Wednesday 28th October

Wednesday, 28 October 2026 at 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more

Leweston School near Sherborne, a co-educational Catholic boarding school, has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. The school that has 577 pupils, aged between 5 and 19, says it won’t be re-opening after the half-term and blames rising costs and falling pupil numbers for the decision. Pupils have been offered places at Clayesmore School and Sunninghill Prep in Bruton beginning from Monday, November 2nd.

NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset, Dorset, Swindon and Wiltshire. The merger is aimed at cutting costs through group buying and centralising specialist services like trauma, stroke, and vascular services. The plan is currently out for consultation with a view to being formally adopted in late 2027.

Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours. Mohammed Saddiq is asking town and parish council and community organisation to nominate people they think should be recognised by the UK Honours system. The Lord Lieutenant says honours are not just for celebrities and those in public life, but people who do outstanding work in their local communities.

Grants of up to £10,000 are being offered to help nature recover in Somerset. Community groups, schools, councils, farmers and landowners can apply to the scheme which is aimed at supporting the Somerset Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Projects can be restoring habitats, helping species, improving connections between areas for nature, and feasibility work. More details can be found on the Somerset Council website.

More from News

Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more
Tuesday 20th October

The NSPCC says sexual communication offences involving children in the South-West have more than doubled since the offence was introduced seven years ago. People in Somerset are being warned that artificial intelligence is being used to make homes look more attractive in estate agent’s photos. Yeovil Town replay their FA Cup 4th qualifying round against Leatherhead at Huish Park tonight.., and more
Monday 19th October

The Environment Agency says reservoir levels across Somerset are well below what they should be for the time of year. A former school building in Wincanton could be turned into a recording studio and arts venue. Families in Somerset are being reminded of the October 31st deadline to apply for school places ...and more
Friday 16th October

Parts of Somerset have been moved into the highest drought category to protect water supplies. A new group's been formed to try and save Taunton’s Brewhouse Theatre from closure.Tesco in Yeovil is recruiting for temporary staff for the busy Christmas period... and more