Court Fields School achieved its best ever results in the 2024 Exmoor Challenge.

The arduous event, held annually by the Rotary Club of Exmoor, covers close to 17 miles through fluctuating Exmoor terrain.

Participants must successfully steer through numerous checkpoints within precise time limits using maps and compasses, and complete a questionnaire.

In this year's race, the school entered four teams for the first time, consisting of three junior and one senior team.

Somerset County Gazette: The senior team of Milly H, Olivia D, Mia F & Summer BThe senior team of Milly H, Olivia D, Mia F & Summer B (Image: Court Field School)

The training regimen for the challenge began in October 2023.

The first training walk saw the pupils take on 12 miles in wind and rain over Blackdown Hills.

A similar distance was covered in the second practice walk on Quantock Hills, albeit with more favourable weather conditions.

Somerset County Gazette: The junior team of Olivia F, Rochan G-P, Luc U-C & Lewis VThe junior team of Olivia F, Rochan G-P, Luc U-C & Lewis V (Image: Court Field School)

The final practice session took place on Exmoor, with a challenging distance of more than 13 miles walked, the teams' spirits buoyed by improved weather and bacon rolls.

The commitment of the students evident at each stage of the training culminated in an impressive performance at the actual event on May 4.

Somerset County Gazette: The junior team of Aurora W, Mollie W, Phoenix W & Oscar GThe junior team of Aurora W, Mollie W, Phoenix W & Oscar G (Image: Court Field School)

The senior team clinched the first position as an all-girl team, while the three junior teams secured third, 18th and 41st places respectively.

Additionally, they managed to collect more than £200 in donations for the Rotary Club of Exmoor as part of the charity initiative.

Somerset County Gazette: The junior team of : Elsa B-W, Emelia A, Claudia K, Summer GThe junior team of : Elsa B-W, Emelia A, Claudia K, Summer G (Image: Court Field School)

The school commended the students for their outstanding team spirit, unfailing determination and respectful manner throughout the experience.

The promising results achieved this year have spurred anticipation for next year's challenge.