Tewkesbury Academy was thrilled to welcome CTRL, a dynamic and inspirational band, who took to the stage to deliver an unforgettable experience for Year 7 and 8 students.
Excitement filled the air as CTRL gave a high-energy performance, debuting songs from their upcoming album that had students buzzing with enthusiasm.
But this was much more than just a concert – CTRL used their platform to engage with students on some of the most important issues affecting young people today.
In a powerful follow-up session, the band opened up conversations around mental health, bullying, and online safety. They also addressed the value of healthy relationships, the importance of respect and tolerance, and the need to celebrate diversity within our community.
Drawing from their own journeys, the band shared stories of resilience and hard work, inspiring students to stay focused on their education and to believe in their own pathways to success.
The afternoon ended on a high note, with students lining up for autographs and selfies with the band – a memory many will treasure.
Jamie Gowers, Head of PSHE at Tewkesbury Academy, extended a heartfelt thank you to CTRL for their time, energy, and impactful message. He said: “We’re incredibly grateful to CTRL for delivering not only a brilliant performance but also a deeply meaningful session.
“Their message truly resonated with our students – it was a fun-filled, inspiring afternoon that we won’t forget.”
Tewkesbury Academy’s Year 13 leavers’ celebration was held in the magnificent setting of Tewkesbury Abbey, marking a memorable and heartfelt farewell to the class of 2025.
The evening brought together proud families, teachers, and students to reflect on a transformative journey through Tewkesbury Sixth Form, just as students prepare to embark on their final exams.
The ceremony featured speeches from Principal Ms McGillycuddy and Mr Warren, Head of Year 13, representing the Sixth Form team. Their reflections and congratulations set a tone of pride and inspiration for the evening.
Head students Lydia Greenwood and George Ellis delivered a moving address, filled with fond memories and heartfelt thanks, capturing the spirit of their cohort.
The evening also included exceptional musical performances and concluded with words of appreciation from Lucy Evetts and Liam Lynch.
Special thanks were extended to Reverend Hannah for her thoughtful blessing, the dedicated teaching staff, all honoured guests, and the parents and carers whose unwavering support has helped shape the success of this year group.
Pam Johnston, Senior Administrative Assistant (Sixth Form), said: “This was a truly fitting tribute to a fantastic year group.
“We are so proud of all they have achieved and the people they have become.
“Their contributions to our Sixth Form community will be remembered for years to come.”
Congratulations to the following students who received awards for their outstanding achievements:
Peter Remmer Service to the Community – Maxwell Scott
Henry Disston Award for Science & Technology – Joseph Philpott & Samuel Wrightson
Shirley Wood Humanities Trophy – Hannah Dyke & Oliver Summerell
Bob May Enthusiasm in Music – Rachel Bagley
Award for Drama Performance – Olivia Coles, Hannah Edwards, Madeleine James, Giovanna Prestes dos Santos, Sofia Sztymiak
Tim Hill Sports Award – Jack Ballinger
Young Entrepreneur – Charlie Hancox
Martyn Alan Scholarship – Ava Baker, Angelina Gurney & Lily Kenny
Greatest Contribution to Sixth Form 2025 – George Ellis & Lydia Greenwood
Outstanding Contribution to Sixth Form 2025 – Lucy Evetts & Liam Lynch
Opportunity Award 2025 – Joseph Ferrier
Challenge Award 2025 – Harry Smith
Support Award 2025 – Paulina Kapron
Tewkesbury Academy wishes the class of 2025 every success in their upcoming exams and all the best for the exciting journeys that lie ahead.
Staff and students came together at Tewkesbury Academy to mark the 80th anniversary of one of the momentous days in human history: VE Day.
Students who are part of the Forces cadets and uniformed organisations wore their uniforms to school as a mark of respect for those who served during World War Two. Well done to them all for participating
Many families shared touching tributes and some amazing stories about their relatives who played significant roles in the war, whether in the forces or other services.
Mr Marriott, Head of Year 10, who is featured with a photo of his grandfather, delivered a poignant assembly to his year group where he shared memories of his own grandfather, further emphasising the personal connections many of us have to this important historical event.
In the assembly, students listened to Sir Winston Churchill’s speech to the nation and reflected on our British values and what can be learned from VE day.
Elliott, a Year 10 student, brought in an absolutely amazing file full of memoirs and original letters that his family had sent to his great-granddad, Graham John Hayward, during the war. Graham, from Winchcombe, was only 16 at the time of enlisting and was a sniper fighting mostly in Italy. Elliott is a World War Two enthusiast, and it was great to see such a personal and poignant glimpse into his family’s proud history.
Thank you to all parents who shared stories which brought history to life and reminded us of the sacrifices made by so many. Today, we honour the past while looking to the future, embracing the values of hope and unity that this anniversary represents.
Kathleen McGillycuddy, Principal of Tewkesbury Academy, which is part of the Cabot Learning Federation, said: “I am proud of the young people of Tewkesbury who show great respect and gratitude towards those who served during the war. Our community is one that celebrates important cultural and historical moments including VE Day. It is part of what makes Tewkesbury such a great place to grow up in.”
Year 10 catering students at Tewkesbury Academy served up a night to remember as they hosted a vibrant curry and quiz night for their parents and guardians at the school.
The evening offered students the chance to showcase their practical skills in a real-world hospitality setting. All students took on professional roles for the night, from working front-of-house and serving tables to joining the kitchen brigade in preparing and presenting the evening’s dishes.
The menu featured a delicious selection of Indian cuisine, including chicken curry, sweet potato curry, basmati rice, flatbreads, kachumber, raita, poppadoms, and mango chutney — all cooked and served by the students themselves.
In keeping with industry standards, a formal dress code was enforced. Students wore smart black tops, trousers or skirts, and appropriate footwear, mirroring expectations within the hospitality sector.
The event was generously supported by the Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel, which donated raffle prizes as well as crockery and table linen to help elevate the evening’s presentation and professionalism.
Helen Butt, design and technology teacher at Tewkesbury Academy, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for students to put into practice the theory they have been learning about the industry in their lessons.
“As it is a vocational qualification, it is important that students get a chance to get hands-on experience to support their understanding of the theoretical side of the course.
“The curry and quiz night was a resounding success, offering students a taste of working in hospitality while delivering a fun and delicious evening for their guests.”
Tewkesbury Academy students gained insight into the world of policing and personal safety during a visit from the area’s dedicated beat officer, PC Curtis.
As part of the school’s ongoing commitment to student wellbeing and safety, PC Curtis was invited to share vital sessions with Years 7-9 as part of the PSHE curriculum.
These informative sessions covered key topics designed to educate and safeguard students:
Year 7: Grooming and exploitation
Year 8: Knife crime
Year 9: Stop and search and knife crime
A spokesperson said: “We are immensely grateful to PC Curtis for his dedication to raising awareness and equipping our students with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe.
“His engaging approach and valuable insights have been instrumental in empowering our students to make informed decisions.”
Mr Gowers, Lead Teacher for PSHE, expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic participation of all students, recognising their active engagement as crucial to the success of these sessions.
Students from Tewkesbury Academy recently had the exciting opportunity to visit the prestigious Bugatti Trust Museum, where they embarked on a unique design challenge inspired by the museum’s rich heritage.
During their visit, students captured inspirational photographs of the museum’s iconic displays, which served as the foundation for their creative process.
Drawing from these images, the students dedicated themselves to designing and crafting innovative bags that reflect the elegance and engineering excellence associated with the Bugatti brand.
The resulting collection of remarkable, finalised bags will be showcased professionally within the Bugatti Trust Museum, providing visitors with the opportunity to admire the student’s impressive craftsmanship and artistic interpretations.
This inspiring display will be open to the public in the near future.
A spokesperson for Tewkesbury Academy commented: “We are incredibly proud of our students’ dedication and creativity throughout this project.
“Their hard work and passion have resulted in some truly outstanding designs that reflect the spirit of the Bugatti Trust.
“We encourage everyone to visit the museum and see these wonderful creations firsthand.”
For more information about the exhibition and visiting details, please contact the Bugatti Trust Museum or Tewkesbury Academy.
The next cohort of GCSE and A-level scientists at Tewkesbury Academy had the privilege to attend an inspirational talk by Dr Lindsay Newbold, an environment molecular microbial ecologist from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, about her journey from an unconventional start in science to environmental biologist.
In an engaging and interactive talk, students were taken on a journey through microbes, their uses and extraction of their DNA – with links to KS4 and practicals in KS5. Combined with Mrs Foster’s cat stickers – students were naming as many pollinators as possible!
Dr Newbold has worked on Alpine projects, earthworms in Chernobyl, analysing water quality and work in environmental biology. She also talked about the UKCEH’s most recent work and research that made the news: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/videos/cg4qgnlx026o
Dr Newbold is currently working on groundwater organisms – eukaryotes, fungi and stygobytes in a cave in Southmead, Bristol see news report here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkgqvzpse04
She is currently focused on stygobytes which are very sensitive to unique environments so will show when there has been chemical contamination. And its far easier to look for DNA in water rather than sampling inside claustrophobic caves.
Dr Alice Kennedy, Director of Science at Tewkesbury Academy, said: “It is fantastic that Dr Newbold was able to come back for a second year to talk to our year 10s and 12s about careers in environmental biology.
“One of our key foci at the moment is to build in careers links to our CLF curriculum, and Dr Newbold’s talk on experimental molecular biology careers link was an excellent example of careers outside of the norm and links to local sites.”
Year 7 students at Tewkesbury Academy marked Shrove Tuesday in traditional style, getting hands-on in the kitchen to create their own delicious pancakes.
During their food lessons, students embraced every step of the process – from whisking the batter to perfecting the art of flipping and adding their favorite toppings.
The classroom was filled with excitement as they put their culinary skills to the test, producing some truly mouthwatering pancakes.
The event was a fantastic opportunity for students to learn practical cooking skills while celebrating an age-old tradition.
Laughter, teamwork, and, of course, plenty of pancake flipping made for a memorable experience.
A spokesperson said: “It was wonderful to see students so engaged and enthusiastic.
“They not only developed their cooking abilities but also enjoyed the fun and creativity of making their own pancakes.”
A group of 50 excited Year 10 students and staff from Tewkesbury Academy embarked on an eagerly-anticipated half-term ski trip to Oberlungau, Austria.
Despite the early start and chilly winter morning, spirits were high as the group set off for a week of adventure on the slopes.
Throughout the week, students honed their skiing skills, making remarkable progress across a variety of slopes.
The trip provided not only an incredible opportunity to develop their skiing abilities but also the chance to create unforgettable memories amidst the stunning Austrian scenery.
A huge thank you goes to trip coordinator Mr James, whose months of meticulous planning ensured the success of the trip. He was supported by dedicated Tewkesbury Academy staff members Ms Pugh, Miss Pawson, Miss Corbett, Mr Phillips, and Mr Spencer, who all played a vital role in making the experience so special.
A spokesperson for the academy said: “Students had an incredible time, learning new skills, embracing new challenges, and making lifelong memories.
“It was fantastic to see their enthusiasm and progress on the slopes.
“The trip was a resounding success, leaving students with a new-found love for skiing and a collection of cherished memories to look back on for many years to come.”
Tewkesbury Academy’s Sixth Form engineering and textiles students recently had an incredible and enriching day in London, gaining valuable insights and inspiration in their respective fields.
Year 13 engineering students were honoured with an exclusive invitation to the All-Party Engineering Group Briefing at the House of Lords.
Accompanied by two members of staff, the students engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on ‘engineering for net zero’ while enjoying a three-course meal.
The event featured a number of esteemed guest speakers, offering students a rare opportunity to explore the intersection of engineering and politics.
Engineering teacher Mr Fair said: “Students represented the academy impeccably and left with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the engineering sector.”
Meanwhile, Mrs Cummins led a group of textiles students on an inspirational tour of the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum.
Mrs Cummins said: “These visits provided a wealth of creative thinking, helping students develop ideas for their final textile’s projects and portfolios.
“Immersing themselves in world-class exhibits, the students broadened their artistic perspectives and deepened their appreciation for historical and contemporary textile design.”
The day was a resounding success, offering students a unique blend of educational, professional, and creative experiences that will undoubtedly influence their future endeavours.
Tewkesbury Academy is immensely proud of its students for embracing these opportunities with enthusiasm and professionalism.
