Students from Lime Hills Academy have been making waves in Bristol this term, taking part in an exciting water sports activity programme at the city’s iconic Floating Harbour.
The programme offered pupils the opportunity to engage in a range of new and adventurous water-based experiences, helping them to step outside their comfort zones and build confidence on the water. From their first moments on the harbour, students demonstrated enthusiasm, resilience, and a willingness to try something new.
Throughout the sessions, a strong emphasis was placed on teamwork and communication. Students worked collaboratively to navigate challenges, support one another, and develop essential life skills. The experience not only enhanced their physical confidence but also contributed significantly to their personal and social development.
This initiative forms a vital part of Lime Hills Academy’s wider personal development offer, ensuring that students benefit from enriching opportunities beyond the classroom that promote independence, self-belief, and positive relationships.
Deputy Principal Steve O’Callaghan praised the cohort for their efforts. He said: “I am incredibly proud of the courage and teamwork our students have shown during these sessions at the Floating Harbour.
“It’s been fantastic to see them embrace new challenges and grow in confidence with every activity. We’re excited to see how they continue to develop in future sessions.”
Lime Hills Academy remains committed to providing meaningful, aspirational experiences that support its ethos of excellent inclusion and high expectations, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Work has started on a new specialist school in North Somerset designed to address rising demand for places for children with social, emotional and mental health needs.
Lime Hills Academy, due to open in September 2027, is being built at a site in Langford and will replace the school’s current temporary arrangements in Nailsea and Weston-super-Mare.
To read the full story on the Weston Mercury website please click here.
Pupils at Lime Hills Academy have been full of excitement recently as they welcomed two adorable new bunnies into their classroom community.
The pupils have embraced this responsibility with enthusiasm, working together to plan, design and gather everything needed to ensure their new pets are happy, safe and well cared for.
From researching the bunnies’ needs to organising feeding routines and preparing their environment, the class have shown excellent teamwork and maturity.
A special highlight this week was Riley, who worked alongside his teacher Joe to build a brand-new run from scratch. Using impressive woodworking skills, they carefully designed and constructed a safe and sturdy space for the bunnies to explore.
Teacher Joe Thomas praised the pupils’ efforts, saying: “I am incredibly proud of the way pupils have taken ownership of this project. Their care, teamwork and determination have been fantastic to see, and they have created a wonderful home for our new bunnies.
“This hands-on experience has been a wonderful opportunity for Weston class to develop responsibility, creativity and practical skills – truly living out our commitment to high expectations and excellent inclusion. The bunnies are already a much-loved part of the class, and we are so proud of the care and dedication the pupils have shown.”
Construction work has begun on a new special school for North Somerset, which is due to welcome its first students onsite in September 2027.
Lime Hills Academy is currently operated out of a temporary site in Nailsea and shared school space in Weston-super-Mare, but is developing its own purpose-built site at Langford.
Work is now under way on a school which will be run by the Cabot Learning Federation and developed in partnership with North Somerset Council the Department for Education (DfE) and Bowmer + Kirkland.
Once completed, the new school building will provide students with a modern, inclusive, and future-ready learning environment.
Lime Hills Academy will serve 65 pupils aged five to 16 (Years 1 to Year 11) with a primary diagnosis of social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
The academy will offer children across four key stages the opportunity to connect with and better understand themselves, their communities, and the wider world.
With a focus on creative arts, artisanship, and agriculture, children will discover their talents through an individualised curriculum designed to develop strengths and build supportive personal networks.
As a result, pupils graduating from Lime Hills Academy will be equipped to contribute positively to their communities, supported by an education that helps them understand themselves and their connection to the world around them.
The new development will include a multi-use games area (MUGA), sports field, libraries, art and design studio, music recording studio, and dedicated practice room, creating a rich and inspiring environment for learning and personal development.
Lis Jolley, Executive Principal for the Cabot Learning Federation, said: “Lime Hills Academy represents an exciting opportunity to create a nurturing and aspirational environment where every child feels seen, valued, and supported to succeed.
“Through a curriculum rooted in creativity, practical learning, and strong community connections, we are committed to helping young people develop confidence, resilience, and the skills they need to thrive both in education and in life.
“We are delighted to be working alongside North Somerset Council, the DfE and Bowmer + Kirkland to bring this vision to life for children and families across the region.”
Neil Pateman, Project Director for the Department for Education, said: “We are delighted to see construction now underway at Lime Hills Academy, marking an important milestone in expanding high-quality specialist school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
“This investment reflects our commitment to ensuring every pupil receives the support they need to thrive, in the right setting for them. We look forward to seeing the academy develop and to the positive difference it will make for pupils and their families.”
Cllr Catherine Gibbons, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Families, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said: “North Somerset has a growing need for school places that support children with social, emotional and mental health needs, so it’s fantastic to finally see the start of construction of the new Lime Hills Academy in Langford.
“These new, modern and purpose-built facilities include a range of unique and inclusive spaces where young people aged five to 16 can nurture their creativity and enjoy practical learning tailored specifically to their needs.
“When completed, the new school facilities will ensure that children with acute needs can continue their education within North Somerset. This is part of our strategy to ensure all children can attend a good school in their local area where they can learn, grow and develop.
“We look forward to continuing our work with CLF, the Department for Education, Willmott Dixon and Bowmer + Kirkland as we get everything ready for a 2027 opening.”
David Enever, Project Manager for Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “It was great to see the some of the students on site to mark the occasion. B+K look forward to delivering another key facility for the DfE and the school trust.”
Lime Hills Academy was pleased to welcome the Substance Advice Service into school recently to deliver a series of workshops for students as part of its PSHE curriculum.
The sessions focused on providing age-appropriate information and practical guidance to help keep students safe, informed, and confident in making healthy choices.
Students engaged thoughtfully throughout the workshops, asking sensible questions and taking part in discussions around risk, safety, and decision-making.
Deputy Principal Steve O’Callaghan expressed how proud he was of the mature and respectful way students approached these important topics.
He said: “Our students demonstrated excellent maturity and engagement throughout these sessions.
“The Substance Advice Service delivered important messages in a way that was accessible, relevant, and thought-provoking, and we are very proud of how seriously our learners took the opportunity to reflect on their choices and wellbeing.”
School leaders extend a special thank you to DSL Liam Olpin for organising the workshops and ensuring this valuable support was made available to students.
Opportunities like these play an important role in promoting wellbeing and supporting Lime Hills’ commitment to excellent inclusion and high expectations.
Students at Lime Hills Academy were inspired by a visit from Sally of Future Smart Careers, who worked with Year 9 and 10 students to explore future career options.
Alongside a group session on pathways and employability skills, Sally held a series of one‑to‑one careers interviews, giving students the opportunity to discuss their individual interests and receive impartial guidance.
Deputy Principal Steve O’Callaghan praised the student’s involvement, saying: “I was incredibly proud of how confidently and thoughtfully our students engaged in conversations about their futures.
“Opportunities like this really help them start to see what they can achieve.”
A group of students in North Somerset got a taste of working life in the coffee industry during a visit to Clifton Coffee.
Five students from Lime Hills Academy spent time at the company's headquarters over three separate days, taking part in professional barista training and learning how to prepare high-quality espresso-based drinks.
To read the full story on the North Somerset Times website please click here.
Five Lime Hills Academy students recently had the exciting opportunity to visit Clifton Coffee’s headquarters over three separate days to explore careers within the coffee industry.
Thanks to a strong partnership between the Cabot Learning Federation and Clifton Coffee, students were able to gain first-hand experience across a range of roles and processes that keep this vibrant industry thriving.
During their visits, students took part in professional barista training, learning the skills needed to prepare high‑quality espresso-based drinks.
They also discovered how coffee beans are sourced from around the world, before seeing the full journey from roasting and packaging to distribution.
In addition, the group gained practical experience supporting the maintenance and servicing of commercial coffee machines – an essential part of the industry often unseen by customers.
This unique opportunity not only broadened students’ understanding of the coffee sector but also helped them develop confidence, teamwork and hands-on technical skills.
The partnership with Clifton Coffee continues to provide valuable insight into real-world careers, and school leaders are proud of the students for embracing the experience with such enthusiasm.
Steve O’Callaghan, Deputy Principal, said: “Opportunities like this bring learning to life in a way the classroom alone cannot.
“Our students not only gained valuable insight into a thriving local industry but also developed practical skills and confidence that will support them in their future careers.
“We are incredibly grateful to Clifton Coffee for their continued partnership and for inspiring our students to think ambitiously about their next steps.”
Steve O’Callaghan, Vice Principal at Lime Hills Academy, has completed an extraordinary feat —running 30 gruelling miles across the rugged terrain of the Brecon Beacons in a time of 7 hours 30 minutes.
Steve is no stranger to endurance challenges, having previously completed many 50km, 50-mile and 100km trail races over the past 10 years. His dedication to long-distance running continues to inspire both students and colleagues.
The event was organised by Off the Tarmac (OTT), a Wales-based company specialising in trail running events and coaching for trail and ultra-marathon runners.
OTT’s events take place within the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park, offering athletes the chance to test their endurance and mental strength in one of the UK’s most demanding landscapes.
Steve also took on this challenge to raise money and awareness for Talk Club, a UK-based charity and mental fitness community for men.
Talk Club helps men open up about their feelings and improve their mental well-being through peer-to-peer groups, physical activities, and therapy.
Reflecting on his achievement, Steve said: “Running through the Beacons was both brutal and beautiful.
“I wanted to show that looking after our mental fitness is just as important as our physical health.
“Talk Club does incredible work helping men open up and support each other.”
Lime Hills Academy, which operates from two sites in Weston-super-Mare and Nailsea, is building its first purpose-built site in Langford, which it hopes to move to soon.
The school, which is for students with social, emotional, and mental health needs, will be headed up by a new principal, Natalie Sweet.
To read the full story on the Weston Mercury website click here.
