Luke Robinson, director of sport at Rendcomb College, says that participating in school sports can help students build the confidence and resilience they need to succeed in all aspects of life, whether in their personal lives or academically.
An experienced sportsman and teacher who's coached youth players at Arsenal FC, Luke chats to SoGlos about his position at Rendcomb College — and how sport plays a key role in the personal and academic development of students at the college.
Luke, tell us
a bit about yourself and how you came to be head of sport at Rendcomb College.
I had been working as an assistant headteacher in West Oxfordshire when the fantastic opportunity arose to become director of sport at Rendcomb College.
Sport has always been a passion of mine and the chance to create programs to inspire young people to enjoy and achieve in sport was the perfect next step for me in my career.
I was brought up in the East Midlands, near Sherwood Forest, and moved to Gloucestershire in 2000 to start my university degree at the University of Gloucestershire. I went on to complete my postgraduate course and have stayed in the Cheltenham area ever since. I live locally to the school with my wife and two daughters.
I was inspired to get into teaching by my PE teacher in secondary school, who had been to the University of Gloucestershire themselves. They suggested it was a beautiful part of the country with plenty of things going on and a great reputation for teacher training. Therefore, I was sold.
I have had time training in secondary state schools such as Tewkesbury and Balcarras and I then moved to West Oxfordshire, where I worked in schools such as Carterton, Burford and, predominantly for the last 16 years, at Chipping Norton School.
Talk us through the range of sports available for students at Rendcomb College – what is your core offering; and what else do you offer that sets you apart from other schools?
The major sports that are available to students are rugby, hockey, lacrosse, football, netball, cricket and tennis.
Pupils are able to access other sports during co-curricular activities which include clay pigeon shooting and equestrian eventing.
The school prides itself on representing at a national level in many of these areas, with the lacrosse team reaching quarter-finals of the national competition, helped by having three national level coaches on the staff body. In recent clay pigeon shooting competitions, we have been able to compete and beat teams from Harrow, Eton, Warwick and Marlborough College.
Our co-curricular offerings expand to provide slightly alternative activities such as rock climbing, padel, mountain biking, fencing and golf.
What sports facilities do you have at Rendcomb College?
We have a number of great sports facilities, including two astroturf pitches; tennis courts; a sports hall; a strength and conditioning gym; our beautifully kept top pitch; and a mountain bike track. We also have access to the local golf course and the amazing South Cerney lakes complex.
How does the
school help students flourish in a sport they’ve displayed an interest in or
talent for – what opportunities are there for them to develop and achieve?
At Rendcomb College our vision is to ensure that every child enjoys their time in sport and they have a bespoke experience that suits them. We have a head of engagement in sport, who’s an expert at working with students to make sure that activities are put on to inspire them to enjoy and have fun; and to develop their skills so they can have a lifelong love of sport, health and fitness.
We have other teachers who are experts in excellence, driving talented students to meet their goals through initiatives such as our athlete performance programme, which challenges students across a number of activities; and by promoting sport across the school through leadership and mentoring.
How do you
think success in sports can help students develop in other areas, both
personally and academically?
Success in sports helps students grow by building confidence, discipline and teamwork while improving focus, resilience and time management. It teaches valuable life skills such as leadership, stress management and social interaction, which all enhance academic performance.
Sport fosters a strong work ethic, encourages healthy lifestyle choices and boosts engagement in school, helping students develop into well-rounded individuals ready to tackle challenges both on and off the field.
Lastly, what are your favourite sports – to play, coach and watch?
I have played a wide range of sports from traditional rugby, football and cricket to the slightly more alternative ice hockey and lacrosse. I feel it is important to try a lot of sports so you can use it as a social vehicle for meeting new and interesting people while sharing a common interest with friends. I still like to keep fit now whether that be on my bike or playing the odd game of five-a-side football.
I currently coach at Cirencester Hockey Club and love coaching rugby due to the technical and tactical precision that is required in the game. I have been lucky to coach football to a very high standard, working with Arsenal FC youth players and learning from some world-renowned coaches.
I love watching all types of sports as it’s a way for me to relax as well as an opportunity to learn and grow. I’m a big fan of my hometown football club of Nottingham Forest and love visiting Kingsholm to see the Cherry and Whites!
