Balancing A Levels and competitive sport
Balancing the demands of A Levels with the intensity of competitive sport isn’t easy. For Year 13 student Hannah, it’s been a journey marked by discipline, ambition, and the continued support of her school community. Her efforts have paid off: she’s secured a sports scholarship to Delaware State University, where she’ll study Psychology while competing at collegiate level tennis.
TAILORED TEACHING
A key factor in Hannah’s success has been the adaptability of her teachers, who tailored their support to fit around her rigorous training schedule.
“All the teachers I’ve had over the last two years have been amazing. If ever I need help, I can go and see them. They’re flexible with when I get my work done, meaning I can play my tennis without having to worry too much about school.”
This personalised approach allowed Hannah to stay on top of her A Level studies without compromising her athletic goals, enabling her to excel in both.
GAME, SET, FUTURE
As Hannah began exploring her next steps, the school’s careers team played a vital role.
“I spent a lot of time with Ms Starbuck in Careers, who gave me lots of tips. Miss Hough was also brilliant in Year 12, making sure I had all the academic requirements to go abroad.”
After careful research, Hannah chose Delaware State University, an institution that combines competitive tennis, strong academics, and a vibrant student community.
Looking ahead to her move across the Atlantic, Hannah reflects on how far she’s come:
“I started playing when I was three or four. I always really enjoyed it and picked it up quickly. My parents put me into more sessions, and by eight, that was all I was doing. From there, it just progressed.”
Hannah’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when talent, hard work, and the right support come together. We can’t wait to see what she serves up next.