High Potential Programme: Sport

The programme supports pupil-athletes who have the potential to perform at Regional and National level sport.

It looks to develop the whole person by providing areas of support such as strength and conditioning, pre and rehabilitation, load management, mentoring, academic progress monitoring and developing the Waconian Values in each individual.

Our unique programme has access to a wide range of resources through our partnerships with Universities, Professional Sports teams and Governing bodies as well as members of the CHS community to provide each child with a personalised and manageable programme.

Application Criteria and Process

We look for athletes who have the potential to succeed in sport, performing above their peer group in at least one of their chosen disciplines. Please read our FAQs below for more guidance on performance criteria and the application process.

If you would like them to be considered for our Sport High Potential Programme by ticking the relevant box on our Senior School Application Form.

For further information, please contact Giles Heagarty, gilesheagarty@chschool.co.uk

Eligibility criteria

At what level of sport does my child need to be playing at to apply?

As each sport has different pathways of athlete progress, we look for pupils playing at Regional+ level as well have a positive attitude towards learning and a commitment to our Waconian Values across school life.

Below are examples of the levels of sport our current HPP pupils have competed at:

Football: Manchester United Academy

Cricket: Lancashire / Cheshire County

Netball: Thunder Pathway or a leading regional club

Rugby: Sale DPP or a leading regional club

Hockey: Performance Centre or a leading regional club

Swimming: National time or a leading regional club

Please note that the HPP programme supports athletes from a wide range of sports, not just the examples given above. For example, we currently have a national skier and golfer on the programme.

What is the assessment process?

Students who have expressed an interest in our Sport HPP will be assessed by CHS sports staff in the first term of Year 7 across PE, Games, Co-curricular and development strength and conditioning sessions.

Year 7 HPP Sport Timeline can be accessed here.

How many pupils do you accept on the HPP programme?

There is no cap on pupils taking part in the programme. Talent Identification and Development is very complex and student athletes work and progress at different rates. We believe if we can accommodate effective environments for students, we adapt the programme to suit the numbers.

Are there further opportunities to join the HPP Sport programme?

We recognise that young people develop at different rates and we therefore continue to assess all pupils in sport. Those who consistently outperform their peers throughout their time at CHS will be considered for the High Potential Programme. We will take into account how a pupil performs in sport both in and out of School.

If my child is successful, how will they manage their commitments to external clubs and to the School’s teams?

Developing a positive relationship with the child, family and external clubs are key to the child’s progress and well being. Although we expect students to represent the School when selected, this is done through the collaboration of all parties.

Is there a fee remission if you gain a place on the HPP?

There is no fee remission for the HPP.

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