Pilton Bluecoat C of E Academy has been incredibly fortunate to work alongside Lizzy, a surgeon at North Devon District Hospital, and her brilliant team in naming a groundbreaking addition to the hospital — a brand new £2 million surgical robot. This incredible piece of technology will support surgeons during operations, enriching and saving lives across our local community and beyond.

As part of this inspiring partnership, Lizzy visited our school to share her personal journey into medicine, explaining her vital role as a surgeon and the importance of healthcare within society. Her story captivated our pupils, opening their eyes to the possibilities of a future in medicine and igniting new ambitions. Lizzy’s visit offered a real-world insight into the dedication, hard work, and passion required for such an important career.

In true Pilton Bluecoat spirit, we embraced the opportunity to democratically work together as a school to find the perfect name for the robot. Classes across the school brainstormed thoughtful and creative suggestions. These ideas were then taken to our Computing Lead, Mr. Hick, who met with our Digital Champions — a team of pupils leading innovation and technology within the school. They carefully shortlisted the most fitting names, showing real collaboration and critical thinking.

The excitement didn’t stop there! Our Digital Champions were then invited to North Devon Hospital, where they were given an unforgettable, hands-on experience. The incredible team at the hospital took them on a full journey through the workings of a surgical theatre. They met members of the anaesthetist team, explored how patients are prepared for surgery, and even learned how doctors monitor vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and carbon dioxide levels — fully immersing them in the world of medicine by trying out the machines and apparatus.

One of the biggest highlights was seeing the surgical robot up close. The team demonstrated how the robot is prepared and used in theatre. The children even had the chance to control the robot themselves (not real patients!) and practiced tying surgical knots, an important skill for any budding surgeon. It was truly a day to remember, blending technology, science, and real-world experiences.

From my perspective as Head of School, these opportunities are the embodiment of our vision: Building Brighter Futures. At Pilton Bluecoat, we are deeply committed not only to providing a high-quality academic education but also to giving our children experiences that develop their cultural capital — helping them understand, navigate, and contribute to a wide and ever-changing world.

After all their hard work and first-hand experiences, the Digital Champions democratically voted for the final name of the robot. We are incredibly proud to share that the new surgical robot at North Devon Hospital will be called HERO — standing for Helping Every Robotic Operator.

This partnership has been a truly special experience, and we are so grateful to Lizzy and the North Devon Hospital team for inspiring our children and helping us make a difference in our wider community.