Abbey Dextrous, the Year 7 spelling team (pictured) from the Abbey School in Reading, win the semi-finals of The Times national Spelling Bee competition.

Medieval history comes alive for Year 7 pupils at Bedford Modern School following a visit by Arriere-ban Historic Enterprises. The company’s aim, to enhance pupils’ knowledge of history, seemed to hit its mark.

At Chelmsford County High School in Essex, 644 students smashed the Guinness World Record for the most story-book characters in one place - a record previously held by a group from Malta, who dressed as 453 characters.

Infants from Wessington Children’s Centre in Sunderland were treated to a special visit from popular CBeebies character Mr Bloom, who is famous for his gardening talents and vegetable companions.

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