Sport at Wells Cathedral School

Sport

Welcome “When you come to Wells, the first thing that strikes you is our amazing grounds - we’re so lucky to have one of the most stunning cricket pitches in the country.

But even more important than that is the quality of the staff.

I’m so proud to have an amazing team here who are incredibly talented and deeply dedicated to supporting our pupils.

“Our philosophy is to enable and empower our pupils - whatever their ability level - to understand their own bodies and what they need to do progress and improve. Happily, we have some great success stories of Wells pupils representing their county and even their country.

“I’m passionate about what we do, and I’d love to show you around our beautiful part of the world. Please get in touch - I look forward to hearing from you.”

Tom Webley, Director of Sport 2

https://wells.cathedral.school/sport

Our Sport Facilities Our outstanding facilities include: Cedars Field, widely recognised as being one of the finest cricket pitches in the county, is home of the prestigious Bunbury South West U15 cricket squad a state-of-the-art new astro used for hockey in the winter and tennis in the summer a large sports hall that boasts a fitness suite and climbing wall an open-air swimming pool with a retractable roof that is enjoyed year-round hard courts for tennis and netball

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a dance studio numerous pitches: six rugby, four grass cricket squares, two football and an athletics track. Our pitches also host representative sport, including Somerset CCC and Bath Rugby a new Sports Pavilion, providing lovely views of Cedars Field for spectators a brand-new MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) with four cricket lanes and an open area for multiple sports activities.

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Our Staff and Coaches Our Director of Sport, Tom Webley, is a former professional cricketer for Somerset CCC and has an ECB Level 4 Coaching Award. He is supported by a team of passionate, qualified coaches and teachers; the heads for each sport include: James Mayes (Hockey) Daniel Meehan (Rugby) Charlotte Tibbs (Football) Tammie Williams (Netball) Tennessee Harlow (Cricket) Gemma Pritchard (Girls’ Tennis) Tomas Simko (Basketball & Boys’ Tennis) Jane Lipton (Badminton).

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In addition, we also have regular visits from professional sport consultants, who inspire our pupils through masterclasses and lectures.

Our recent visitors have included: England & Bath Rugby Hooker, Tom Dunn Former England and Bath Netball player, Eboni Usoro-Brown

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https://wells.cathedral.school/sport

GB and England hockey player Tom Carson.

Pupil Perspectives

Tilly

Finley

I represent the School in a variety of sports though hockey is my

As a Sports Scholar, I can practice cricket throughout the year with

main focus. Through the Wells Sport Scholar Programme, I have a mentor, which really helps me balance my academics and sport. I also have 1-to-1 coaching sessions, which focus on particular areas of my game. During my time at Wells, I have progressed through the England Hockey Pathway and now represent the Welsh under 18 national team. My progress would not have been possible without the brilliant support of the Sports Scholar Programme.

1-to-1 lessons to help prepare for the cricket season, which is important for me to keep progressing. I feel lucky to play on such excellent pitches, and the MUGA has been a very good resource. The staff are nice and push me on to be a better player throughout each season of sport.

Their support and guidance have also helped with my wider development as this year’s Captain for U14 Gloucestershire County Cricket.

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Sport options Girls’ Cricket - The teams play on a competitive circuit with access to all year round training to develop their skills.

Boys’ Football - Our team takes part in the incredibly competitive circuit in the independent school’s league over two terms. Our 1st XI are extremely strong with some exceptional players.

Cross Country - Our runners benefit from training in our beautiful surroundings in and around Wells. Two of our finest runners gained County selection in 2019, who will represent the school at the Regionals.

Other options -Pupils can also choose from athletics, swimming, boys’ tennis, running club, fencing, table tennis, air rifle club, judo and circuit training to name a few.

Every term, day and boarding pupils are encouraged to take part in competitions for house trophies, and everyone has a healthy competitive spirit for the house championships.

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https://wells.cathedral.school/sport

Pupil perspectives

Lily

Ala sdair

What I like most about sport at Wells is that the coaches are always stretching you, which rapidly developed both my ability and my confidence. They are really supportive but also encourage independence and help us to develop key leadership skills, which help both on and off the pitch. Every Wells team I have represented has been inclusive yet competitive, making every match enjoyable. This feeling of a sports community allows you to learn from your peers as well as coaches.

We have access to countless courses, adventure camps and qualifications to help further ourselves above and beyond the classroom. I have completed my DofE awards up to gold level, been abroad to Nepal and took part in Cadet Centre for Adventurous Training courses.

Through these activities, I have made friends, learned new skills, grown in confidence, broadened my interests and improved my overall character. Ultimately, my experiences always got me back wanting to do more!

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Options We offer a number of sport options across the year, including:

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Air Rifle Club Athletics Badminton Basketball Circuit Training Cricket Fencing Football Hockey Judo Netball Rounders Rugby Running Club Strength and Conditioning Swimming Table Tennis Tennis Volleyball

https://wells.cathedral.school/sport

Opportunities Our competitive 1st teams play on a strong circuit across the region in all major sports. We provide pre-season training and support our pupils who represent the County or above in their chosen sports, some of whom have gone on to represent their country and help win County and Regional Championships. We extend our offering through our links to local clubs - such as Bath Rugby Club, Bath Netball, Somerset County Cricket Club and Bath Buccaneers Hockey Club. Some of our athletes have extended their development with scholarships to Princeton University, Loughborough University and travelling overseas to further expand their horizons.

Pupils of all abilities have opportunities to take part in sport at an appropriate level to enable them to develop their skills and be part of a team. Every term, pupils are encouraged to take part in competitions for House trophies, and everyone has a healthy competitive spirit for the House Championship.

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Leadership Opportunities

We offer an outstanding Sports Leadership Programme. In Lower Sixth, our sports leaders undertake a practical-based course to learn how to deliver sport safely as well as earn their Young First Aider qualification.

The programme culminates in a sports leader-led tournament.

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We also offer a Young Sports Leadership Programme for athletes in Years 7 and 8 who have additional skills sessions and learn the following topics at greater depth: nutrition, injury prevention, sports psychology, strength and conditioning, goal setting and pathway to elite sport.

https://wells.cathedral.school/sport

Scholarships We award scholarships for current ability and potential. In addition to a financial award, scholars flourish with extra sport sessions, mentoring, regular personal fitness meetings and specialist support. Our sport enrichment programme aims to support each pupil to balance academic lessons with extra training and competitions so that all of our sports scholars will be able to achieve the best of his or her ability.

We review our scholarship programme regularly. For the latest details about levels of financial awards available and application criteria, please visit our website: https://wells.cathedral.school/sport-scholarships

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Find Out More If you would like to find out more about Wells Cathedral School, please contact our admissions team on 01749 834441 / admissions@wells.cathedral.school or visit our website https://wells.cathedral.school