Academy Day a Huge Success

Saturday 29 January was a particularly busy day at the School when the Headmaster, Academy Directors and their teams welcomed 100 families from all over the country to the Schools third annual Academy Day.

Numerous pupils and staff representatives from the Schools Cricket, Rugby, Shooting and Tennis Academies were present. Members of the Titans, Ellesmere Colleges elite swimming  development programme, were also participating in training sessions under the watchful eye of their regular visiting coach, Darren Mew.     

The event began in the Schools large assembly hall, Big School, with Brendan Wignall, Headmaster, welcoming everyone and giving a presentation about the history of the School that included an overview of what has been achieved by Ellesmere College during the last few years to facilitate the development of young sporting talent, combining this with educational studies and all achieved during the academic year.

Families were then directed to different parts of the School, including the Arts Centre and Sports Hall, where they were able to meet the Academy Directors and hear about the Schools visions for their particular sport, as well as visiting the sports facilities and hearning about all that is on offer beyond sport at Ellesmere College.

Visiting families were then able to enjoy lunch in the Schools Dining Hall before a group of   current sports scholars gave guided tours. At the end of the event, there was the opportunity for one-on-one discussions with the Headmaster and Academy Directors.   

The School had also invited England Under 19 and Derbyshire County cricketer, Dan Redfern and Olympic swimmer, Darren Mew to meet the visiting young sports people and both sportsmen emphasised the importance of dedication and focus with training schedules.

Ian Williams, Director of Sport commented, We were delighted with the response we received for this years Academy Day which more than exceeded expectations. We now look forward to exploring ways the School can help secure places, through scholarships and bursaries, for our sports-talented young visitors.

Photo : England Under 19 and Derbyshire County cricketer, Dan Redfern centre back row with Ellesmere College pupils and young Academy Day visitors.

1st February 2011  Back to News