At Kingsley School, we take immense pride in our burgeoning rugby tradition, positioning us as one of the leading schools in the south-west for rugby. Our comprehensive programme is meticulously designed to enhance skills, foster teamwork, and instil sportsmanship within a competitive yet nurturing environment. With aspirations to become one of the finest sports schools in the UK, we provide our students with exceptional training facilities and unparalleled opportunities to thrive in rugby. Our commitment to delivering a holistic experience underscores our dedication to personal growth, athletic development, and academic excellence, reinforcing Kingsley School’s growing reputation in both girls' and boys' rugby at all ages, from rugby tots to our School 1st XV.
Name: Tom Skelding
Position: Director of Rugby
Qualifications: Level 3 Rugby Coaching License, 15 years of coaching experience.
Bio: Tom Skelding joins Kingsley School as the Director of Rugby and Head of Sports Science, bringing a wealth of experience from playing for Gloucester RFU, Exeter Chiefs, and Plymouth Albion. An alumnus of Hartpury College with a BSc in Sports Coaching and Conditioning, Tom led his team to the BUSA final at Twickenham. He has held player/coach roles at Barnstaple RFC and Tiverton RFC and taught PE and is a qualified teacher of sports science. Tom leads the Kingsley Rugby Academy, enhancing our rugby program for both boys and girls.
Contact Information: tskelding@kingsleydevon.com
September: Rugby Season Kickoff – Start of the official rugby season with pre-season training and friendly matches against other leading schools and local clubs, setting the stage for a successful year.
Autumn Term: 15 a-side (adapted for younger age groups) fixtures against independent and state schools across the south-west and participation in national competitions.
Spring Term: The 15 a-side season continues against schools and clubs across the south-west, but with the addition of participation in a number of 7s tournaments.
March: Rosslyn Park National Sevens - the biggest Rugby 7s tournament in the world held in London over 5 days.
Summer Term: The development of skill, speed and agility continues with touch-rugby throughout the summer term.
July: Bi-annual tour to Kenya to run the National U13 Kingsley Cup competition and take part in the Kenya National U15 Futures Cup.
Rugby is a dynamic and physically demanding sport that promotes strategic thinking and teamwork. It involves a blend of physical endurance, strength, and mental acuity, making it an ideal sport for developing well-rounded individuals. Kingsley School is on route to becoming one of the best private sports schools in the UK, offering an environment where students can thrive both on and off the field. Rugby not only helps in building physical fitness but also teaches valuable life skills such as leadership, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
Physical: Enhances cardiovascular health, builds strength, improves coordination, and increases stamina. Regular participation in rugby helps students maintain a healthy lifestyle, which is essential for their overall well-being.
Mental: Develops strategic thinking, boosts confidence, promotes resilience, and enhances problem-solving skills. The mental toughness required in rugby translates into better academic performance and personal growth.
Social: Encourages teamwork, builds camaraderie, and fosters a strong sense of community. Playing rugby helps students form lasting friendships and learn the importance of working together towards a common goal.
We currently offer scholarships for Rugby and 85% scholarship packages for sixth form students. To read more about rugby scholarships and find out whether you quality, follow the link below!