A SCHOOL in Denbighshire has been named Tennis Wales ‘School of the Year’ at a national award ceremony.
Myddelton College, in Denbigh, have completed a remarkable turnaround from barely having a tennis presence three years ago, to now being one of Wales’ top tennis schools.
With the courts lying empty and in a sorry state just a few years ago, the restoration of the outdoor hard courts with fresher line painting and the installation of indoor facilities have helped the school’s tennis transformation.
With more than 100 pupils taking part in regular sessions throughout the year, the atmosphere and culture at Myddelton has completely shifted for the better.
All this hard work has earned Myddelton the School of the Year title from Tennis Wales and Myddelton coach John Whitehall, from Old Colwyn, of First Advantage Tennis, has been named Coach of the Year.
The accolades follow last year’s success when the school received the Tennis Wales Education Award for re-introducing the game.
Mr Whitehall, a former Wales tennis international, said: “It’s wonderful to see how Myddelton College are supporting the sport and they really deserve their success.
“I’ve been working here with the school for two-and-a-half years and there’s been steady progress and last year we really moved things forward with an Academy programme and the resurfacing of the courts.
“It’s really gathered pace over the last 12 months and we have about 100 students taking part in the fun programme and then there are 12 in the Talent Identification programme and a further six to eight on the Academy programme.
“We’ve had kids going from not playing tennis at all to becoming regular players and taking the sport really seriously with tennis becoming part of the lifeblood of the school.”
Director of Sport and Assistant Headmaster Mike Pearson said: “We’re delighted with the awards which are a reward for the commitment and investment the school has made.
“Tennis is a sport where we have made a big effort and it’s paid off with lots of interest from the pupils and we’re not even into the summer yet.
“We’ve now got excellent facilities here and top class coaching and support and we’re delighted that’s also been recognized with the award for John who is doing a brilliant job."
Myddelton College was founded in 2016 on the site of the former Howell’s School which had closed three years earlier and has made rapid progress.
Due to open Reception, Year One and Year Two classes at its on-campus prep school from next September, the school will provide a full education for pupils aged from four to 18.
It is one of the newest private schools in the UK and was the only school in Wales to be honoured at the Independent Schools Association awards last year when it picked up two prestigious prizes, for Outstanding International Involvement and for Outstanding Sport in a Small School.
Headmaster Andrew Allman said: “We’re delighted not just that we have been recognised by Tennis Wales but also that John has been as he has worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to make the most of the improved facilities we have here.
“The school is much more than an exam factory and we aim to provide an all-round education that helps students achieve their full potential both academically and in terms of preparing them for university and for their futures.
“The foundations have been set very successfully at what is a calm, kind, happy and inclusive school where pupils have mutual respect and can thrive and reach their goals.”
For more information about Myddelton College go to https://www.myddeltoncollege.com/.
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