To celebrate National Curry Week, The Sky Academy was delighted to welcome the team from Turmeric Kitchen, Taunton, into school for an exciting hands-on cookery workshop.
Students learned a range of authentic Indian cooking skills, starting with a cauliflower and chicken starter using a deep fat fryer, which was a new experience for many.
They then went on to make a traditional curry, chapatis and perfectly fluffy rice while learning professional tips from the chefs.
Students were particularly impressed by the chefs’ incredible chopping skills and were fully engaged throughout the session. It was fantastic to see everyone working together, trying new techniques and building their confidence in the kitchen.
School leaders offered a huge thank you to Turmeric Kitchen for helping to bring the local community into school and providing such an enjoyable and memorable learning experience for students.
Gaby Long, Principal of The Sky Academy said: “Experiences like this are a fantastic way to bring learning to life, giving our students the opportunity to develop practical skills, try something new and build confidence in the kitchen.
“It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the workshop, and we are incredibly grateful to Turmeric Kitchen for sharing their expertise and passion for cooking with our students.
“Opportunities like this also help strengthen our links with the local community and inspire students to explore new interests.”
Year 10 and 11 students from The Sky Academy recently attended a careers fair at the Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil, where they had the opportunity to meet a wide range of employers, training providers and colleges from across Somerset.
Throughout the event, students engaged confidently with exhibitors, learning about the many pathways available to them after Year 11, including further education, apprenticeships and employment opportunities.
The experience helped broaden their horizons and gave them valuable insight into the wide range of career options available to them.
Students left the event feeling inspired, ambitious and enthusiastic about their futures.
One student commented, “I wish we could have stayed longer,” while another said, “I didn’t know there was so much available. Maybe I will go to college now and do an apprenticeship!”
Sky leaders described students as a credit to the school throughout the visit. Event organisers were so impressed with their conduct that they specifically sought out staff to praise the students’ politeness, respectfulness and engagement.
Charlie Ennals, Careers & Personal Development Lead at The Sky Academy, said: “It was fantastic to see our students engaging so positively with employers, colleges and training providers, asking questions and discovering opportunities they may not have considered before.
“Experiences like this are invaluable in helping young people build confidence, broaden their aspirations and make informed decisions about their futures.
“We are incredibly proud of the way our students represented the academy and embraced this opportunity.”
The Sky Academy proudly hosted a Macmillan Cake Sale, on Friday 25th September, to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. The event was a fantastic success, with a wonderful selection of cakes baked and donated by both staff and students. Through everyone’s generosity and enthusiasm, we raised an impressive £142 for this important charity.
In the lead-up to the event, students also spent time in their keyworker sessions learning about the valuable work that Macmillan Cancer Support does for individuals and families affected by cancer. They explored the practical, emotional, and financial support available and discussed other ways they can contribute to charitable causes within their communities. It was a meaningful opportunity for students to develop their understanding of compassion, community, and the positive impact that fundraising can have on the lives of others.
Thank you to everyone who baked, donated, purchased cakes, and helped to make such a positive and successful occasion.
As one of part of our keyworker sessions, students took part in a group discussion to recognise Bisexual Visibility Day (23rd September 2026). The students explored what bisexuality means, challenged common misconceptions, and highlighted the importance of inclusion, respect, and understanding for all members of our community. Students engaged in discussions about identity, belonging, and the impact that acceptance can have on a person’s wellbeing, helping to reinforce our school values of kindness, respect, and equality.
As part of Sexual Health Week, we were pleased to welcome Mark Rowland, Sexual Health Practitioner Nurse, who delivered engaging and informative sessions to students across the school.
Our KS4 students took part in discussions about staying safe in relationships and during sexual activity, learning about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the different forms of contraception available.
Mark also worked with our lower school students, focusing on the importance of healthy relationships, recognising unhealthy behaviours, and understanding how to seek support when needed. Students were highly engaged through the sessions, asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating maturity and respect when discussing these important topics. The sessions provided valuable knowledge to help our young people make informed, safe, and healthy choices in the future.
Taunton’s Sky Academy meets Ofsted’s expected standards in all areas, according to a recent inspection which praised the school as ‘inclusive, warm and nurturing’.
Sky – which is a state-funded special school for children with additional social, emotional, mental health or communication needs – was being inspected for the first time under Ofsted’s new framework.
And the inspection team said Sky meets expected standards in the six key fields of pupil achievement, attendance and behaviour, inclusion, curriculum and teaching, leadership and student development and wellbeing.
Inspectors praised Sky for its positive culture, high ambitions and calm atmosphere which helps students settle and flourish.
In his report, lead inspector Gavin Summerfield said: “From the moment they join The Sky Academy, (pupils) are known and valued as individuals. Each morning, familiar staff greet them with friendly words and smiles, giving pupils an immediate sense of warmth and belonging.
“Pupils begin the day gently with time to catch up with friends, play games or eat toast. They transition into the school day with confidence and ease. This relaxed social time helps pupils feel settled and at ease, ready to learn.
“Pupils arrive with significant gaps in their knowledge and understanding. Many have low self-esteem, little confidence or have experienced barriers to their learning in the past. Despite this, the school is driven by a deep commitment and high ambition for all.
“Pupils benefit from a well-designed curriculum that supports their success. This leads to most pupils experiencing teaching that is well matched to their needs so that typically they leave with the qualifications they need to access the next stage of education or employment.”
Inspectors went on to praise Sky in each of the areas assessed.
On student achievement, Ofsted said: “The curriculum builds on pupils’ different starting points and individual special educational needs and/or disabilities. Pupils build their knowledge and grow in confidence the longer they stay at the school.”
On attendance and behaviour, inspectors said: “Some pupils have previously been out of education for considerable periods of time or developed an anxiety about school.
“Leaders continually explore a range of strategies to help these pupils address the personal challenges that hinder their regular attendance. Strong relationships underpin this. As pupils’ confidence increases, most are able to spend more time in school.
“If pupils struggle to manage their behaviour, the pastoral team takes swift and effective action to help them identify their feelings. Through targeted support and interventions, staff help pupils meet their emotional needs and develop the resilience to thrive.”
On curriculum and teaching, the report said: “The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum that builds on pupils’ existing knowledge, skills and understanding. Pupils follow well-established pathways that combine academic ambition with support for their needs.”
On inclusion, inspectors said: “Positive working relationships exist between staff, pupils and families. These relationships underpin the school’s effective work to ensure that pupils receive the help that they need to succeed and to achieve.”
On leadership, Ofsted said: “Since the school joined the new trust, leaders have driven clear and effective improvements across the school. They foster a compassionate and nurturing culture where everyone feels included.”
And on students’ personal development and wellbeing, inspectors added: “The school equips pupils well for life beyond school. Personal development is woven throughout the curriculum.
“Beyond the classroom, pupils take part in a wide range of activities including visits to museums, castles and a local zoo. Activities such as swimming, sailing and kayaking nurture pupils’ talents and encourage them to embrace new experiences. Residential trips further support their personal development, building character and resilience.”
Ofsted’s findings have been welcomed by leaders at The Sky Academy, and its parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation.
Gaby Long, Principal at The Sky Academy, said:
“I am delighted that The Sky Academy has been recognised by Ofsted as a warm, nurturing school where pupils feel safe, valued and supported to succeed. Our staff have high ambitions for every pupil, and this report acknowledges the dedication, expertise and understanding that underpins our culture.”
Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:
“Well done to the hard working and committed team at The Sky Academy for providing such an attractive offer for children and for creating an environment where all can belong and thrive. I am immensely proud of what our colleagues have been able to achieve in such a short space of time; the future looks even brighter!”
Due to the extreme heat and red weather warning, the academy will be closed to all pupils and staff on Wednesday 24 June 2026 and Thursday 25 June 2026. We looking forward to welcoming everyone back at the usual time Friday 26 June 2026.
The decision to close has been made to safeguard the health and wellbeing of all students during dangerous weather conditions. However, work will be set to enable learning to continue at home. Please support your child to complete the remote learning during these two days. During the closure you can contact the academy in the usual way and leave a message. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Keeping children safe and cool at home:
During this period of hot weather, we recommend the following steps to help keep your child comfortable and safe:
Please also remain vigilant for signs of heat-related illness, such as headaches, dizziness, or unusual tiredness, and seek medical advice if needed.
A group of Year 9 students from The Sky Academy visited Bucklers Mead Academy in Yeovil to participate in a Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP) inclusive sports event.
The aim of the event was to encourage and promote sports participation among young people who may not always feel confident taking part in sporting activities.
Throughout the day, students engaged positively and competitively in a range of activities and challenges.
School leaders described the group as ‘outstanding ambassadors for the academy’, who consistently demonstrated the Sky’s core values of respect, resilience, ambition and belonging.
Gaby Long, Principal of The Sky Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of the way our students represented The Sky Academy at this inclusive sports event.
“They embraced every challenge with enthusiasm, supported one another throughout the day, and demonstrated the positive attitudes and values that are at the heart of our school community.
“Opportunities like this help build confidence, teamwork and resilience, and it was wonderful to see our students participating so fully and enjoying their success. Well done, boys!”
Year 9 and 10 students from The Sky Academy have been attending All Aboard Watersports Centre in Bristol every Monday as part of an exciting sailing programme designed to build confidence, resilience and new skills.
Students are working towards achieving a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Level 1 Dinghy qualification before progressing on to Level 2.
The RYA dinghy qualification is an internationally recognised certification that teaches participants how to sail small boats safely and competently.
The programme is structured through progressive levels, covering everything from basic sailing techniques and manoeuvres to more advanced skills such as racing and seamanship.
The students taking part have varying levels of water confidence, but all have demonstrated exceptionally high levels of determination and resilience. Throughout the programme they have embraced the challenge of sailing solo in Bristol’s docks, often in challenging weather conditions.
The project has been a great success and will continue to run into the autumn term, giving students further opportunities to develop their sailing skills and work towards additional qualifications.
Gaby Long, Principal of The Sky Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students for the enthusiasm, courage and resilience they have shown throughout this programme.
“Learning to sail develops far more than practical skills on the water; it builds confidence, independence, teamwork and perseverance.
“Seeing our young people challenge themselves in all weather conditions and achieve nationally recognised qualifications has been inspiring, and we look forward to continuing the project in the autumn term.”
