Global recognition for Ellesmere College praised for sport and academic balance

A prestigious Shropshire school - the only one in the UK - has been praised for the way it helps pupils balance sport and academic achievements.

Ellesmere College has been reaccredited as an Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC) by the World Academy of Sport (WAoS) in recognition of the way it helps student-athletes.

The school, which has produced a number of Olympians and high profile international and national sports stars, is one of only 26 schools globally to be awarded the accreditation.

Ellesmere College was first accredited in 2015 and to reassess the school this year Suzanne Grayson OLY, Olympian AFEC Assessor, came to the College to speak with students and staff.

She said: “It was a privilege to work in collaboration with staff and students at Ellesmere College during their AFEC reaccreditation. The college has a strong alignment with sport, academics, extra-curricular activities, and managing sporting ambitions, making it the perfect environment for student-athletes. I look forward to further successful achievements.”

Vicky Pritt-Roberts, Deputy Head Academic at the College, said: “This reaccreditation is excellent news for the college in its ongoing commitment to ensure athletes have the best possible help and support in progressing their sporting careers while advancing their educational needs.

“We are very proud to be an ‘athlete friendly’ school and of our sporting record which continues to be among the very best - something which has once again been recognised through this reaccreditation from such an esteemed body.

“The principles and vision of the WAoS dovetails well with the school’s holistic approach to educating and nurturing all our students. We ensure that the support structures and flexible approach to learning are in place to make it easier to achieve their academic success without affecting often intense training and demanding competing schedules.”

The WAoS is committed to helping athletes on their journey by working with those individuals in their education provision to understand the unique needs which must be balanced in such circumstances.

To find out more about sporting opportunities and academic success at Ellesmere College visit www.ellesmere.com.

To find out more about WAoS visit www.worldacademysport.com.