Winning Streak

Responsibility, resilience and leadership skills, plus being challenged to achieve at the highest level at all times are reflected in the Performance Sports Programme at Queen Ethelburga’s. Serena Templeton pays a visit

Awarded the Independent School Association(ISA) Award for Outstanding Sport (Large School), Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate is a top-performing independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 3 months to 19 years. The Team QE Performance Sports Programme offers specialist training and development for those students with the potential and determination to push themselves to compete in their chosen sport, as part of a wide and varied curriculum.

Using the dedicated Sports Village on campus, the professional team of coaches will create Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for each Pathway student, with age-based strength and conditioning programmes, use of video analysis tools appropriate to professional sport and ongoing nutritional guidance, to support each student access their full athletic potential.

Sport options in the programme include: athletics; basketball; cricket; football; rugby; netball; hockey; and swimming. Students programmes follows a unique scheme of work including the latest tactical, technical, physical and mental training. They are designed with a focus on individual talent development and present opportunities for students to develop their skills right through to UK and international competitions.

Importantly, all Performance Sports students are enrolled within The Faculty, one of QE’s two senior schools, where the flexibility of the curriculum allows them to combine their sporting programme with a range of options in GCSE, A Level and BTEC courses in both Key Stages 4 and 5. This enables them to maintain a well-rounded education whilst pursuing their passion. They also have access to a strong network of pastoral and academic support including Tutors, Heads of Year, and Academic Learning Mentors. Students performing at a high level take part in training sessions, fixtures and competitions which are most appropriate to their level. Whilst students are expected to represent the Collegiate in their chosen sport wherever possible, this will never be prioritised over higher level training or competitive options which will be of greater benefit to the student.