Gurnard Primary School has been crowned the winner of the Schools Walk the Wight Trophy after raising more than £4,400 for Mountbatten Isle of Wight during this year’s record-breaking fundraising event.
The surprise announcement was made during a special school assembly earlier this week, when Mountbatten Isle of Wight Events Co-ordinator Olivia Lewis-Marlton and Rouse Limited Director Lisa Butler presented the trophy to pupils and staff.
Schools Walk the Wight 2026 saw a record 1,495 children and young people take part, with participating schools collectively raising more than £54,000 for the Isle of Wight charity.
Gurnard Primary School topped the fundraising leaderboard after collecting an impressive £4,421.16.
Ahead of the main event in May, around 100 pupils completed much of the required distance by hopping, cycling, running and bouncing their way through the miles before joining friends, family and teachers to walk the final 4 miles from Freshwater Bay to Alum Bay.
Mrs Clemma Yardley, Headteacher at Gurnard Primary School, has 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.
Article continues below this advertisement “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.”
The event was sponsored for a third consecutive year by Rouse Limited.
Lisa Butler, Director of Rouse Limited, has 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, Events Co-ordinator at Mountbatten Isle of Wight, has 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!”
Becky McGregor, Chief Executive of Mountbatten Isle of Wight, added:
“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!”
Schools wishing to take part in Schools Walk the Wight 2027 can register their interest here ahead of entries opening in January, when parents will be able to sign up their children individually.
