Wells City Council has praised The Blue School after councillors and the town clerk visited the site in Wells to mark its status as Somerset's only Research School. The council said the visit was arranged by head teacher Mark Woodlock, although the press release did not state when it took place.

According to the council, the visit gave representatives a chance to see how The Blue School is supporting its own pupils while also working with other schools across the region to improve teaching standards and outcomes.

The school is part of the national Research Schools Network, which aims to connect education research with classroom practice. Wells City Council said that role gives The Blue School an influential position not just in the city, but across Somerset and the wider South West.

Councillors also highlighted the school's links with the local community and its role as a major employer in Wells. The council said discussions during the visit included the nearby Agratas site and the opportunities it could create for young people in the area, with The Blue School exploring how its curriculum and sixth form provision could support that development.

Mayor of Wells, Councillor Louis Agabani, said: "It was inspiring to see the exceptional work taking place at The Blue School. Their role as a Research School not only benefits their students but also has a far-reaching impact across the city and Somerset."

He added: "The school's proactive approach to engaging with developments such as the Agratas site demonstrates a strong commitment to preparing young people for the future within our city, which will ultimately see benefit to Wells for years to come."

Head teacher Mark Woodlock said: "We are incredibly proud to have developed such an innovative and forward-looking school which supports not only our students and their families, but also offers opportunity to the wider Wells and Somerset community."

Wells City Council said it wants to continue its relationship with the school and support its future work.

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