Sports Scholars Programme

The Pocklington School Sports Scholars programme aims to nurture and support the sports men and women of the future.

Led by our Director of Sport, David Byas, our Sports Scholars will receive:

• a bespoke Strength and Conditioning Support programme
• performance feedback from matches and training via GPS units and monitoring
• a yearly kit voucher to support specialist kit or home strength and conditioning equipment
• access to Leadership Academy seminars, including presentations by external speakers including Pocklington School alumni involved in professional sport
• video analysis of their performance
• an annual review in the pupil's school report to reflect on progress and plan for the future
• priority access to the School's triage system if they suffer an injury through the season - this will comprise a 15-minute assessment and guidance on any rehabilitation required
• a specialist sports mentor to offer advice, give guidance, review performance and set goals
• access to the 'Believe Perform' platform, the world's leading source of performance psychology, wellbeing and mental health content for the sport community
• a Sports Scholar's tie and certificate

 

We work closely with local, regional and national sports bodies to ensure that our sports scholars receive consistent and complementary support to help them achieve their full potential. Our sports staff have worked with these organisations for many years developing excellent links with them to support our most talented sporting students.

Our expectations
Scholars are expected to attend all training sessions for their sport as well as their strength and conditioning sessions, mentor meetings and any other support they are provided. They are expected to represent the school as much as is possible, although we will support them in gaining representative honour or playing high level sport around their school commitments.

Scholars are expected to achieve good academic standards and act as a role model.

 

How to apply:

The Sports Scholars Programme does not offer any financial award.

Applications for the programme can be made in preparation for entry into Year 12.  It is likely that Sports Scholars will already represent their school in at least one of the following sports:

Rugby, hockey, netball, tennis, cricket and athletics

Sports Scholars also should have external recognition of their talent  such as playing for the county, involvement in a talent development pathway or identified as a ‘stand out’ player by the Head of Sport at their school.

Potential scholars will be asked to complete an application form which can be supported by references, letters of recommendation or video evidence of their performance level. If they are shortlisted, they will be invited to attend an assessment/taster day.  This will comprise:

• assessment by the Head of the sport(s) they are applying for and the Director of Sport for the current performance level
• completion of a series of physical tests with the Head of Sporting Development and a biological maturation assessment to ensure a clear picture of an individual’s athletic potential 
• two interviews – one with the Headmaster and one with the Director of Sport and the Head(s) of the sports they are applying for.

After careful consideration, applicants will then be informed of the outcome of their application.

The deadline for applications for Year 12 Sept 2024 is Monday 22nd January 2024.

Fee assistance in the form of a bursary can be applied for and is entirely separate from the Sports Scholars award. This could cover up to 100% of tuition fees.  Fee assistance is confidential and is strictly means tested. For further details click here.

Please click the link below for an overview of the school's excellent sporting facilities.

Sports Facilities

Our Sports Scholars Programme is a fantastic opportunity for young people and enhances the already excellent provision Pocklington offers through the Athletic Development Programme for pupils up to Year 11.  Becoming a Pocklington Sports Scholar will offer opportunities and challenges, but also the responsibility to always set and maintain the highest standards. We welcome applications from young people who will draw great benefit from and contribute significantly to the life of the School.

David Byas, Director of Sport & former Yorkshire County Cricket Captain