Taunton’s MP, Gideon Amos, has praised the provision at The Sky Academy after visiting the educational facility in Priorswood.
Part of the Cabot Learning Federation, The Sky Academy is a specialist provision dedicated to supporting young people with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs and speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).
It is committed to helping each learner to overcome personal and academic barriers — whether in the classroom or through a range of enriching experiences.
Mr Amos visited the Year 11 Art Exhibition and also heard younger students read poems they had written.
He said afterwards: “So many young students at The Sky Academy have made such excellent progress despite often very difficult circumstances.
“They had produced some great work and it was really good to hear about the next stages of training and college they are moving on to after such a lot of GCSE success.
“Special educational need deserves more attention and funding so that more children who need it can get the kind of support that staff at Sky work hard to provide every day”
Gaby Long, Principal of The Sky Academy, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of our Year 11 GCSE Art learners.
“The exhibition is a powerful reflection of their growth—not just academically and creatively, but socially and emotionally as well.
“It’s a celebration of their resilience, imagination, and the belief that they can achieve great things.”
Alfie Odam, who of the Year 11 students exhibiting his work, said: “The art was fun to attend to and do.
“All the staff have been very supportive to me throughout my journey at The Sky Academy."
His proud mum, Diane, added: "The Art Exhibition was outstanding and the artwork from all the students was amazing. They should be very proud of what they have produced – as we are of them.
“The Sky Academy has been the best place for my son to grow and develop with all the amazing support and understanding that all the staff have shown him and us all as a family."
Charlie Ennals, Art teacher and PD lead at The Sky Academy, said she was “incredibly proud of the Year 11 GCSE Art student.
“Watching their creative journeys unfold over the past year has been nothing short of inspiring.”
