We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Cara McCartney as Assistant Director of Sport. Cara will join us in September 2026, with a primary focus on leading the growth and development of our girls’ sports programme ahead of the arrival of younger girls in September 2027, and building on our successful Sixth Form girls’ programme.
Cara is currently Assistant Director of Sport at Caterham School and brings extensive pastoral, teaching, and coaching experience from both single-sex girls’ and co-educational schools. She is particularly renowned for her expertise in netball and is widely regarded as one of the leading coaches in the country, having developed outstanding programmes across both the state and independent sectors. Cara is also Head Coach at the local Roundwood Netball Club.
Cara said, “It is a privilege to join Trinity at such an exciting new chapter as it moves to full co-education. I am passionate about creating opportunities for girls to thrive in PE and sport, whether competitively or recreationally. I look forward to building an environment that encourages confidence, participation and high performance and most importantly a life-long love of physical activity in every student.”
Having grown up locally and attended school nearby, Cara understands the community Trinity serves and is excited to help shape the future of sport at the school.
Her appointment will further strengthen Trinity’s existing expertise in netball, hockey, cricket, football, rugby, swimming and water polo, all of which are currently enjoyed by our Sixth Form girls and will be available to girls in Years 6 and 7 from 2027.
Mr Sean King, Director of Sport, said, “Our ambition is for our girls’ sporting programme to be quickly established as the leading programme in South London, fostering a culture of both participation and excellence that is equivalent and complementary to our existing boys’ programme.
“This is a hugely exciting time for sport at Trinity. Cara’s experience, energy and vision for girls’ sport will play a key role in helping us build an environment where every student can develop confidence, ambition and a genuine love of being active.
“Significant investment in our facilities for both girls’ and boys’ sport, building on the outstanding provision we already offer, will play an important role in helping us achieve this vision.”
Since announcing its move to full co-education in April 2025, Trinity has already begun improvements in its sports facilities, set across 27 acres in Shirley, as part of a £40 million investment.
Last year, the hockey astro was renovated to an elite standard and was in use this season, and a new multi-sports studio opened which is currently being used for yoga, spin and dance. In September, four new netball courts will open – also set up for Super Shot tournaments – and as part of new buildings due for completion in 2028, the sports centre will be expanded, creating a new strength and conditioning facility as well as two dance and sports studios.
Together, these developments will provide first-class opportunities for both boys and girls to thrive in sport at Trinity.
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For more information on Trinity’s transition to full co-education and FAQS, please visit our dedicated page: Trinity Co-education
If you are interested in making an enquiry about your child joining us in 2027, please register interest via Admissions.
Applications for girls’ and boys’ entry to Year 6 and 7 (and Year 12) at Trinity School, Shirley, open on Monday 15 June.
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