Ark Globe Academy student Jomi Hughes was crowned Great Britain Schools triple jump champion at the Schools International Athletics Board (SIAB) Championships in Belfast on Saturday (18 July). 

Having earned selection for England following his victory at the English Schools Athletics Championships, Jomi represented his country against the best school athletes from Scotland, Wales and Ireland, producing a championship-winning performance to claim the U17s title. 

Jomi said, “Winning the title of the best triple jumper in Great Britain feels amazing. When I was named the best in England, I was really happy, but now to be the best in Great Britain is another level. 

 “My first jump wasn’t the one, but I stayed focused. I had to switch my mentality, believe in myself more, walk around, concentrate and visualise what I wanted to achieve. 

“My third jump put me into first place, but I still had three more to go. I wasn’t really feeling it, but I kept pushing. My teacher Mr Morrish told me to give 110 per cent and I told him I’d give him 111 per cent. My final jump secured the win.”  

Further success for Ark Globe Academy students came from Ellen Odige, who was crowned English Schools Junior Girls’ High Jump Champion, securing her place at the top of the national rankings with a superb performance. 

Meanwhile, Joshua Nkongolo delivered a strong performance in the hammer throw, finishing fourth in the country against the highest calibre of school athletes from across England. 

Ark Globe Academy Executive Principal Matt Jones OBE said, “We are incredibly proud of Ellen, Jomi and Joshua. Their performances at the English Schools Athletics Championships reflect the talent, determination and commitment that define sport at Ark Globe Academy. 

“To produce an English Schools champion, a Great Britain schools champion and another top four national finisher in the same season is an outstanding achievement.” 

The three top four national finishes are the latest chapter in a remarkable year for athletics at Ark Globe Academy. In 2026, Ark Globe Academy secured victories in a third of all events at the Southwark Schools Athletics Championships and produced: 

• • Eight London Schools champions 

• • Four athletes selected to represent London 

• • Two athletes selected for the National Combined Events Championships 

• • 33 Southwark Schools champions 

• • One English Schools champion 

• • One Great Britain schools champion. 

The Academy’s commitment to developing young athletes through the school’s Elite Player Programme has created a culture of success that enables students to compete at the highest levels. These achievements demonstrate what is possible when talent, hard work and expert coaching come together. 

In addition to Ark Globe Academy’s success on the sports field, the school was recently rated ‘exceptional’ for inclusion, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing, and Post 16 provision by Ofsted. 

Ark Globe Academy offers an all-through education for local children aged 4-18 in Southwark, South London. It is part of the Ark multi-academy trust, with 39 schools in London, Birmingham, Hastings and Portsmouth. For more information please visit: Ark Globe