Gurnard Primary School has been handed the Mountbatten Isle of Wight Schools Walk trophy, after raising an amazing amount at Schools Walk the Wight 2026, which was sponsored by Rouse Limited.

On Tuesday, Mountbatten Isle of Wight events co-ordinator, Olivia Lewis-Marlton and Rouse Limited director, Lisa Butler, made a surprise announcement in a special assembly.

2026 was already a record-breaking year for Schools Walk the Wight, with 1,495 children and young people taking part and over £54,000 raised by participating schools. Gurnard Primary achieved a fabulous £4,421.16.

In advance of the May event, around 100 Gurnard pupils hopped, cycled, run and bounced their way through much of the required distance. Then, accompanied by friends, family and teachers, they took on the last four miles of the main walk route, from Freshwater Bay to Alum Bay.

Gurnard Primary School's headteacher, Clemma Yardley, said: "We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud to have won this year’s Schools Walk the Wight competition. Walk the Wight is a legendary Island event, and seeing our families come together with such enthusiasm for Mountbatten Isle of Wight has been truly inspiring.

"This achievement isn't just about the miles walked; it’s testament to our school’s fantastic community spirit and our shared commitment to supporting an organisation that touches so many lives across the Isle of Wight. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who laced up their walking boots, racked up the miles, and donated."

Above: Lisa Butler, Rouse Limited director (left) with Mountbatten events co-ordinator, Olivia Lewis-Marlton.

For the third year running, Schools Walk the Wight 2026 was sponsored by Rouse Limited. Lisa Butler, Rouse Ltd director, said: "Mountbatten Isle of Wight is a truly worthy cause and the work it does touches almost everyone on the Island. We are so proud to have supported Mountbatten Isle of Wight at the Schools Walk. I'd like to congratulate Gurnard Primary School on its fundraising efforts."

Olivia Lewis-Marlton said: “It's been such a joy to visit Isle of Wight schools, share assemblies and cheer pupils across the finish line. We’re incredibly proud of everyone who took part, helping to raise over £54,000 in vital funds for Mountbatten. We can't wait to see you all again in 2027. Congratulations, Gurnard Primary!”

Read more: See hundreds of photos and more from Walk the Wight 2026 in our blog, by CLICKING HERE

Becky McGregor, Mountbatten CEO, said: "A huge congratulations to Gurnard Primary, for winning the 2026 Schools Walk the Wight Trophy. On the big day, we loved seeing you enjoying the party atmosphere at Freshwater Bay, crossing Tennyson Down and reaching the finish line, with achy legs all around!

“Your fundraising — and that of all the schools which took part — makes a huge difference to Mountbatten Isle of Wight. Thank you!"