Bear Grylls-backed school scout group hike across hills for charity

Dozens of in-school scouts from a Somerset school helped raise thousands for charity by taking to the Mendip hills.

Over 30 scouts from The King Alfred School Academy completed the Mendip Challenge across the spectacular Somerset hills.

They joined in with 120 staff from The Priory Learning Trust staff at Priory Community School, Worle Community School, St Anne’s Church Academy, Castle Batch School Academy and Pawlett Primary School Academy.

Principal Nathan Jenkins, who also completed the walk with his two sons, said: “We  are really proud of all our scouts and staff who gave up their Sunday to help such a valuable cause.

“The hike encouraged important life skills such as determination and resilience, as well as the importance of thinking of others through raising money for charity.”

Neville Coles, TPLT’s Executive Principal, who did the 30 mile walk, said: “This was a superb walk and event, and we are delighted to partner with the brilliant charity and cause Weston Hospicecare.”

Nearly 100 young people are now packing into 1st King Alfred Scouts at TKASA every Wednesday to learn life skills and confidence.

The newly established Scout Group is being run as part of the school day, the school’s so-called Period 6 at 3pm – which is a cultural part of The Priory Learning Trust that TKASA is part of. Even UK Chief Scout Bear praised their new group.

The hospice’s event manager Simon Angear said: “We’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm for this year’s Mendip Challenge from all across our community – and in particular by the support from The Priory Learning Trust.”