Kingsley appoints Tom Skelding as the new Director of Rugby
Kingsley appoints Tom Skelding as the new Director of Rugby
Kingsley School, located in North Devon, is delighted to announce the appointment of Tom Skelding as its new Director of Rugby and Head of Sports Science. Tom brings with him a wealth of playing and coaching experience, having played for several professional teams including Gloucester RFU, Exeter Chiefs, and Plymouth Albion.
Originally from Gloucester, Tom attended St Peters School, a renowned rugby school that has produced many notable players over the years. Tom’s talent and ability did not go unnoticed, and he was offered a place at Hartpury College, where he earned his BSc Honours degree in Sports Coaching and Conditioning. Tom was an integral part of Hartpury’s rugby team, taking them to the BUSA final at Twickenham - a first for the college at the time.
After leaving Hartpury, Tom pursued a professional rugby career, playing for several clubs, including Newbury, Moseley, Cornish All Blacks, Plymouth Albion, Gloucester, and Exeter Chiefs. He then decided to take up player/coach roles at Barnstaple and Tiverton RFC while focusing on teaching and leadership roles at Honiton Community College.
Tom gained QTS at Plymouth Marjon University and completed the Graduate Teaching Programme through Uffculme School. While at Honiton, Tom held several leadership roles, including pastoral and guidance lead, colleague mentoring/coaching, Sports Academy and PE Highly Able Coordinator. He taught GCSE PE, A-level PE, Level 3 BTEC Sport, and level 2 BTEC Public Services.
Tom is thrilled to be joining Kingsley School and is looking forward to working with the excellent current PE team to initiate and deliver the new Kingsley Rugby Academy under the guidance of new Director of Sport Simon Ward.
Headteacher at Kingsley School, Robert Pavis said, “Tom’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Kingsley as the school invests in its sports facilities, including a brand-new all-weather pitch. The school is committed to offering its students first-class sporting opportunities. Building on the established association with Bideford Rugby Club with Tom’s experience and expertise will be invaluable in building a specific rugby focused performance pathway which will develop both girls’ and boys’ rugby from beginner to elite levels.
On his appointment, Tom said, “I am very proud to be joining Kingsley School and am looking forward to joining the excellent PE team, initiating and delivering the new Kingsley Rugby Academy. Upon meeting Mr Pavis, it was clear he had a vision to put the school firmly on the map regarding sports provision, participation and achievement.”
Anyone interested in the Kingsley Rugby Academy or any of Kingsley’s sports programmes please contact our Admissions team, admissions@kingsleyschoolbideford.co.uk or visit our website www.kingsleydevon.com
