John Cabot students and staff have had an electrifying time presenting five performances of the all-time favourite musical, Grease.
With infectious 1950s style dance numbers, iconic songs, and strong, charismatic leads for Danny, Sandy, the Pink Ladies and T Birds characters, Grease certainly is the word!
Teenagers Danny Zuko (T Bird) and Sandy Dumbrowski fall in love over the summer, only to realise that they attend the same high school.
While navigating school and romance, they struggle to reconcile their different personas – the T Birds and Pink Ladies – before ultimately coming together at the end of the production in the recognisable song ‘We Go Together’.
Sandy performed by Asha Kaur and Matilda Moore (Year 10) and Danny performed by George Ryan (Year 10), have been brought to life with energy and enthusiasm.
The production featured a cast and crew of over 70 students spanning Years 7 to 11, and was performed over three nights to packed houses, with two additional matinee performances to pupils from local primaries including Two Mile Hill Primary, The Park Primary and Air Balloon Primary School.
The music to this fabulous musical extravaganza was played by an exceptional five-piece live band featuring students from Years 9-11.
Charlotte Grierson, Curriculum Leader for Performing Arts, said: “We began auditions for the production in September and were overwhelmed by the number of students who wished to showcase their talent, making casting the show quite challenging!
“It has been fabulous to watch the well-known script and storyline come to life over the last few months with costume and staging. Having the privilege of a live band and slick backstage and technical team of students, really makes the show a fantastic team effort all round.
“I truly hope that this is an experience the students will not forget.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson Secretary is celebrating exceptional outcomes achieved by John Cabot Academy for its disadvantaged pupils at the end of the 2024/25 academic year, placing the school among the very best performing nationally.
Via an email, the minister noted the significant achievement which reflects the dedication and expertise of staff, alongside the ambition and hard work of pupils.
She said John Cabot had demonstrated what can be achieved when high expectations are matched with commitment and care, ensuring that every child is given the best possible opportunity to succeed.
The school’s success also highlights the role strong schools can play in supporting improvement across the wider education system.
John Cabot Academy is encouraged to continue sharing its experience and best practice, acting as a system leader by championing collaboration, supporting networks, and helping to raise standards across the sector.
Kate Willis, Principal at John Cabot Academy, said: “I am incredibly proud of our pupils and staff for what they have achieved this year. These outcomes reflect our shared belief that disadvantage should never be a barrier to success.
“Our team works tirelessly to ensure every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired, and it is wonderful to see that commitment reflected in such strong results.
“We are keen to continue learning from others and to share what has worked well for us, so that together we can make an even greater difference for young people across the system.”
Year 10 and 11 music students from John Cabot Academy enjoyed an unforgettable evening of exquisite live music at the Bristol Beacon.
Twenty students, accompanied by two members of staff, had the privilege of watching the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra perform a captivating and varied programme. The concert opened with Sibelius’ ever popular and majestic Karelia Suite, setting an atmospheric tone for the evening.
This was followed by a selection of Sibelius’ songs one of classical music’s best-kept secrets performed with passion and Nordic intensity. Students were quick to recognise that the pieces were sung in Swedish, delivered by world-renowned soprano Helena Juntunen, whose expressive performance left a lasting impression.
After the interval, the orchestra presented Shostakovich’s final symphony, a work from the period of his darkest music and often regarded as one of the most profound and insightful post-war symphonies. The students were absorbed by the emotional depth and historical significance of the piece.
Reflecting on the experience, the group agreed it was a brilliant evening, and staff have already begun exploring the Bristol Beacon’s programme for their next concert trip.
Charlotte Grierson, Central Team Leader of Performing Arts, said: “It was inspiring to watch our students engage so deeply with a world-class live performance.
“Experiences like this broaden their musical understanding and ignite their passion for the subject.
“We can’t wait to bring them back for another exceptional concert.”
This summer, tens of thousands of GCSE students received their results in a brand-new way, directly through an app on their phones.
The government trialled the Education Record app with 95,000 students across Manchester and the West Midlands, ahead of plans for a national rollout. The app is designed to make exam results and educational records more accessible, secure, and convenient for young people.
As part of the pilot, ITV News West Country visited John Cabot Academy to hear first-hand from students about their opinions and views on the new digital platform.
John Cabot Academy remains one of the area’s top performing schools after another year of outstanding achievements by its students in their GCSEs this summer.
Students at John Cabot Academy always thrive academically in a supportive and compassionate culture.
This year, 80% achieved a grade 4 or above in English and maths. And 61% achieved a grade 5 in both subjects. This makes John Cabot one of the best schools locally and nationally, once again.
John Cabot Academy Principal Kate Willis said: “There have been exceptional results at JCA, with students achieving grade 9 in all of their exams. However we are incredibly proud of the hard work and achievements of all of our students.
“Our teachers have worked tirelessly to engage, challenge and motivate our students so that when they leave us they have a strong sense of self, place and the agency to fulfil their potential. We look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.
“I would like to thank parents and carers for their support for our academy, one another and their children over the last five years.”
The John Cabot 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.”
Four Year 10 students from John Cabot Academy (JCA) proudly represented their academy in the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) Big Investigation, an exciting science competition run by the trust’s post-16 students.
The students planned and carried out their own scientific investigations, using a colorimeter to explore the haemoglobin concentration of blood.
Competing against teams from four different CLF academies, JCA students impressed judges with their enthusiasm, precision, and collaboration.
In a very close contest, JCA’s team was awarded the coveted Best Teamwork Award, a testament to their strong communication, problem-solving, and cooperative skills.
Storm McCready, deputy central team leader of science at John Cabot Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students.
“They demonstrated outstanding scientific thinking and worked together brilliantly throughout the challenge.
“Most importantly, they had a fantastic experience that has further inspired their love of science.”
The recent government spending review promised an additional £4.5 billion per year for schools across the UK to support wide-ranging projects and infrastructure improvements.
However, the announcement was met with concern by musicians and educators alike after it failed to include any mention of funding for music education.
ITV News West Country sent their cameras to John Cabot Academy to find out more.
Students from John Cabot Academy and CLF Post 16 welcomed Labour MP Kerry McCarthy for an inspiring and engaging visit which gave an insight into the world of high-level politics.
After a whistle-stop tour of the school, Ms McCarthy sat down with students to discuss a wide range of pressing issues, including mental health, racial equality and cultural inclusion. The conversation was both insightful and empowering, giving students the opportunity to share their views and experiences directly with a Member of Parliament.
To read the story on the Bristol Parent website click here.
To read the story on the Good News Post website click here.
Students from John Cabot Academy and CLF Post 16 welcomed Labour MP Kerry McCarthy for an inspiring and engaging visit which gave an insight into the world of high-level politics.
After a whistle-stop tour of the school, Ms McCarthy sat down with students to discuss a wide range of pressing issues, including mental health, racial equality, and cultural inclusion. The conversation was both insightful and empowering, giving students the opportunity to share their views and experiences directly with a Member of Parliament.
One of the highlights of the discussion was the students account of their Culture Days – celebrations where students proudly wear clothing that celebrates their heritage and enjoy food from around the world.
These events are an important part of the school community, helping to foster understanding, inclusivity, and respect for the diverse backgrounds of the student body.
Kate Willis, Principal of John Cabot Academy, said: “It was a real privilege to welcome Kerry McCarthy to our academy.
“Our students were excited to share their ideas and initiatives, and we are incredibly proud of the thoughtful and passionate way they engaged in meaningful dialogue.
“This kind of experience is invaluable for helping young people feel seen, heard, and empowered to shape the world around them.”
The inaugural Big Kick Off football tournament launched with flair and excitement at John Cabot Academy, bringing together young athletes from across the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) for a dynamic five-a-side competition that celebrated sportsmanship, teamwork, and skill.
Organised and delivered by CLF Post-16 students as part of their academic coursework, the event showcased not only sporting talent but also student leadership, event management, and collaboration.
The tournament featured two main competitions: a one for primary school teams and the other for secondary schools.
Adding to the thrill of the event, Ephraim Yeboah, professional footballer with Bristol City FC, made a special appearance to support the event and inspire the next generation of players with his words of encouragement and presence on the day.
As a former Summerhill Academy pupil, Ephraim’s encouragement would have been especially powerful for the young players from around the CLF.
Once the action got underway, the pitch came alive with energy as mixed teams of boys and girls from Frome Vale Academy, Summerhill Academy, and Minerva Academy competed with enthusiasm and spirit.
After a series of closely-fought matches, Minerva Academy emerged victorious in a nail-biting final, defeating Summerhill Academy with a score of 1-0.
The afternoon session featured teams from John Cabot Academy, Hanham Woods Academy, Bristol Brunel Academy, and King’s Oak Academy in an intense battle for the secondary title. It was Hanham Woods Academy who clinched the championship, with John Cabot Academy finishing runners up in a round robin format.
In line with the CLF’s core HEART values (High Expectations, Equity, All Children, Resilience and Togetherness), a special HEART Award was presented to the schools that best demonstrated fair play, sportsmanship, and camaraderie throughout the day. The award was proudly received by Frome Vale Academy (primary) and Bristol Brunel Academy (secondary).
Martin Horsell, PE teacher at John Cabot Academy, said: “It was fantastic to see so many young people coming together and showing such passion and respect both on and off the pitch.
“The atmosphere was brilliant and the students who organised the event did an outstanding job. This is what sport is all about – community, challenge, and celebration.”
