A record 134 students from seven schools within the Ted Wragg Trust successfully took on the legendary Ten Tors Challenge this past weekend, demonstrating outstanding resilience, teamwork and determination across the rugged landscapes of Dartmoor.
Representing 23 teams across 35, 45 and 55-mile routes, students from Exmouth Community College, Honiton Community College, Isca Academy, Queen Elizabeth’s School, Sidmouth College, St James School, and West Exe School battled the moor’s unpredictable weather and challenging terrain to complete one of the UK’s most iconic youth endurance events.
Ten Tors is a uniquely demanding challenge that sees thousands of teenagers in teams of six navigate self-supported routes of up to 55 miles over two days. Carrying everything they need for the journey, including food, shelter and equipment, participants must be physically and mentally prepared to face all conditions.
Isca Academy led the charge with five full teams completing the challenge, with every participant finishing as a full team of six. Notably, student Melody joined a struggling team from another school, helping guide them to the finish line in a remarkable display of leadership and compassion.
“It’s hard to pick out standout performances as there were so many,” said Roger Adams, a science teacher at Isca Academy. “All of these young people demonstrated independence and strength in an event most adults could never do. We are enormously proud.”
Sidmouth College celebrated another triumphant year, maintaining a 100% completion rate for over five years. One of their teams even finished second on their route, a huge achievement in such a demanding event.
“They absolutely smashed it,” said a leader from Sidmouth College. “The toughest selection process we've had in years—and every single one of them earned their place.”
Exmouth Community College saw all three of their teams of six finish and West Exe School had an eventful time of it, as their three teams got started but a technology glitch meant their whereabouts were tricky to pin down on the first day. Many thanks to the Army who provided regular updates on their progress! On the second day all the West Exe teams showed great pace and an early start ensured that they finished the event in some of their quickest times ever.
The 45-mile team from Queen Elizabeth’s School showed exceptional leadership, stopping mid-route to assist an unconscious walker from another school, administering first aid until medics arrived, earning them an extended time allowance and the school’s heartfelt pride. Both of QE’s 35-mile teams completed the event successfully, with QE A finishing at 14:30 and QE B, in memorable banana outfits, finishing at 15:18.
The Ten Tors Challenge continues to stand as one of the UK’s most demanding and rewarding youth outdoor events, coinciding with National Walking Month, a national campaign that highlights the many benefits of walking for physical health, mental well-being, and enjoying the great outdoors.
What sets Ten Tors apart is its sheer scale and ambition, and its focus exclusively on young people. Training and preparation, overseen by participating schools and organisations, begin months in advance to build the resilience, navigation skills, and teamwork needed to succeed. It’s a true test of character as terrain, distance, and unpredictable weather make the challenge formidable, but with the right preparation and attitude it’s definitely achievable.
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:
“The Ten Tors Challenge represents everything we stand for as a trust - resilience, courage, and a deep commitment to personal growth. Every student who took part has achieved something extraordinary, and we could not be prouder of them. I also want to say a big thank you to all the staff and volunteers who made the event possible.”
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