Who is the Pathway open to and how can I apply?
- Which athletes are catered for?
Applicants from all sports are welcome to apply, however only a small number of places will be available on the pathway for each year group (Yr 9-13) for high performing pupils/student athletes (ideally nationally recognised), who have the drive and potential to become ‘elite’ athletes. This is to ensure we can offer a comprehensive mentoring programme to each of the boys involved.
We are looking to support athletes who have the skills, physical potential, behaviours and character to be able to break through into the highly competitive elite sports environment.
Boys involved in the programme are not necessarily only those currently performing at the highest levels - there will also be some provision for those athletes who show clear potential and outstanding performance behaviours which we wish to foster and support.
Selection into the pathway will be competitive, and places will be offered taking into consideration the following criteria:
- Priority will be offered to athletes nationally ranked or nationally recognised in their sport for their age group or representing their country (full age group cap).
- After that, athletes performing at regional level (e.g. Midlands) or equivalent will be considered.
- Thirdly, athletes involved in academy/county programmes will be considered.
- Additional places may also be made available to boys who regularly display outstanding performance behaviours and show great potential to improve.
- How do I get onto the pathway?
Boys will need to make a formal expression of interest in the shape of an application form, which will include sporting CV, fitness testing results / PBs and specific questions to assess the suitability of their application.
Successful applicants will be invited for a 1:1 interview to discuss their application and suitability for the programme.
- Application Process
The first stage of our robust application process will comprise of a formal written application followed by an interview to determine suitability. All applicants are expected to display an understanding of performance behaviours/attitudes and examples of how they apply them in their own training/competition.
Return completed application forms, by the allocated deadline, to WSS-PSP@warwickschools.co.uk.
- What happens if I am successful with my application?
Successful pupils will be invited into the pathway where they will work closely with the Head of Athlete Performance and/or other members of the Sports Department who have experience coaching or competing in professional/high performance sports environments.
Boys will have weekly seminars and regular mentoring meetings which they will be expected to attend and participate in.
- What happens if I am unsuccessful in my application?
Those unsuccessful will be placed on a ‘reserve list’ and will be monitored moving forwards. They may be either invited to re-apply in the future if: additional places become available, consistent ‘high-performance behaviours’ are being regularly displayed, or their level of performance increases to a higher level. How athletes respond to setbacks and disappointment is a big part of performance behaviours – we wish to develop in all the boys at school a growth mindset and resilience to challenges. The door will never be completely closed on the pathway, and how individual athletes respond may be a significant factor to future involvement. If you feel we’ve got it wrong – prove it!