ELLESMERE College has been reaccredited by a leading sports academy to recognise the way in which it supports student-athletes.

The college has again been accredited as an Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC) by the World Academy of Sport (WAoS).

It recognises the college as a place which helps student-athletes to balance their sporting endeavours and education.

It is one of only a limited number of schools to be awarded the accreditation globally.

Tom Gareh, head of Sixth Form, said the college has an ongoing commitment to ensure athletes have the best possible help and support in furthering their sporting careers while advancing their educational needs.

He said: “We are very proud to be an ‘athlete friendly’ school and of our sporting record which continues to be among the very best – something which has once again been recognised through this reaccreditation from such an esteemed body.

“The list of Ellesmere College athletes who are making an impression at the highest level of their chosen sport is amazing and a tribute to the high standards our school, students, former students and coaches continually strive for.

“The principles and vision of the WAoS dovetails well with the school’s holistic approach to educating and nurturing all our students.

“We make it easier to complete classes without affecting often intense training and competing schedules by offering flexibility to support academic achievement.

“This recognition will allow us to maintain our commitment to student-athletes now and in the future – it can only benefit those involved in the scheme and the community in general.”

The announcement was made by the International Baccalaureate (IB) and means Ellesmere College can offer not only the two-year IB Diploma but also an extended three-year diploma for students who want to follow an athletics pathway alongside their studies.