Shebbear College’s athletics programme restarted after covid with a literal bang and the school is celebrating successful performances by many of its pupils at local, county, regional and national level.

A group of over 30 Shebbear College pupils competed in the North Devon Athletics League, North Devon Schools Championship, Devon County Championship and the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Regional and National Championships with many pupils taking part in more than seven competitions and winning numerous gold, silver and bronze medals between them.

Lower Sixth Former Achilles from Barbados won silver medals in the Devon Schools 100m and 200m events and the South West 100m whilst Year 9 pupil Jack from Bude won bronze in the ISA Nationals 300m.

It was Year 9 pupil Henry, from Drewsteignton, however, who showed particular talent in the jumps. Having won the ISA South West high Jump, long jump and triple jump, he went on to compete in the ISA Nationals at Manchester Regional Arena, in which he won gold in the triple jump and bronze in the long jump. Henry also became county champion in the high jump and triple jump at the Devon Schools Track and Field Championships, going on to compete at the South West Regional Championships where he came second in the high jump and gained a place to represent Devon at the England Schools Athletic Association championships. Alas, Henry’s journey came to a halt after he pulled a muscle in his back and was unable to compete — but there is always next year, watch this space!

Head of sport and outdoor education at Shebbear College, Robin Giles, said: ‘For a relatively small school, these achievements are superb and I’m really proud of all the pupils that have taken part in athletics this term. Their outstanding commitment shows their passion and willingness to apply themselves and they performed exceptionally well, all improving significantly over the course of the season and learning new skills which they went on to display in the numerous competitions that we took part in. I’m really proud of them all.’

Earlier this month, Shebbear College also found out that it had been shortlisted in the sporting achievement category of the Independent Schools of the Year awards 2022 — with finalists to be announced in the autumn.