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Parents, carers, students and the local community were invited to experience a huge array of talent at the Turner’s Got Talent awards 2026. The awards have been running for 4 years and are designed to showcase and nurture the talent of students within the family of schools of Turner Schools Trust, in Canterbury, Dover and Folkestone.  

The competition took place over two consecutive Wednesdays, with forty five students taking part in all. For the secondary schools event, students from Aspen 2, Dover Christ Church Academy, Folkestone Academy, Turner Free School and Turner Sixth Form showcased their artistry in dancing, singing and performing in groups together.  The audience were treated to a creative display of talent, with judges having the difficult task of choosing a winner. The judging panel consisted of Lucy McGirr, Folkestone’s Town Mayor, Jackie Meade, local councillor for Folkestone East, Matt Tate, Turner Schools Director of Secondary and Am’e Moris, Turner Schools Executive Principal, Primaries. The judges decided on these overall awards, praising the array of talent on display : 

• The Secondaries Winner: Hemi, from DCCA singing ‘Chasing Pavements’ by Adele

• The Murphy Prize: Louie from Aspen 2 dancing to ‘Radio Ga Ga’ from We Will Rock You musical.

• Best in Key Stage 3: Shannon, Elsie, Honey, Maisie, Bridie, Poppy and Evie from DCCA - Girl band performing ‘Piano Man’ by Elton John

• Best in Key Stage 4 / 5: Angel and Ava from FA, a singing and dance duet performing ‘I’m Not That Girl’ from the Wicked musical

Children from Chartham Primary, Folkestone Primary, Martello Primary, Morehall Primary and St Stephen’s Infant School performed a ribbon dance, stand up comedy, cheerleading and a piano recital, with Phoebe and Charlotte who took part from Folkestone Primary saying: 

“It was exciting and scary all in one. I enjoyed it.” 

“I enjoyed it but I was nervous.”

At this event, the judges were Jackie Meade, local councillor for Folkestone East, Ellie Beedham, freelance project manager and associate of Creative Folkestone, Duncan Moris, local singer, choir leader and music teacher and Manj Nijjer, Principal at Dover Christ Church Academy. They awarded prizes to: 

• The Primaries Winner: Isaac from Chartham performing a piano medley of moderato/german/dance/arabesque. Isaac also won the Primaries winner last year.

• The Murphy Prize: Freddy from Morehall with his speed times table extravaganza. He got 121 timetables correct in 1 min. He is placed 2nd in the world of TT Rockstars timetable app.

• Best in Key Stage 1: Poppy, from Chartham singing ‘This Girl is on Fire’ by Alicia Keys

• Best in Key Stage 2: The Year 6 Morehall Band who  performed a mash up of ‘Stargazing’ by Myles Smith and ‘Someone You Loved’ by Lewis Capaldi.

Mrs Michelle Foxwood, Director of Creative Arts at Turner Schools, who organised the event said of the awards: 

“This was another exceptional evening of talent and I would like to thank everyone who took part, practised and gave their all in their performances. We are extremely proud of every young person who took part.”

Matt Tate, Director of Secondary at Turner Schools said: “It was a real privilege to attend Turner’s Got Talent and see such an extraordinary range of performances from our students. The standard was genuinely impressive across all age groups, from powerful vocal performances to expressive dance and ballet. What stood out most was the confidence, creativity and joy on display. Events like this remind us that our schools are not just about academic success, but about nurturing the whole person and giving young people the opportunity to shine.”

Folkestone Town’s Mayor, Lucy McGirr said: “I was delighted to be invited to judge Turner's Got Talent secondary edition. What a wholesome experience to witness the individual talent in all Turner schools. As current Folkestone Mayor I am so impressed with the hard work of the staff for all their support. To all the students well done on your achievements and keep up the hard work.

Turner Schools Executive Principal, Primaries, Am'e Moris said:”It was so heartwarming to have seen so many children showcasing their incredible talents - their smiles and confidence were abundant and the audience were treated to singing, dancing, bands, comedy routines and even the fastest times table completion we've ever seen!” 

Ellie Beedham, Associate of Creative Folkestone said: “Wow Turner Schools kids have great talent. The competition showcased stars across the board in singing, dancing, maths, comedy, cheerleading, piano playing and rhythmic gymnastics.” 

Pupils at Chartham Primary School near Canterbury enjoyed a visit by animal rangers from ZooLab to learn about a wide range of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

The Year 2 children got a close look at snakes, spiders, snails and stick insects and some were brave enough to hold or stroke them.

They learned lots of interesting facts about predators and their prey, helping to bring the wider curriculum to life. 

The aim of the workshop was to develop the children’s confidence, empathy and communication skills through real-world animal encounters and by having fun.

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The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the session. Adeline said: “I liked the snake, it was nice and smooth on the bottom.” Luca added: “I really liked the hair on the tarantula and how it moves.” Poppy said: “My favourite was the snail and its magic slime!”

Jamie Noble, Head of school at Chartham Primary School, said: “This visit from ZooLab was a fantastic hands-on experience that really brought learning to life for our pupils. 

“The session sparked the children’s curiosity and for many of them was their first time seeing animals so close up.

“It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and to watch their confidence grow as many of them stroked - and even held - the animals.

“We would like to thank the rangers at ZooLab for making the session so accessible and meaningful to the children.”

Pupils from four local schools - Folkestone Primary School, Martello Primary School, Turner Free School and Folkestone Academy - took to the stage to demonstrate their dancing talent in the Turner Schools Dance Show 2025.

The young dancers performed a range of different dance styles, including contemporary, street, and musical theatre, in a matinee and evening performance last week at Folkestone Academy Theatre.

The performances of the young talent featured an exciting blend of group dances, duets and solo pieces, highlighting their creativity and passion for dance.

The aim of this cross-trust event was to promote dance and inspire dancers of all ages across the Turner Schools family of schools.

The event gave the young dancers the opportunity to celebrate and share their dance talent, while giving parents the chance to experience the creativity, dedication and passion that they bring to the stage.

Jasmin, one of the pupils who took part, said: “Thank you so much for this opportunity you have given me. I feel so grateful to be a part of such an amazing performance and be surrounded by such talented dancers. I really enjoyed it and had the best time so thank you again for this opportunity.”

Following the show, one parent commented: “Thank you for going above and beyond for all the pupils and for creating such a supportive, uplifting environment. It means the world to know people like you bring out the best in pupils and make them shine.”

Jade Goldfinch, the PE teacher at Folkestone Academy who organised the event, said: “Our Turner Dance Show 2025 was a great success and we were incredibly proud of all our pupils who took part.

“Their dedication and commitment to dance shone through all of their performances and we hope that this experience will empower them to achieve their full potential. 

“We are very grateful to everyone in the audience who came along to support our young people.”

Year 6 pupils at Chartham Primary School, part of Turner Schools, had a hands-on day of learning what it was like to be a child in the Victorian era. 

As part of the school’s Victorian school day, the pupils had to pay a Victorian penny for attending school and they had to follow the strict school rules of that era.

For example, the Year 6s had to stand when an adult entered the room, they could not ask questions, nor speak unless they were spoken to; boys and girls were also separated in class.

The children took part in elocution lessons, handwriting practice on chalkboards, finding out about the British Empire and singing the national anthem.

They also found out about jobs that children may have done in factories and workhouses and they made Victorian toys such as cup-and-ball and thaumatrope, an optical toy popular in the 19th Century. 

Chartham Primary School organised the day as part of the children’s history learning on the Victorians.

Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day, which helped to spark their imaginations.

One pupil said: “I really really enjoyed Victorian day because it felt like we were in a Victorian classroom. I particularly enjoyed the writing on the chalkboards and making toys. I also enjoyed seeing everybody's outfits. The teachers were in character and we found the dunce cap very funny."

Another added: "It was fantastic! We got to make Victorian toys!"

Vicki Copeman, Assistant Headteacher of Chartham Primary School, said: “Our Victorian Day was a great day with the children really getting into their Victorian roles.

“The day helped to build on their history learning for this term and it was a wonderful way for them to connect with history in a hands-on, memorable way.”