St Bartholomew’s School awarded 'school of the year' by the Berkshire Lawn Tennis Association

A Newbury secondary school has been recognised for its tennis programme by a county sports association in its annual award announcement.

St Bartholomew’s School was named ‘school of the year’ at the Berkshire Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) AGM in January.

The awards highlight, acknowledge and reward the achievements and contributions of those involved in tennis in Berkshire over the past year.

St Bart’s PE leader David Harmer said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised in this way by Berkshire LTA.

“This was awarded to us for our continuation of tennis during the pandemic; our year-round offer of tennis clubs; our many years of involvement in LTA school tennis competitions and our own in-house competition.

“We feel it is very important to give all students an opportunity to be involved with this fantastic sport.”

Chair of Berkshire LTA Lesly Cundy visited the Newbury secondary school along with Berkshire LTA secretary Denise Walker to present the award to Mr Harmer and Year 10 students India, Arthur and Francesca.

Ms Walker said: “Mr Harmer and the PE department at St Bart’s has created a superb tennis programme open to all students. We congratulate them on a well-deserved award.”

Those nominating the school to the panel were asked to put forward three words that best described St Bart’s tennis contribution and those words were ‘opportunity’, ‘supportive’ and ‘encouragement’.