SPORT
and staying active at potentially stressful times is an approach that also chimes with Nick Prowse, director of sport, health and fitness at Bishop’s Stortford College. While exam preparation is undeniably important, sport can add to, rather than detract from, the process. Instead of revising for eight hours a day with nothing else going on, heading out for a walk or run or playing sport with friends can improve concentration and studying ability. “We would very much recommend that one doesn’t impact the other – you should be able to do both at the same time,” he says. Something for everyone To make physical activity an option for everyone, schools are increasingly
contracts when they leave, the focus is on individual development, not just results. “I’d say to anyone who wants to come here at sixth form that we want you to be a better sportsperson when you leave than when you came,” says Simon Leader, director of sports scholarships. Loyalty and commitment matter, too. When pupils have high-stakes exams, Stephen Perse Cambridge is one of many schools to encourage them to continue to participate – and for excellent reasons. “We highly encourage pupils to carry on with team sports. If they have made that commitment to a team, the expectation is they honour it to the end of the season,” says Charlotte Wells, director of sport. Encouraging children to aim for a healthy balance between academic study
BUILDING VALUES Team sports at Stephen Perse Cambridge (top) and Bishop’s Stortford College (bottom) demand and develop loyalty, commitment and discipline in pupils
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK APRIL 2026 59
Powered by FlippingBook