Students at Frome College are celebrating after winning national awards in theatre, poetry, science and technology.
The Year 9 students received recognition across a range of disciplines, including the Young Playwrights Award, the Poetry by Heart competition, and the Blast Off science challenge – where they were crowned national champions and presented with their award by astronaut Major Tim Peake at RAF Fairford.
Young playwrights award
Year 9 student Anna was awarded the National Young Playwrights award by the theatre company Papatango at The Bridge Theatre in London in June.
Students from across the UK took part in the competition by writing and submitting short plays, which were then edited and performed by the theatre company.
The competition aims to identify and celebrate young writing talent. Frome College had two finalists who travelled to London with headteacher Emma Reynolds and drama lead Kayleigh Plomer. “Everyone was thrilled when Anna was presented with the trophy,” said a spokesperson for the college.
Poetry by Heart
Another Year 9 student, Lula, travelled to The Globe Theatre in London to perform her rendition of ‘A Short Story of Falling’ by Alice Oswald. Lula was a winner of the Key Stage 3 Freestyle award in the national poetry competition Poetry by Heart. A total of 128,000 students entered this prestigious competition in 2025, and Lula was the only student to represent the South West.
The spokesperson said, “Everyone was extremely proud of her.”
Blast Off Competition National Champions
At RAF Fairford earlier this month, students Emily, Maddie, Hollie and Anna were crowned national champions in the Blast Off science challenge. They designed a sustainable space base on Mars for future scientific research. The team received their award from astronaut Tim Peake live on the Inspire Stage. “The students were elated to receive such a notable award,” said the spokesperson.
Incredible proud
Principal of Frome College, Emma Reynolds said, “We are incredibly proud of our students. Achieving recognition on a national level is outstanding. These students have shown real determination and focus, and it really demonstrates what can be achieved.
“All of the students were recognised in our end of year assembly and we all believe that they have a very bright future ahead. Well done!”
