Taunton School students ranked as top pentathlon athletes in UK

Posted: 17th March 2026

Two Taunton School students have been ranked as two of the best pentathlon athletes in the UK following the conclusion of the Modern Pentathlon National Ranking Series.

Year 12 Isobel has been ranked as 2nd in the U19 category and 8th in the Open Women’s section, while Year 8 Bella has achieved 14th place in the U17 category and 4th in the U15 list.

The ranking events ran from December to February and saw both students complete obstacle course races, fencing, swimming, and laser run – the full pentathlon. The events spanning several months culminated in a qualification round on Saturday 21st February, followed by Finals Day on Sunday 22nd February.

Beth Mottram, Head of Modern Pentathlon at Taunton School, said: “Committing to one sport at this level is demanding; balancing five disciplines alongside academic studies and maintaining a social life requires exceptional dedication, organisation, and resilience.

“We are immensely proud not only of both student’s achievements, but also of the determination, perseverance and positive attitude that have made these outstanding results possible. We are excited to see where this year takes Isobel and Bella!”

Taunton School pentathlon students, including Isobel and Bella, have already had an exceptional year:

  • Bella and Kemi competed in South Africa at the World Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run Championships in December.
  • Bella also competed in Turkey in November at the European Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run Championships.
  • Isobel travelled to Poland in October to compete at the U17 & U19 Olympic Hopes event.
  • One third of Taunton School’s Accelerate Pentathlon Academy members have qualified for the National Schools Biathlon (21st–22nd March).

Taunton School is proud to be a designated Pentathlon GB Training & Development Hub, one of only a handful in the UK. As part of this, the School runs weekly training sessions and year-round events across the various aspects of pentathlon which are open to all aged between 9 and 18 in the local area.

Find out more about Taunton School’s Pentathlon provision and upcoming Easter training camps > https://www.tauntonschool.co.uk/pentathlon-hub/

Categories: School News Taunton School