A World Champion, GB Call-up, and a Great First Week

Torquay Academy weekly blog — 11 September 2026

Daisy crowned world champion at the Dance World Cup

Daisy celebrating with a medal on the Dance World Cup stage

Year 11 student Daisy Board enjoyed incredible success at the Dance World Cup in Dublin. Competing at an event bringing together 11,500 dancers from more than 65 countries, Daisy and her teammates won a gold medal, two silvers and a bronze. What a wonderful achievement; congratulations to Daisy and the whole team!

The highlight was being crowned world champions in the senior large song and dance group. They also won silver medals in the senior small and junior large song and dance groups, alongside a further third-place finish. Their success extended to ballet, with their groups finishing fourth and sixth in the world.

Behind these fantastic results is an enormous amount of hard work. Daisy described training every day and spending both days of the weekend dancing. That level of commitment, sustained day after day, makes these achievements all the more special. It is wonderful to see her dedication rewarded on the world stage.

It was also lovely to read Daisy’s kind words about the support she has received at TA. She made a particular point of thanking Mr Foulds for helping her take up the opportunities that have been so important to her dancing. We are proud to support our students as they pursue their ambitions, and Daisy is a fantastic example of where talent, determination and a willingness to work hard can lead.

Huge congratulations to Daisy and all her teammates. You should be incredibly proud of everything you have achieved. We certainly are!

Dancers posing with the Dance World Cup mascot in Dublin

Daisy demonstrating her flexibility in her team kit

Willow-Mae selected to represent Great Britain

We are delighted to celebrate Willow-Mae’s selection to represent Great Britain at an under-13 four-nation international in Germany next month. She will join the GB team to compete against Germany, France and Switzerland, a fantastic achievement and an exciting opportunity to represent her country.

Willow-Mae will travel to Germany with the team just before half term. Her selection reflects the tremendous hard work and commitment she has shown, and we are proud to share this special milestone with our school community.

Congratulations, Willow-Mae. We wish you and your GB teammates every success as you prepare for the competition and look forward to hearing all about your experience in Germany.

Year 7 Make a Brilliant Start

Our Year 7 students have settled well during their first week at Torquay Academy, getting to know our school and finding their feet in their new surroundings.

It has been lovely to see them enjoying the different spaces around the school and becoming more familiar with daily life at TA. There is plenty to take in when starting secondary school, and our newest students are already impressing staff.

Well done, Year 7, on such a positive start. We are looking forward to seeing all that you achieve as part of our school community.

Year 7 Make a Brilliant Start

Fun Friday

Year 7 enjoying bingo during Fun Friday

Fun Friday brought a lovely mix of games and friendly competition to TA this week, with something different for each year group to enjoy.

Year 7 had a great time playing bingo, listening out for their numbers and hoping for a winning card. Years 8 and 9 put their estimating skills to the test as they tried to guess the number of sweets in a jar, while Year 10 played high and low with cards, deciding whether the next card would be higher or lower.

Year 11 enjoyed a carnival games session, trying their hand at challenges including ring toss, cornhole and a hole-in-one game. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time together and enjoy some light-hearted competition.

Thank you to the staff who organised the activities and helped make Fun Friday such an enjoyable part of the week.

A student with treats during Fun Friday

Year 11 enjoying carnival games during Fun Friday

Record numbers enjoying life in our Sixth Form

With record numbers of students in both Year 12 and Year 13, it is wonderful to see our Sixth Form community making the most of the facilities available to them.

Our study centre provides space for students to focus on their work, while the common room and café offer somewhere to spend time together between lessons. Free tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also available for our Sixth Form students to enjoy.

We are proud to offer an environment that supports both independent study and the social side of Sixth Form life. It is lovely to see our students enjoying these spaces as they begin an important year in their education.

Working together at our parent information evenings

We welcomed parents into school for three information evenings this week, each focused on helping families support our students through the year ahead. Year 12’s evening took place on Tuesday, followed by Year 11 on Wednesday and Year 13 on Thursday.

For Year 12, the focus was on the transition into Sixth Form and the changes that come with this next stage of education. Alongside looking ahead to new expectations and opportunities, the evening was a chance to celebrate everything our students have achieved so far.

Year 11’s evening looked towards GCSE examinations next summer and how families can support students as they prepare. Building good habits and working together throughout the year will help our students approach this important milestone with confidence.

For Year 13, attention turned to their final year at Torquay Academy and planning for life beyond school. University, apprenticeships and careers were all part of the focus as we explored how parents can support students with their next steps.

Thank you to the families who joined us and to the staff who led the evenings. The partnership between home and school makes such a difference, and we look forward to working together to help our students make the most of the year ahead.

Working together at our parent information evenings

Planning a Year of DofE Adventures

Our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award students met with Mr Adams for their first meeting of the year, getting started on plans for the months ahead.

Students considered each aspect of their DofE programme, including the skills they would like to develop, their physical activities, volunteering and preparations for their expedition. It was an opportunity to think about what they want to achieve and how they will build these commitments into the coming year.

We look forward to following their progress as they put their plans into action and take on the challenges ahead.

CCF Returns for a Cracking First Session

After a long summer away from school, the Combined Cadet Force was back in action this week for its first training session of the new year — and it did not disappoint. Turnout was excellent, with cadets clearly keen to get back into uniform and pick up where they left off.

Weapons Training with the L98A2

The evening's main event was weapons training on the L98A2 rifle, as cadets began preparing for upcoming range days. Handling drills, safety procedures, and marksmanship principles were all back under the spotlight, with instructors putting the section through its paces to make sure everyone is sharp and range-ready in the weeks ahead.

RAF Section: Flying Spaces Announced

Great news for our budding aviators — the RAF section has announced that flying spaces are now available. Any cadet with an interest in getting airborne should speak to their section staff as soon as possible, as these opportunities are always in high demand.

Navy Section: A New Chapter Begins

In a first for the CCF, the Navy section has begun preparations to welcome its very first intake of Navy cadets. It's an exciting milestone for the contingent, and we look forward to seeing this new section grow over the coming terms.

Climbing and Paintball in Full Swing

The climbing wall saw plenty of use, with cadets testing their nerve and technique on the ropes. Meanwhile, over on the paintball lane, the targets took yet another battering as cadets sharpened their aim — proof, if any were needed, that a summer off hasn't dulled anyone's competitive edge.

It's been a fantastic start to the year for the CCF, and with range days, new recruits, and flying opportunities all on the horizon, there's plenty more to look forward to. Watch this space for updates!

Want to Be a Part of It All?

We are actively recruiting new volunteers! The CCF is looking for adult volunteers to provide training and support to the contingent. If you'd like to get involved, please contact the SSI at ccf@tqacademy.co.uk for more details.

Helping Year 7 build confident homework habits

Our Year 7 students have been getting to grips with homework this week, with support from their Heads of House and other staff. From Monday to Thursday, students stayed behind for an hour each day to learn what they need to do and how to approach their homework confidently.

Staff took them through each of our online and written homeworks, working alongside them to explain the tasks and help them understand the expectations. These sessions gave students time to ask questions and practise with support close at hand as they settle into their new routines.

Homework is an important part of helping our students achieve strong grades, giving them the opportunity to revisit learning and build their understanding beyond the classroom. Thank you to all the staff who have helped our Year 7 students make a confident start.

Helping Year 7 build confident homework habits

A practical start to A-level chemistry

Year 12 chemistry students using volumetric pipettes in the laboratory

Our new Year 12 chemistry students made a fantastic start to their A-level course this week, measuring the energy change in a displacement reaction. Mr Gale joined the group in the laboratory and was delighted to see their enthusiasm and determination as they tackled their first practical work.

The experiment introduced students to volumetric pipettes, helping them develop the skills needed to measure liquids accurately. Getting to grips with the pipette fillers took a little practice, but everyone rose to the challenge and worked carefully to record their temperature readings.

It was a really positive first session in the lab, with students already showing the care and precision that will be so important throughout their course. Well done, Year 12. We look forward to seeing your confidence and practical skills grow over the next two years.

Measuring liquid with a volumetric pipette during the Year 12 chemistry practical

Students practising their pipette skills during Mr Gale’s science lesson

Harry Lee shines for Crystal Palace

We are proud to see former TA student Harry Lee making such a strong start to the season with Crystal Palace’s Under-21s. Harry left TA at the end of Year 11 to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer, and it is wonderful to follow his progress.

His recent performance against Aston Villa was particularly impressive. Harry made eight saves as Palace won 2–0 in Premier League 2, keeping a clean sheet and helping his team claim their first league victory of the campaign. The club has shared a video of some of his best stops, which you can watch below.

He followed that with another important contribution against Paris Saint-Germain, saving a penalty just before half-time in Palace’s 2–1 Premier League International Cup win. Harry credited goalkeeper coach Julian Speroni for helping him prepare for the spot-kick.

Now in his second season at Palace, Harry is also taking on responsibility as one of the more experienced players in a young squad. Alongside his performances in goal, he wants to set an example and support his younger teammates.

Harry’s journey has taken determination, with loan spells, injuries and competition for his place all providing challenges along the way. His current form is a lovely reminder for our students of the value of ambition, perseverance and continuing to work at something you love.

Congratulations, Harry. Everyone at TA wishes you every success for the season ahead!

Harry Lee — photographs from his football career