A bestselling children’s author has inspired students to find their voices through storytelling.

Tom Palmer, known for the Football Academy and Foul Play series, delivered a live session to Year 8 students at West Exe School to mark the start of the National Year of Reading 2026. During the visit, Mr Palmer shared his writing journey, discussed his approach to storytelling, and encouraged pupils to use their own interests as the foundation for creating stories.

Julie Fossey, headteacher at West Exe School, said: "It was a joy to see our students so inspired. Sessions like this bring reading and writing to life, helping pupils connect their classroom learning with real-world creativity and giving them the confidence to explore their own ideas. It’s going to be a really exciting year."

West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, puts a strong emphasis on literacy and confident communication, aiming to develop creative writers and critical thinkers. The session with Mr Palmer also supported the school’s English curriculum, which encourages students to analyse literature within its historical, social, and cultural context and to express their ideas with clarity.

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: "We’re delighted to see students inspired by authors like Tom Palmer. Experiences like this open up possibilities, spark imagination, and show young people just how far their creativity and ideas can take them."

The school says author visits play a key role in helping students connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.