On your marks, get set, go for Ark elite athletes

Our Athletics Scholars trained just metres away from twins Laviai and Lina Nielsen, who both won bronze in the 4×4 relay at the 2024 Olympics and are now training for the European championships in March.

At the last Olympics, one third of athletes in Team GB were privately educated, five times the proportion of the population who attend private schools. We know there isn’t more talent in private schools – but there are many more opportunities to progress.

We launched the Ark Sport Athletics Scholars programme in 2024, to develop elite athletes across our schools. Our scholarships offer free training and development for high ability students, so that every child has a genuine chance of success. 

Athletic Scholars are chosen based on their performance at the Ark Athletics Championships in the summer term. Only those who achieve the highest scores in their respective disciplines qualify to train at these elite levels.

Ark Network Lead for PE, Sport and Play, Tom Morrish said, “The scholarship programme is proving what we always knew – that given the right opportunities, talent can flourish.

“Last year, three-quarters of our athletics scholars represented their boroughs – and two became national champions. 

“The scholars feel part of something important. The sense of achievement from being chosen for an elite programme has really increased their self-belief and commitment.

“Teachers have said what a positive impact the programme has had, with students being more engaged in lessons, and feeling happier and more positive about being at school.”

Sessions are designed to support students to hone their track and field abilities, grow in confidence, and develop a performance mindset.

This year we’ve also introduced brand-new disciplines like the high jump into our Athletics Scholars’ programme.

These young kids are the future. Athletics, or any sport, is great for young people.

Former England sprint and hurdling athlete, Tony Jarrett – who won medals at the World Championships, the European Championships and the Commonwealth Games – was on hand to offer his experience and insight.

Tony said, “These young kids are the future. Athletics, or any sport, is great for young people and really helps their mental health. Athletics can open so many doors. It worked for me – I’ve been to four Olympic games. Competing has given me opportunities to travel the world. My dream is to get at least one of these scholars to fulfil their dreams.”

Scholars are resounding in their support for the programme. They say they have fun developing their athletics skills, learn something new from the training sessions, and that they feel well supported by the coaches.

Florence, a year 9 student from Ark Alexandra in Hastings, said, “It’s inspirational to train alongside Olympic athletes. If you come top 10 in the English Schools Cross Country, you can get an England vest and represent England so that’s what I’m aiming for at the moment.”

Year 11 student Kamar from Ark Blake added, “In a million years, I didn’t think I would be selected as a scholar. It’s unbelievable! Since joining the programme last year, I feel a lot faster and feel like I can hopefully break some records this year! I’m hoping to enter for the English Schools’ Track and Field Cup.

“Our coaches make us feel good by telling us how to improve and what to do so that we don’t get injured. Making friends and building relationships here is really important too.”