Student Athlete Programme
Student Athlete Programme
At Loughborough High School, the Student Athlete Programme supports our high-performing girls who already compete at regional or national level. It provides tailored, expert support across sports coaching, fitness, strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology, and lifestyle mentoring, designed to enhance both athletic and academic success.
This bespoke programme is developed in close collaboration with each pupil, her parents, and relevant sporting bodies to ensure a fully integrated approach to development. It is a valuable resource for ambitious young athletes navigating the demands of elite sport alongside their education.
The programme equips our student athletes with the skills, mindset and structure needed to succeed in competitive performance environments. Each pupil benefits from personalised mentoring and structured guidance that prepares her to thrive in high-performance sporting settings.
“The Student Athlete Programme has two clear aims: to create outstanding sporting individuals and to encourage participants to take ownership of their learning. We prepare each athlete to ‘kick on’ in elite sport beyond school.”
– Mr Emyr Lewis, Head of Performance Sport
Programme Pillars
The programme is built around four key pillars that underpin all development activities:
- Technical and Tactical Skill Development
- Mental Skills Development
- Physical Development
- Lifestyle Development
These areas are explored in depth through a range of specialist sessions, including:
- Working closely with sport-specific coaches to individualise and enhance skill development, including dedicated strength and conditioning sessions
- Developing and tracking Individual Development Plans
- Regularly reviewing and adapting training schedules and performance targets
- Providing expert nutritional guidance around training, recovery, and competition
- Enhancing understanding of injury prevention and rehabilitation
- Undertaking mental skills training focused on performance mindset, resilience, and coping with setbacks
- Setting and reviewing performance targets
- Offering tailored wellbeing and mental health support
Exploring the day-to-day realities of life in high-performance sport and offering lifestyle management strategies
Everything You Need to Know
Find answers to common questions about our Student Athlete Programme.
The Student Athlete Programme is open exclusively to girls attending Loughborough High School, in Years 8–13, who demonstrate commitment and potential in their chosen sport.
Participants typically:
- Compete at national or regional level
- Are driven, self-motivated and focused
- Show high levels of discipline and resilience
Are willing to work hard, make sacrifices, and take responsibility for their progress
Successful applicants join the programme and immediately begin working with members of the Loughborough High School Sports Department, all of whom have experience in elite sport as coaches or athletes. Pupils take part in:
- Termly seminars
- Regular one-to-one mentoring meetings
- Personal development reviews
Sessions are scheduled before school, after school, and during lunchtimes, ensuring no disruption to academic learning.
Applicants who are not offered a place may be placed on a reserve list and considered for future intakes, especially if their performance or behaviours improve.
Learning how to deal with disappointment is a key part of elite sport. We encourage all girls, regardless of outcome, to reflect, grow, and remain focused on long-term development.
To apply, please complete the Student Athlete Programme application form.
Selection criteria include:
- Performance level (priority given to nationally ranked or recognised athletes)
- Level of sporting commitment and training load
- Attitude, motivation, and growth potential
- Applications from regional-level athletes or those in county/academy structures are also considered
- In exceptional cases, additional places may be offered to pupils demonstrating outstanding potential and consistent performance
The selection process includes a written application and an interview, during which applicants are expected to demonstrate an understanding of high-performance behaviours and how they apply these in their training and competition.
Application timeline:
- Applications open: September 2025
- Application deadline: 12:00 on 10 October
- Interviews: Week of 13 October
Programme launch: 3 November 2024
Places on the programme are reviewed annually. Continuation depends on sustained commitment, progression, and feedback from staff and mentors. Each year, pupils may be re-invited to continue or advised to step away depending on their development and goals.
Get in Touch
For any questions about the Student Athlete Programme at Loughborough High School, please contact Mr Emyr Lewis, Head of Performance Sport.
