Schools

Local Primary Schools Unite for First Spelling Bee Final

Good News Post

Feb 10, 2026 — 1 min read

Spelling Bee Participants - Image ELAN

By Schools Correspondent

Extend Learning Academies Network (ELAN) marked a major milestone this week with the launch of its first-ever ELAN Spelling Bee, bringing together pupils from all nine ELAN primary schools for a celebratory grand final.

Children from Banwell, Bournville, Locking, Mead Vale, Mendip Green, Milton Park, Oldmixon, Walliscote and Windwhistle took part in the competition, which began several months ago.

Around 2,000 pupils from Years 3 to 6 competed in preliminary rounds within their schools.

After a series of challenging heats, the strongest spellers progressed to the final stage. The top nine finalists from Years 3/4 and Years 5/6 — two pupils from each school — earned their place in the grand finale.

The event was held in front of a live audience of families, teachers and fellow pupils.

Finalists faced three demanding rounds, including individual spelling, a wordsearch challenge and a fast-paced quick-fire round.

Throughout the evening, pupils impressed the audience with their confidence, determination and linguistic skill.

“We are incredibly proud of every child who took part,” said an ELAN spokesperson. “Tonight wasn’t just about spelling — it was a celebration of resilience, hard work and bravery.”

ELAN congratulated all finalists on their outstanding achievements and thanked school communities for their support in making the inaugural Spelling Bee a resounding success.

New Rehabilitation Centre Brings Prosthetic Care Closer to Rural Gambian Communities

By Charities Correspondent UK prosthetics charity STAND has opened a new rehabilitation centre in The Gambia, bringing vital prosthetic and rehabilitation services closer to amputees living in rural communities. The new facility represents a major step forward in improving access to prosthetic legs and ongoing care. STAND supplies refurbished prosthetic

Beavers Return to South West Rivers in Major Boost for Nature Recovery

By Conservation Correspondent Beavers are set to return to more rivers in South West England after Natural England approved two new licensed release projects, marking a major step forward for nature recovery. The decision follows the first licensed release of wild Eurasian beavers in Dorset last year, after a landmark

Stretch It and It Cools: MIT Breakthrough Could Change How We Manage Heat

By Science Correspondent Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers have discovered a stretchy plastic-like material that can quickly change how it handles heat, opening the door to smarter clothing, electronics and buildings. Most materials handle heat in a fixed way. Plastic, for example, traps heat, while stone or marble lets

M&S and YoungMinds Smash £5m Target a Year Early, Set New £1.5m Goal for Children’s Mental Health

By Mental Health Correspondent This Children’s Mental Health Week, M&S and YoungMinds announce a major milestone in their partnership to support young people’s mental health. Having originally pledged to raise £5 million over three years, the partners have surpassed expectations - raising an incredible £5.5