A place whether you are here for the enjoyment or aiming at a county squad
Every pupil takes part in sport. Alongside the specialist academies runs a wide programme of tennis, badminton, table tennis, handball, basketball, volleyball, cross-country, athletics, cricket, rounders and trampolining. For pupils who want to train and compete at a higher level, a structured performance pathway sits alongside it.
Train, Compete, Win
The pathway is staged by age, so training matches where a pupil is in their development. Pupils move up as they are ready, with coaching that steps up alongside them.
Training to Train
Building the fundamentals, movement skills and good habits.
Training to Compete
Sharper technical and tactical work, with regular fixtures.
Training to Win
Performance-level training, individual programmes and high-level competition.
Performance pupils are supported like athletes
The aim is that pupils train well, stay healthy and understand their own progress.
strength and conditioning
nutrition guidance, supported by collaborations with the University of Bath and the University of Exeter
sports psychology
video analysis
rehabilitation
Each with its own coaching and competition programme
Surfing has its own Surf Academy, named UK Surf School of the Year 2026. Each academy has its own page in the Sport section.
Squads through the age groups, with fixtures across the South West.
FC Rise | Kingsley Devon, a collaboration with the Ferdinand Collective, with up to 14 hours a week of bespoke football training.
Squad training and regular competition through the season.
Coaching in a fully equipped gymnasium, to national level.
Training in the school’s own dojo, on the national pathway.
Professional and international experience
Sport is led by Director of Sport Simon Ward, a Great Britain support coach for the national judo team. Director of Rugby Tom Skelding played professionally for Gloucester RFC, Exeter Chiefs and Plymouth Albion, Head of Football Craig Knowles played professionally at Bolton Wanderers, and Gemma Braunton is Head of Netball and Gymnastics.
Generous sports scholarships are available across the academies and can be combined with a means-tested bursary. Pupils train on the only World Rugby and FIFA-approved all-weather pitch in North Devon, with a fully equipped dojo, gymnasium and fitness suite on site.
Training, fixtures and coaching
Frequently asked questions
Is sport only for elite athletes?
No. Every pupil takes part in sport at Kingsley. The performance pathway is there for those who want to train and compete more seriously.
What sports academies are there?
Rugby, football, netball, gymnastics and judo, each with its own coaching and competition programme. Surfing sits within Outdoor Education and has its own Surf Academy.
Are sports scholarships available?
Yes. Generous sports scholarships are available across the academies and can be combined with a means-tested bursary.
Northdown Road, Bideford