The under-16s netball team from Tewkesbury Academy delivered an outstanding performance at a recent challenge tournament hosted at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, competing against strong teams from across the region.
After a tough opening game, the squad showed incredible resilience, bouncing back in style to win their next four matches.
Their success was built on brilliant teamwork, determination, and a positive spirit that carried them through each fixture.
Team coach, Mrs Hirons, praised the players, saying: “Their resilience, teamwork and determination shone through in every game, and they ended the tournament finishing second in their group.
“This impressive result is a testament to the hard work, commitment, and passion of the entire team.
“Huge congratulations go to all players for their fantastic efforts and achievements on court.”
Tewkesbury Academy has issued a warning to parents following reports that hundreds of children across the region have been added to a WhatsApp group containing inappropriate and illegal content.
The group, titled “World Record Breakers,” has been identified as a platform where harmful material is being shared. The Academy has taken swift action, contacting parents directly to raise awareness of the issue and urging them to speak to their children about the dangers of online activity.
BBC Radio Gloucestershire spoke to Principal of Tewkesbury Academy Kathleen McGillycuddy to find out more.
The Year 8 rugby team from Tewkesbury Academy recently took part in a highly competitive district tournament held at Cheltenham Tigers Rugby Club.
The event brought together teams from across the area, showcasing an excellent standard of school rugby.
The Tewkesbury Academy squad faced some tough opposition throughout the competition, demonstrating resilience, teamwork, and determination in every match.
Despite a series of strong performances, the team narrowly missed out on a place in the semi-finals.
Reflecting on the event, Mr Gowers praised the players’ efforts, saying: “It was clear the whole team gave it their all and represented the school with pride and determination, well done boys.”
Every year on 26 September, Tewkesbury Academy proudly celebrates the European Day of Languages, an event dedicated to promoting the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe.
As part of this year’s celebrations, Head of French, Ms Germain, organised a creative competition with the theme European Languages.
Students were invited to showcase their talents by submitting a poster, painting, photograph, or decorated cake, with Amazon vouchers awarded to the winning entries.
The competition drew a variety of imaginative and high-quality submissions, reflecting the enthusiasm of the students.
Adding to the festivities, the Year 9 catering group prepared the classic French dish croque monsieur, a hot ham and cheese sandwich enhanced with creamy béchamel sauce, baked or fried until golden and bubbling.
This culinary experience offered students not only a delicious treat but also a chance to engage with French culture in a fun and educational way.
A spokesperson for Tewkesbury Academy said: “We are delighted to see our students embracing the spirit of the European Day of Languages.
“The creativity shown in the competition entries and the enthusiasm in the catering activity highlight the importance of celebrating cultural diversity.
“Learning about languages and traditions helps our students to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of the world around them.”
Tewkesbury Academy has proudly unveiled a new Roll of Honour Alumni Board in its gym, celebrating the incredible achievements of former students across a wide range of sporting disciplines.
The display spans from 1972 to 2025 and showcases an extraordinary array of talent and dedication.
It stands as an inspiration for current and future students, reinforcing the academy’s commitment to building pride and ambition within its community.
Among those celebrated are:
Sarah Hoefflin – Winter Olympic gold medalist
Adam Harper – National boxing champion
Craig Openshaw – World record holder in open water swimming
Hattie Bailey – Cheerleading England
Mollie Courtney – GB Athletics national champion
Amelie Curtis – Wales U19 football international
Chloe Sheppard – GB U23 rowing athlete
Megan Ahearne – Women’s senior Gloucestershire Cricket
Marc Richards – England University football captain
Principal of Tewkesbury Academy, Kathleen McGillycuddy, said: “We are incredibly proud of our alumni and the diverse paths they have taken to achieve success at the very highest levels.
“The Roll of Honour is not just a celebration of past achievements, but also a source of inspiration for our students today – reminding them that with ambition, hard work and resilience, they too can go on to accomplish extraordinary things. It is also testament to the teachers who have supported and inspired over the years and we owe a big thank you to Mr Graham-Kevan for bringing this project to fruition”
The board will be updated regularly to reflect the continuing achievements of former pupils and stands as a permanent symbol of the academy’s strong tradition of excellence. Plans are afoot for drama, music and business alumni to be celebrated in a similar fashion.
Pic: Dave Graham-Kevan Tewkesbury Academy Head of Physical Education on the left, Marc Richards (former TA student) on the right.
While many young people were enjoying a well-earned rest over the summer break, one Tewkesbury Academy sixth former instead set off on an incredible adventure halfway around the world.
Year 13 student Byron Tomkins embarked on an amazing journey to the Maldives, where he volunteered with local children. This was Byron’s first time travelling alone, and he committed a full month to making a difference – educating young people on the importance of staying active and living a healthy lifestyle.
This programme goes far beyond fitness. It was about empowering young minds, building confidence, and helping children develop lifelong habits that can transform their futures.
Byron showed remarkable determination in making this opportunity a reality. He raised the necessary funds through a combination of part-time work, a GoFundMe campaign, and a generous contribution from the Sir George Dowty Trust. His commitment to this cause and his ability to independently organise and fund such a meaningful experience was truly admirable.
His parents have expressed how incredibly proud they are of his independence, compassion, and drive – qualities that will undoubtedly serve him well as he prepares for a future career in the RAF.
Byron said: “This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows me to give back to communities in need while growing as an individual. I’m beyond excited to make a positive impact.”
He departed for the Maldives the day after prom – what a way to begin his summer!
A spokesperson for Tewkesbury Academy said: “We are all immensely proud of Byron. His courage, initiative, and generosity of spirit embody the values we hope to instil in all our students.
“Byron has not only taken a huge step in his own personal journey but has also become a role model to his peers, showing what can be achieved with determination and self-belief.”
Tewkesbury Academy is celebrating another wonderful year and congratulates all Year 11 students on their success in their GCSEs and other Level 2 awards.
With another year of improved outcomes, Tewkesbury really is a great place to go to school.
With more than 63% of students achieving grades 4 and above in their maths and English, as well as an increase in attainment across the board, it has been a good year for the school community.
This success reflects not only the students’ own hard work but also determined input from teachers and families who have motivated and encouraged these young people to strive to give their best.
Special congratulations go to Tewkesbury’s highest-attaining students Ellie Murphy, Rona Mackenzie, Milly Wade, Oscar Davis, Sam Sawyer, Charlie Pound, Imogen Cooper, Ava Thomas, Evie Skelding and Dan Tidman. We are also delighted that Ed Ferrier has done well achieving high grades across a range of subjects – his brother Joseph received his A-levels from Tewkesbury Academy last week.
Tewkesbury Academy Principal Kathleen McGillycuddy said: “Celebrating the achievements of the young people of Tewkesbury is always delightful and this year’s outcomes yet again demonstrate that attendance and hard work will unlock great results.
“Tewkesbury is indeed a school for the whole community and we are delighted with their results as it gives them a platform to take their next steps in life.
“Well done to the class of 2025 and we look forward to seeing many of them shortly in Year 12.”
The Tewkesbury students were among nearly 2,000 young people across the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) who received their results today – with many celebrating outstanding results and getting set for the next stage of their education.
CLF Deputy CEO Sally Apps said: “As a trust we would like to extend our congratulations to the 1,994 students who are receiving their GCSE and equivalent qualifications today.
“These are the result of considerable effort, diligence and determination and the results celebrated today are opening the door to a range of excellent onward destinations for our young people who have studied at our mainstream and specialist schools.
“It is with considerable gratitude to our staff and parents that we celebrate, knowing that these outcomes are achieved as a result of a considerable team effort.
“It is particularly pleasing to see that this year, more young people who have experienced challenge and disadvantage during their school career are collecting strong results.
“We are proud of them and delighted for them, and wish all CLF Year 11 students – now part of our valued alumni and in many cases continuing their onward study with us – a happy and successful educational career.”
Tewkesbury is clearly a great place to grow up and a great place to go to school.
Look no further than Tewkesbury Academy’s Lead Prefect Lydia Greenwood who receives her A Level results today. Lydia, who went to Queen Margaret Primary Academy and then onto Tewkesbury Academy, has gained top grades and secured her place to study journalism at Sheffield University. She is not alone in achieving great success. Many of her peers are heading off to exciting next steps too.
To read the full story on the Glos Live website please click here then scroll to 17.36.
Tewkesbury is clearly a great place to grow up and a great place to go to school. Look no further than Tewkesbury Academy’s Lead Prefect Lydia Greenwood who receives her A Level results today. Lydia, who went to Queen Margaret Primary Academy and then onto Tewkesbury Academy, has gained top grades and secured her place to study journalism at Sheffield University.
She is not alone in achieving great success. Many of her peers are heading off to exciting next steps too. From Joe Ferrier heading to Bristol University to study Maths, George Ellis heading to Exeter to study Geography and Elizabeth Walsh going to study illustration at the University of the Creative Arts, we are proud of them all.
Principal, Kathleen McGillycuddy said, “Many students have secured apprenticeships, and some are planning gap years to travel and enjoy the world. What is most striking is the diversity of plans and pathways – a true reflection of our community. Whether going on to study marine biology, mechanical engineering or finance or taking up apprenticeship and employment opportunities, we wish them all well in their next steps and can’t wait to hear about their successes.”
With overall pass rates improving to 97% and A*-C improving to 59% the sixth form continues its upward trajectory. Congratulations to the class of 2025 and thank you for making the sixth form such a warm and friendly place to go to school.
Sally Apps, Deputy CEO of the Cabot Learning Federation said: “This year has seen continued success and further improvements across a range of Cabot Learning Federation provisions, courses and communities.
“From bespoke industry-based courses preparing young adults for careers in the arts and sport to vocational qualifications leading to careers in valued public services, as well as traditional A level courses across a number of disciplines, CLF students are celebrating excellent outcomes again in 2025.
“We are thrilled for those students who have gained places at prestigious institutions like Oxford university, at times in the face of significant adversity. We are equally proud of those students who have completed courses and are securing destinations
in a broad range of fields closer to home where they continue to model to our current cohorts of students what success looks like.
“It is with huge pride and gratitude that we note the efforts of teachers, educational and professional support staff, parents and carers and of course our students themselves as they take their next steps with confidence and agency.
“We wish them every success and look forward to hearing of these in future as part of our valued CLF Alumni.”
Jack Wilkinson, a Year 12 student from Tewkesbury Academy, has successfully secured a place on the highly competitive HSBC Work Experience Programme after applying independently.
Jack is an exceptionally conscientious, hardworking, and kind student. Recently inspired by his visit to the Oxford University open day, Jack continues to set ambitious goals for his future.
Jack said: “I was very grateful to be given the opportunity to take part in HSBC’s hybrid work experience programme, which included both virtual sessions and in-person days at their Birmingham headquarters.
“Across the week, I gained valuable insight into the banking and financial services industry. We explored topics such as growth mindset, M&A, client relationship management, risk, and compliance.
“I particularly enjoyed shadowing professionals in the Birmingham office, including in Commercial Banking and Digital Engagement, and hearing first-hand career experiences – from investment banking to stockbroking during the 2008 crisis.”
Pam Johnston, senior administrative assistant for Tewkesbury Academy’s sixth form, said: “Jack’s achievement demonstrates not only his ambition but also the skills and qualities that make him stand out as a student.
“We are incredibly proud of his success and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.”
