ELAN in the news

By Schools Correspondent Oldmixon Primary School, part of the Extend Learning Academies Network (ELAN), has shared the outcomes of its recent Ofsted inspection, confirming what families already know: this is a school where children feel safe, are welcomed as individuals, and are given the foundations to thrive. The inspection on 6 January 2026 reflected the hard work, determination and heart that staff, pupils, and families bring to the Oldmixon community every day. Safe, Caring and Well-Sup

A primary school on the outskirts of Weston-super-Mare has received a glowing report from Ofsted following a recent inspection.

Pupils from nine UK primary schools compete in the first Extend Learning Academies Network contest, celebrating resilience and achievement.

Adam Matthews to retire as CEO of Extend Learning Academies Network in August 2026; James Oakley named interim CEO for North Somerset primary trust.

A healthy breakfast is proven to boost children’s energy levels, problem-solving skills, and attention spans. Thanks to the introduction of free breakfast clu

By Schools Correspondent Year 2 children at Walliscote Primary School are celebrating after becoming officially published authors through a national Young Writers competition. The pupils were invited to write creative “poem recipes” that described the special ingredients that make them who they are. Their imaginative entries impressed the judges and have now been published in a Young Writers anthology. Teachers praised the children for working incredibly hard on their poems and said

By Schools Correspondent Extend Learning Academies Network (ELAN) brought together pupils from all nine of its primary schools for a powerful trust‑wide Anti‑Bullying Conference designed to strengthen wellbeing, safety and empowerment across its communities. Hosted at Bournville Primary School, the event welcomed 86 pupils who took part in a full day of workshops led by YouthShoots founder Paul Hanmore. The bespoke programme equipped young people with the skills and confidence to identify bul

By Schools Correspondent Staff at Walliscote Primary School in Weston-super-Mare have been supporting local families this winter by putting together “heat parcels” to help keep them warm during the colder months. The parcels, which include hats and gloves for both adults and children, were offered to families who needed a little extra support over the winter period. The project has been well received and reflects the school’s strong links with the local community and its commitment to lookin

Pupils from ELAN primary schools became anti-bullying ambassadors at a conference led by YouthShoots, tackling bullying and promoting wellbeing.

Reader's letter praises Christmas traditions after Weston Mercury features primary school nativity photos.

Walliscote Primary School in Weston-super-Mare is helping local families stay warm this winter with “heat parcels”, part of ELAN’s community…

By Schools Correspondent Shoppers and passers-by at the Weston-super-Mare Sovereign Centre were treated to a joyful surprise this week as the Walliscote Primary School Choir filled the space with festive music and Christmas cheer. Led by Headteacher Shelley Flanagan, the choir sang beautifully, spreading smiles among families, shoppers and members of the local community.  Their performance was warmly received, with many stopping to listen and praise the children for their confidence and ta

Windwhistle Primary joins British Council’s Schools Across the Ocean 2026, linking with Brazil to boost climate literacy and creativity among UK…

By Schools Correspondent  Windwhistle Primary School has been chosen by the British Council to take part in the prestigious Schools Across the Ocean 2026 Programme, a collaborative initiative linking schools in the UK and Brazil to strengthen climate literacy, resilience, and creativity among young learners. The programme, supported by the University of Exeter, encourages pupils to explore the wonders of our oceans and the impacts of climate change through storytelling, art, poetry, and film.

Weston-super-Mare’s community carol service at St Paul’s Church united residents, schools, and leaders to celebrate Christmas, hope, and local…

This week, Sidcot School and the ELAN multi-academy trust celebrated their Partnership work in a sparkling awards ceremony at the Pearson National Teaching Awards in London. Hosted by Gabby Roslin, the awards is a prestigious event that highlights the achievements and transformative impact of educators. Sidcot School and ELAN were awarded a Silver award in the School Partnership of the Year category. Fittingly, Sidcot School welcomed nine of the ELAN primary schools back in to its school today to celebrate the work of around 300 students […]

By Community Correspondent Walliscote Primary School – a school community representing 47 spoken languages – met at St Paul’s Church in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset in an event hosted by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mr Mohammed Saddiq. Their choir, conducted by school Headteacher Shelley Flanagan, opened the service with the first verse of Once in Royal David’s City, symbolising the rich cultural tapestry of the town and the way music continues to unite people from many backgrounds. The ev

BBC Children In Need has raised £45,507,536 following its annual appeal show — and across Somerset, students raised thousands for the cause.

Readers' letter praises Walliscote Primary School, which held an art exhibition to mark the end of Black History Month, highlighting pupils’ work.

Jaega Wise finds out how the roll out of free school breakfast clubs is going.

Police launched an investigation after a school in Weston had received “a threatening email”.

Oldmixon Primary School will appoint a new headteacher in September.

Christmas came early at Extend Learning Academies Network's (ELAN) schools, courtesy of Uncle Paul’s Chilli Charity

Children from eight schools in Weston and Worle tried out new sports to celebrate The Daily Mile challenge.

A multi-academy trust has announced it has been working alongside the Woodland Trust to stop the number of trees in its Weston schools from dropping…

Readers discussed initial Government plans for schools to reopen in England from Monday, following remarks from a Weston headteacher that schools in…

Schools in Weston have praised staff for their dedication during the lockdown and thanked businesses for donating food for pupils.