Cheam High School Tennis Scholarship
Click on picture thumbnail to view the larger image. |
Cheam High School is a mixed 11-19 Comprehensive School with 1,750 pupils on roll. It became Grant Maintained in 1992 and in September 1993 formed a partnership with The Sutton Tennis Academy to create the Cheam High School Tennis Scholarship Scheme. As a Grant Maintained School Cheam High was keen to develop links with the local community and to provide opportunities for excellence within the curriculum.
A need had been identified by Keith Sohl, the Director of Junior Tennis Centres Ltd (owners of the academy) and tennis consultant, to provide a structured programme for tennis players who had achieved a high level of performance by the age of 16 and who might otherwise have given up education. After several months of planning with David Johns, one of the school's Deputy Headteachers, the Scheme began with 11 students from as far afield as Wales, Cornwall, Lancashire and Dorset. In more recent years students have joined the scheme from many parts of the world and there are now over 50 players taking part on the scholarship and pre-scholarship programmes. |
Scholarship Players
There are currently 43 players on the Scholarship Scheme ranging from 11 to 19 years of age studying an integrated curriculum which combines tennis coaching with A levels, BTEC vocational courses, GCSEs and the Key Stage 3 curriculum. Scholarship players have levels of ability that indicate a potential for a career in the full-time professional game.
Pre-Scholarship Players
An extension to the scheme for young players joining the school at age 11 was introduced in September 2001. Pre-scholarship players have levels of ability that indicate potential for sporting excellence and a career in their chosen sport.
The Sutton Tennis Academy
The Sutton Tennis Academy is located at Sutton Junior Tennis Centre, about 2 miles from Cheam High School.
Sutton Junior Tennis Centre has 11 indoor courts, 10 outdoor acrylic courts (5 floodlit) and 6 clay courts. In addition there is a fully equipped fitness suite with C.V., resistance and weights area with associated amenities, dance studios, physiotherapy treatment and conference facilities. Further information about the centre's activities can be found by following the link below.
www.suttontennisacademy.com
Scheme Objectives
 |
The Tennis Scholarship Scheme is intended to provide performance-level junior tennis players with the opportunity to combine a serious tennis programme with their educational studies within the school timetable. It is recognised that achieving excellence in sport becomes increasingly difficult as junior players work towards GCSEs and post 16 qualifications. |
Often a difficult choice has to be made between leaving school to train full time or to reduce tennis training in order to study. The objective of the scheme is to allow a talented tennis player to complete his or her education, whilst maintaining a serious programme of tennis training.
Organisation of the Scheme
Scholarship players in the 6th Form attend one of four two-hour sessions which are scheduled each day. This is combined with an academic programme to suit individual needs and includes A levels and BTEC vocational courses. The Tennis Scholarship Mentor provides regular support to all students and helps them adapt to the challenges of their individual daily schedules.
Below 6th Form age pupils may follow a reduced number of GCSE courses and attend private study lessons in order to catch up on missed work.
The school provides a minibus shuttle service 12 times daily to transport pupils on the 2 mile journey between the school and the Tennis Academy.
Awards
In March 1996 the school was presented with the Grant Maintained School's Award for Excellence in Sport by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. John Major, at Downing Street.
In 1998 the school was presented with the LTA School of the Year Award by Tim Henman at The All England Tennis Club, Wimbledon.
Student Progression
Progression routes combining tennis scholarships in Higher Education are increasingly available. Many students continue with their tennis training whilst studying at University. Others play professionally, train as coaches, follow courses in Sports Science, Leisure or Sports Management, study on scholarships abroad or pursue a career in coaching. The Sutton Tennis Academy has provided career opportunities for many of our scholarship players.
Click for progress and applications |
