
Best in Key Stage 4: Matthew Dorehill
Key Stage 5 Awards
Finlay Grubb (Year 12) – Distinction
Matthew Fowler (Year 12) – Distinction
Best in Key Stage 5: Freddie Boorman
Staff and students at Tewkesbury Academy enjoyed a heartwarming eastern European festive Christmas celebration in the school library.
The event brought together members of the school community as students from eastern Europe students shared their Christmas traditions and personal stories of how the festive season is celebrated across Europe.
The celebration highlighted the richness of different cultures and created a welcoming space for learning and connection.
Students sampled delicious Polish sweet biscuits, and Bella delighted everyone by baking a batch of beautiful homemade cookies to share.
Creative craft activities included making candy cane reindeer, origami Christmas cards and colourful paper chains, while traditional European festive music played throughout the event, adding to the joyful atmosphere.
The celebration reflected Tewkesbury Academy’s commitment to celebrating diversity and providing meaningful cultural experiences for students.
Louise Pinfield, Librarian at Tewkesbury Academy, said: “It was wonderful to see our students proudly sharing their traditions and stories.
“Events like these help us learn from one another, celebrate our diversity and create a real sense of community within the school.”
