This article was first published in In Trinity magazine.
At Trinity School, South London, our sport for all ethos underpins everything we do. Every student is encouraged to take part, enjoy and grow through sport. For those with exceptional potential, our Sports Scholar Programme offers tailored support to help them perform at the highest level while maintaining a healthy balance between wellbeing, academics and school life.
What makes our programme distinctive is the individual mentoring at its core. Each scholar is paired with a mentor from our Sport Staff, often one of our Heads of Sport, who are educators with experience of competing at elite level. This allows them to offer sport-specific advice alongside practical support for managing school commitments and high-level training.
“It is not just about performance, it is pastoral,” says Grant Beresford-Miller, Head of High Performance. “The mentor is someone in their corner, someone they can turn to for anything – whether it is managing their timetable, navigating injuries or coping with pressure. They have been through it all, they understand what our students are facing and they care. We meet formally every half term, but the real value is in the everyday conversations.”
Our Heads of Sport bring deep insight, empathy and valuable connections to their mentoring roles:
Paul Roberts (Rugby), Nick Giles (Hockey), Brad Wilson (Football) and Steve Richards (Cricket) have all competed at the highest levels.
Their links to Harlequins, England Hockey, Crystal Palace FC/West Ham FC and Surrey/Kent County Cricket open doors for our students.
They arrange on-site physiotherapy and training to reduce travel time and protect academic focus.
When injuries occur, they ensure students remain engaged through coaching, leading and mentoring opportunities so they continue to develop off the pitch.
Scholars also have access to strength and conditioning coaching, sports psychology and nutrition sessions, all delivered in school to fit around their schedules.
Many of our sports scholars are involved in professional academies or clubs outside of school, so their time and energy are often stretched. Behind the scenes, sports mentors liaise with teachers, adjust timetables and support students juggling multiple commitments to ensure their academic progress remains on track.
“We do not believe that missing school regularly for sport is sustainable,” explains Grant. “But if there is a key match or tour, we will absolutely support students to take that opportunity and make sure they are supported to catch up.”
At Trinity, we do not label students as football or cricket scholars. All are encouraged to stay active across multiple sports for as long as possible. This approach builds all-round athleticism and allows students to form strong friendships through team play. Most only begin to specialise more formally in later years, guided by their goals and academic commitments.
“We have had many students who played multiple sports throughout their time at Trinity and still went on to excel in one,” says Grant. “Gabriel Ibitoye, now a professional rugby player, had never played rugby before joining us and kept up football and cricket until Sixth Form. Ollie Scarles, who now plays for West Ham, stayed involved in cricket and rugby alongside football right through school. It proves that you do not have to specialise early to succeed at the highest level.”
Older sports scholars are encouraged to mentor younger students, helping to build a culture of shared experience and support. From captaining teams to leading primary school events, our students are expected to give back and often become the role models they once looked up to.
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The full issue of the magazine – which focusing on living our value of ‘Care’ throughout the school – can be viewed here.
Alyssa joined Trinity in the Lower Sixth as a Sports Scholar, representing Great Britain with her club, Blackheath and Bromley, in the 400m. As her main competitive sport takes place outside school, she has used her time at Trinity to maintain fitness and build friendships.
“In Games, I have tried yoga, rock climbing, volleyball and have played on the hockey team. Most recently I started rugby and was in the first Trinity girls’ team to make the second day at Rosslyn Park,” she says.
Mr Richmond created a tailored strength and conditioning programme for Alyssa in school and has supported her in managing her workload. “We talk through how I am going to be able to balance deadlines with the training that is set outside of school.”
Jacob joined Trinity with a passion for football and a place at the Crystal Palace FC Academy, but his time at school has also introduced him to new sporting interests.
“I only started playing cricket in Year 9 and scored a century in my first season. I really enjoy it now, even watching matches on TV,” he says.
Balancing academy training with GCSEs has not always been easy, but the mentoring programme has been key. “Mr Wilson, my mentor, helped me adjust my timetable so I can focus on my studies without missing training. It has taken a lot of pressure off.”
Jacob also values the leadership opportunities that come with being a scholar. “You build confidence, not just in your sport, but in helping others too. I have led tournaments for local primary schools. It is great seeing how excited the younger kids get and knowing they are looking up to you.”
Jacob has now joined Crystal Palace full-time on a sports scholarship at the Academy.
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