Tewkesbury Academy was delighted to welcome local businesses, education establishments and friends of the academy to support Year 10 students through a series of practice interviews.
In preparation for the event, students had been developing their CVs during careers lessons and receiving guidance on how to approach interviews with confidence and professionalism.
Each student was given the opportunity to take part in a one-to-one interview with a visiting professional, who generously shared valuable recruitment advice and constructive feedback as part of the experience.
Our students presented themselves exceptionally well and organisers received an abundance of positive feedback from partners. The experienced recruiters conducted the interviews with kindness and encouragement, enabling students to build confidence and develop essential communication skills that will support them in their future education and career pathways.
Sarah Baird, Careers and Pathways Lead at Tewkesbury Academy, said: “We are incredibly grateful to all of the professionals who gave their time to support our students.
“These mock interviews provide a fantastic opportunity for students to experience a real interview environment, helping them to develop their confidence, communication skills and understanding of employer expectations.
“The positive feedback received from our visitors was a testament to the preparation, professionalism and enthusiasm shown by our Year 10 students.”
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the following organisations for their support:
Geometric Manufacturing Ltd
Ontic
Hazlewoods LLP
Babcock
Department of Work and Pensions
Hartpury University
Gloucestershire College
SGS College
Acorns Children’s Hospice
Ageas Insurance Ltd
Skanska
Hilton Puckrup Hall
Tewkesbury Borough Council
Alan Bartholemew (Police)
Anne Bartholemew (Teaching/Rotary)
National Star College
Clearwater Products Ltd
Thirteen students from Tewkesbury Academy have successfully completed an exciting skatepark graffiti mural project, transforming a community space while developing valuable creative skills.
Working alongside professional graffiti artist Nathan from Jaksta Art, students had the opportunity to take part in a real-life community arts project from concept to completion.
Throughout the project, they gained hands-on experience designing and creating a large-scale mural, learning how to use spray paints safely and effectively while exploring a range of graffiti and street art techniques.
The students demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, creativity and commitment throughout the week, taking great pride in their work and embracing the opportunity to learn from an experienced professional artist.
The finished mural is a vibrant addition to the skate park and a lasting legacy that the students, and the wider community, can enjoy for years to come.
Tewkesbury Academy would like to extend its sincere thanks to Nathan from Jaksta Art for his expertise, patience and support throughout the project. The academy would also like to thank Northway Parish Council for funding the initiative and making this valuable opportunity possible.
Kate Murtagh, Associate Assistant Principal, said: “This project has been a fantastic opportunity for our students to express their creativity, develop new artistic skills and contribute positively to their local community.
“It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow throughout the week as they worked alongside a professional artist and brought their ideas to life.
“The finished mural is something they should all be incredibly proud of, and it will serve as a lasting reminder of what can be achieved through teamwork, creativity and community partnership.
“Congratulations to all of the students involved for their hard work, dedication and outstanding achievement. Their artwork has left a lasting mark on the skate park and created something that the whole community can be proud of.”
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
