MP enjoys poetry and art exhibition during Taunton school visit

Paul JonesJune 26, 20250 Comment0

A SOMERSET school supporting young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs has been praised by an MP.

The Sky Academy, in Priorswood, Taunton, also caters for students with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).

It is part of the Cabot Learning Federation and was visited by MP Gideon Amos (Lib Dem, Taunton & Wellington), who took in the Year 11 Art Exhibition and heard younger students read their poems.

“So many young students at The Sky Academy have made such excellent progress despite often very difficult circumstances,” he said after the visit.

“They had produced some great work and it was really good to hear about the next stages of training and college they are moving on to after such a lot of GCSE success.

“Special educational need deserves more attention and funding so that more children who need it can get the kind of support that staff at Sky work hard to provide every day.”

Gaby Long, principal at The Sky Academy, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of our Year 11 GCSE Art learners.

“The exhibition is a powerful reflection of their growth—not just academically and creatively, but socially and emotionally as well.

“It’s a celebration of their resilience, imagination, and the belief that they can achieve great things.”

MP Gideon Amos meets Charlie Ennals, Sky Academy art teacher and PD lead, and principal, Gaby Long

Year 11 student Alfie Odam, who is exhibiting his work, said: “The art was fun to attend to and do.

“All the staff have been very supportive to me throughout my journey at The Sky Academy.”

And his proud mum, Diane, added: “The Art Exhibition was outstanding and the artwork from all the students was amazing. They should be very proud of what they have produced – as we are of them.

“The Sky Academy has been the best place for my son to grow and develop with all the amazing support and understanding that all the staff have shown him and us all as a family.”

Charlie Ennals, art teacher and PD lead at The Sky Academy, said she was “incredibly proud” of the students.

“Watching their creative journeys unfold over the past year has been nothing short of inspiring,” Charlie added.