17 Years of Kingsley Judo: A Legacy of Excellence
From a single dojo to a national force — Kingsley School's judo programme celebrates 17 extraordinary years.
Judo at Kingsley School in Devon is more than a sport. It is a story of vision, dedication, and a community built on the values that judo has always stood for: respect, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This year, the programme marks 17 remarkable years since its founding, and the milestone couldn't be more fitting: just last week, Kingsley Judo celebrated its 1,700th medal.
A Pioneer in School Judo
When Kingsley Judo began, it started with a simple but ambitious idea: to give sixth formers access to elite-level training through a pioneering partnership with the University of Bath. That vision is guided by one of the most qualified judo coaches in England. Director of Sport Simon Ward began his coaching career in 2002 after earning national and international recognition as a judoka himself. He has since achieved all five British Judo coaching qualifications, is one of only 12 coaches in England to hold Level 5 status, and earned the International Judo Federation's Instructor Award — sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee, in 2022. He holds an MSc in Advanced Sports Performance Coaching from Sheffield Hallam University and currently serves as a Great Britain Support Coach for the National Team. Under his leadership, 19 judoka have gone on to win National Judo Titles, and in 2017 he led the England U18 team to victory at the UK School Games.
A Hub for National and International Judo
Kingsley's influence stretches far beyond its dojo in North Devon. The club has played a central role alongside British Judo in developing the Western Area and England International Summer Training Camp, drawing athletes and coaches from across the UK and beyond. It is a genuine community hub, not only welcoming pupils from Prep through Sixth Form, but opening its doors to the wider North Devon community and operating a satellite club in Cornwall, near Bude.
On the competition stage, Kingsley judokas have proudly represented England at all levels. Several athletes have advanced to Great Britain international status on the Cadet and Junior European Tours, and European judokas from within the Kingsley programme have competed for their home nations on the European Cadet Tour. One athlete represented England at the UK School Games — a national stage that reflects just how far this programme has come from its beginnings.
Beyond the Medal Count
The 1,700th medal is a milestone worth celebrating, but the programme's legacy runs deeper than trophies and rankings. Many Kingsley pupils have earned coaching qualifications and referee awards, stepping into roles that grow and sustain the wider judo community. The school's commitment to developing judo leaders — not just athletes — is embodied in opportunities such as the U16 Kanji Leadership Awards and formal referee and competition control qualifications.
Innovation, too, remains central to the programme. A weekly SEND judo session ensures that the discipline, confidence, and community that judo brings are genuinely available to every student, a reflection of Kingsley's wider belief that sport should be inclusive and aspirational in equal measure.
The Journey Continues
From its pioneering facilities and University of Bath partnership to its international athletes and inclusive community sessions, Kingsley Judo has proven that a school-based programme can have a national — and even global — impact. Students can follow structured grading routes, access the Home Nations competitive pathway, and progress through the British Judo Association's development framework, all within a school that believes sport shapes character as much as it builds champions.
Seventeen years. 1,700 medals. And the best, it seems, is still to come.
Interested in joining the Kingsley Judo Academy? Find out more about Judo scholarship opportunities or contact our admissions team on 01237 426200 or admissions@kingsleydevon.com.
