Sports teaching is under threat

The HRSSP is under threat as the government threatens to change the way it funds sport and could lose that backing from August.

Bexhill High is one of the local schools benefitting from the partnership, and principal Mike Conn says its closure would be a “disaster” locally.

“It is very unclear what will happen, and how the funding will be distributed but we have to keep sport in schools - and that is a priority at Bexhill High, particularly with our wonderful new sports facilities.

“There is no doubt that our school has benefited greatly from the HRSSP, and we have been working very closely together, so clearly we value their work.

“Only last week they organised the secondary schools’ cross-country finals on the Downs, and there was a host of local schools from around Hastings and Rother who took part. Such events are very important.”

He added: “I want to put on record that Bexhill High will be doing everything it can to ensure that the HRSSP continues, and indeed continues to flourish and make a difference to the young people in our schools.”

Sandra Pamplin, partnership development manager at the Partnership, said: “I wish to assure everyone that we are working hard to ensure there is, in the future, some similar format with which to support all the organisations we currently work with.

“We are proud of what we have achieved over the last 10 years and will continue with our support for schools through our work with our core team and partners.

“The true test of both our legacy and the legacy of the 2012 Games will be our ability to build on and grow the system to ensure that it provides every young person with access to world class school sport.