SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS
sport scholarships
DISCIPLINE | HUMILITY | STEWARDSHIP
The foundational values of Downside Sport are derived from our Benedictine traditions and underpin an integral framework of sports coaching at our School that aims to develop young people as strong, resilient leaders of character that will excel in sport, School and life. Central to this philosophy will be pupils who hold a Sport Scholarship.
Our emphasis on talent development recognises the power of teamwork and the importance of moral and performance character. The strong foundation of sporting experiences often leads to a development of ability and culminates, for those who represent the school competitively or excel in one or more sports, to an attitude focusing on the fulfilment of talent.
We welcome Sport Scholarship applications from individuals who aspire to improve not only themselves, but also the quality of our sports programmes more generally. Applicants would ordinarily offer excellence (or demonstrate the potential to do so) in one or more of the following sports: rugby union, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis, badminton, athletics/cross country or golf.
Richard Jones Director of Sport
sport at downside
Sport has played a significant role in developing the Downside spirit since the present School was founded in Somerset in 1814. Our aim is to utilise this history and strength as a platform to maximise the potential of every pupil whilst instilling a willingness to see and achieve something better. Our team of excellent sports coaches subsequently work tirelessly to provide support for pupils across the School to perform at the highest level.
Inclusion and enjoyment are fundamental to our sporting culture. All pupils participate in sport throughout their time at Downside and everyone is encouraged to represent the School competitively in an extensive programme of inter-school and inter-house fixtures. Sport Scholars are expected to play a leading role in all areas of School life and act as role models.
Downside’s record of sporting achievement is extensive, and our Athlete Development Programme aims to support these ambitions. With excellent facilities, an extensive programme of coaching and physical activity and highly qualified and experienced coaching staff, Downside can provide a first-class environment to develop Sport Scholars.
facilities
ON SITE:
• The Ortuzar Sports Centre: Sports hall, four-lane indoor swimming pool, two glass backed squash courts, indoor cricket nets, fitness suite, functional lifting/athletic development gym
• Full size all-weather hockey Astroturf
• Thirteen outdoor tennis courts
• Five outdoor netball courts
• Five rugby pitches
• Three cricket squares
• Three football pitches
• Outdoor cricket nets
• The Sheldon Pavilion: Iconic 1930’s cricket pavilion, with extensive views over the Mendip hills and beyond
OFF-SITE PARTNER FACILITIES:
• Farrington Park Golf Club (10 minutes from School): First class playing courses, practice areas & TopTracer equipped floodlit driving range which enable our pupils to train throughout the year.
• Writhlington Indoor Tennis Centre (10 minutes from School): Four court training centre which our tennis playing pupils utilise throughout the year.
athlete development programme (adp)
All Sports Scholars are enrolled into our ADP provision which offers age-appropriate support, challenge & inspiration. The programme ensures the enhancement of athletic potential through a programme designed specifically for the individual to support and monitor preparation, progression and performance during their time at Downside. ADP Sport Scholars are supported by our excellent team of sports coaching specialists. Sport Scholars will be encouraged to recognise the value of hard work and effort, without ever losing sight of the attitudes and behaviours that underpinned their early developmental progress. This in turn will guide our Sport Scholars to fulfil their talents during their time at Downside.
The framework for this delivery is as follows:
• Sport Scholars will be mentored by a Development Lead Coach. Sport Scholars will meet their allocated mentor frequently throughout the year, often during Games sessions, fixtures, 1-to-1 coaching sessions or scheduled meetings.
• Sport Scholars are expected to represent Downside in competitive sports teams.
• Sport Scholars are expected to apply themselves fully in all academic areas.
• Sport Scholars will have the opportunity to reflect and review their progress, discuss concerns, and set future developmental goals.
To make the most of their opportunities as a Sport Scholar at Downside, it is important that pupils understand and appreciate what their role is in the reflection process.
• Sport Scholars will participate in an annual goal setting process, focusing on technical, tactical, physical, mental or values indicators which might either be super strengths or handbrakes to future success.
• Sport Scholars will record their progress and achievements in an Individual Performance Portfolio.
• Sport Scholars will receive additional skill development sessions.
• Sport Scholars will receive support with strength and conditioning.
• Sport Scholars will receive individualised performance analysis feedback.
• Sport Scholars will have access to specialist workshops, masterclasses, online presentations and inspirational visits to regional/ national performance venues.
• Sport Scholars will have access to support and guidance from an extensive network of sporting alumni – many of whom have made the same journey.
• Sport Scholars will be nominated and expected to trial for performance pathways in sports of individual strength. If successful, Sports Scholars will be expected to attend all future pathway training dates. Where possible the School will provide transportation and accompany Sports Scholars to training, festivals and tournaments (term-time only & costs may apply).
• ADP and other co-curricular sessions will be available in each pupils’ SOCS calendar and all Sport Scholars will be expected to attend. In the event of unavailability, a valid reason for absence must be communicated to the session lead in advance.
• Participation, engagement & performance will be monitored and reported on – both for positive engagement and success, or whenever there are areas which may require improvement. Parents will receive a termly feedback report from their child’s mentor and are encouraged to maintain effective two-way communication with this member of staff throughout their child’s time at Downside.
• Conduct, progress & performance is discussed with pastoral & academic staff. The appropriateness of award is reviewed annually by the Director of Sport should the recipient fail to meet standards as outlined above.
Sport scholars will be challenged to always maintain a growth mindset.
quotes from alumni sport scholars
Kofi Barton-Byfield (Deputy Head of Barlow House & Sport Scholar 2016-21)
Exeter Chiefs, England Students, Exeter University RFC - BUCS Champions 2022, 2023
“Being a Sports Scholar at Downside is what allowed me to be able to pursue a career in rugby. The ADP programme helped me develop as an athlete and rugby player, whether this was through strength and conditioning sessions or technical skill sessions with the coaches. The ADP helped me compete with other students and get into the Bath Academy Rugby programme and go on to be offered a professional contract. I know I would not have been able to get where I am now had I not had access to the facilities and coaching expertise Downside had to offer me – and for that I will always be grateful!”
Max Surry (Roberts House 2020-22 & Sport Scholar)
Scotland U20 6Nations Rugby, Cardiff Metropolitan University
“As someone with professional rugby aspirations, my physical youth development is vital to being successful in this career. When moving to Downside I had quickly learnt that it was a place where I could develop as a rugby player at an accelerated rate as a result of their ADP programme. With regular gym sessions overseen by quality strength and conditioning coaches, and on-pitch training with experienced rugby specific coaches, this resulted in me leaving my time at Downside being far more physically developed. The ADP programme allowed me an opportunity into the Bath rugby U18 set-up and set me up very well for succeeding in the rugby environment at Cardiff Metropolitan University, where I am studying currently.”
Nicolas Viljoen (Barlow House & Sport Scholar 2018-22)
Somerset Cricket Board Emerging Playing Programme & Bath Rugby Academy
“ Downside School really allowed me to flourish as a sportsman, providing me with endless opportunities both inside and outside of School. Considering cricket and rugby are my main sports, the facilities and coaching team at Downside encouraged me to take my chances with the EPP at Somerset County Cricket Club and Bath U16’s Rugby Academy, both of which I was successful with. The guidance the staff provided me with was unmatched: they went to all sorts of lengths to get me to training outside of School, whilst also giving me beneficial coaching within School games times. The team spirit at Downside is incredible, whether we came home with a win or a loss, the boys were always smiling and excited for the next game.”
Madeleine Jones (Caverel House, Deputy Head of Junior Girls & Sport Scholar 2017-2022)
Avon JAC Hockey, University of Exeter
“I played 1st team Hockey, Netball and Tennis at Downside, where I gained leadership and confidence values from my Sports Scholar role, which in turn enhanced my performance levels and enjoyment of sport. I took advantage of 1:1 training sessions for hockey & tennis that the Sports Department provided. Commitment and effort to these 1:1 session was key in seeing results. The sessions encouraged me to take a similar approach to my academic study, where the same qualities were key to achieving A level results I am proud of. My weekly commitment to school hockey provided me with the opportunity to be accepted into the Avon County JAC Hockey Programme and the Bath Buccanneers club. The guidance provided to me by Downside meant I could make the most of these county and club level opportunities, as well as fulfil my role as Vice-Captain of Downside’s 1st XI hockey team. Encouraging young girls to try their very best in sport, and instilling confidence in them is incredibly important to me. In my final year, I gained the Prefect role of Deputy Head of Junior and 3rd Form girls. The skills I acquired as a Sports Scholar were beneficial in my prefect role, as similar qualities were expected of me. I am now at the University of Exeter, where I continue to play hockey and tennis. My Sports Scholar role at Downside gave me the confidence to trial for EULHC, where I now play weekly and I continue to be a passionate tennis player and train as part of the EUTC.”
Annabel Staley (Caverel House, Deputy Head of School & Sport Scholar 2014-16)
Team Bath Netball U21 & University of Bath
“Being a Sports Scholar at Downside School played a pivotal role in my development, both in netball and in academia. The additional support I received helped me to develop skills in key areas, such as time management, discipline and prioritisation. These skills were vital in ensuring that I kept on top of my studies, whilst also offering a platform to improve my netball. During my time in Sixth Form, I travelled to the University of Bath multiple times a week to train as part of the National Performance League and this was only possible because of the encouragement I received from the Sports Department. The high quality of coaches and training facilities at Downside School enabled me to further develop my skills in a friendly and familiar environment.”
Abdul Khalik Akenzua Al-Kareem (Head of Smythe House & Sport Scholar 2018-22)
Bath Rugby Senior Academy Scholar, Leeds Beckett University
“My time at Downside as a Sports Scholar was very crucial for my development in rugby. I joined in the Fourth Form and was introduced to the sports department’s Athletic Development Programme straight away. This programme requires all Sports Scholars to meet for gym sessions which work to aid individual sports performance. When I moved to the Sixth Form I had more free time outside of the classroom to do one-to-one sessions with coaches to help skill development. These systems in place helped me become a better rugby player as well balancing my academic endeavours inside the classroom.”
are you interested in applying for a sport scholarship?
We offer the following scholarships:
11+ Development Award
This Sport Scholarship recognises general athletic potential and interest in sport. Interviews will ordinarily take place in January preceding year of entry. Applicants are encouraged to be participating in a broad range of sports and would not necessarily yet have specialised in any specific sport. Emphasis is placed equally on ability, attitude and character. This 11+ award continues for the duration of First Form and Second Form (Year 7 & 8), after which the candidate will be eligible to receive support and assistance with preparing an application for a 13+ Sport Scholarship.
13+ Sport Scholarship
This Sport Scholarship recognises both the ability and potential of external candidates who may wish to apply for entry into the Third Form (Year 9) or supports the ongoing development of existing 11+ award holders. Interviews will ordinarily take place in January preceding year of entry. By this stage of development, candidates would be expected to demonstrate abilities, attitudes and character which substantially exceed that of their peers in one or more sports. This 13+ award extends for the duration of Third Form, Fourth Form and Fifth Form (Year 9, 10, 11), after which the candidate may be eligible to receive support and assistance with preparing an application for a 16+ Sport Scholarship.
16+ Sport Scholarship
This Sport Scholarship recognises both the sporting ability of external candidates who may wish to apply for entry into the Sixth Form (Year 12 & 13) or supports the ongoing development of existing 13+ award holders. Interviews will ordinarily take place in November preceding year of entry, however applications will be considered at any stage during Year 11. By this stage of their sporting development candidates might very well be specialising in one sport, but they would be expected to demonstrate significant ability which substantially exceeds that of their peers. Candidates will also be expected to demonstrate how they will use this opportunity to develop their leadership skills and add value to the wider sports programme. This 16+ award extends for the duration of Sixth Form.
bursaries
The award of a Sport Scholarship recognises the potential we see in each applicant and how we believe we can support the individual to improve further in sport. The award of a Sport Scholarship is a strong commitment and an indicator that we believe that the applicant is likely to make a success of the opportunity to join our community. This can be extremely helpful in supporting a bursary application. Those in need of financial support are therefore actively encouraged to apply for means-tested bursaries.
Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the school and we hold Open Days every September, October, March and May. Individual visits and tours of the School are also possible throughout the year, to include a meeting with the Director of Sport and relevant Development Lead Coach.
Please see our website for full details of upcoming Scholarship Assessment Days and the closing dates for applications: www.downside.co.uk/admissions/scholarships-and-bursaries/
expectations of a sport scholar at downside
1. Work hard in all aspects of Downside life. A dedicated, positive and hard-working scholar will make the most of the opportunities presented to them.
2. Maintain an organised routine – this will help you to maximise your potential across a variety of academic, pastoral and co-curricular opportunities.
3. Maintain high standards of conduct, dress and language, both on and off the sports field.
4. Set an example to both your peers and younger students. Be punctual. Encourage others. Be a leader. Enjoy training and playing sport.
5. Help younger pupils and peers to improve; pass on knowledge & experiences.
6. Sportsmanship – it is vital that you play hard, but also play in the spirit of sport and uphold the reputation of Downside.
7. Communicate effectively with your teachers, coaches and mentor.
8. If you are injured, manage this setback with positivity. Inform the Health Centre, your coaches and your mentor. Actively begin a rehabilitation programme as soon as possible.
9. You are a Sport Scholar. If you are seen as the best, act like it.
10. Your attitudes and behaviours should inspire every other pupil who has an interest in sport and therefore bring out the best in pupils throughout the school.
11. Ambition – be hungry to be the best at what you do.
12. Extras – are you the first to arrive and the last to leave? Actively work to improve/eliminate handbrakes and develop your super strengths.
For further information about Sport Scholarships and how the Athlete Development Programme might be able to support your son or daughter, please contact: Richard Jones - Director of Sport: rjones@downside.co.uk
For general information about the scholarship assessment process or applying for a bursary please contact the Admissions Office: admissions@downside.co.uk or 01761 235100
STRATTON - ON - THE - FOSSE, RADSTOCK, BATH
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admissions@downside.co.uk www.downside.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1761 235103
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