Ellesmere College in Shropshire has been named as one of only nine schools in the world to achieve a top sporting status. The college received a World Academy of Sport accreditation that will allow top level athletes to follow a flexible study programme to achieve the International Baccalaureate diploma (IB). The school, a member of independent schools group Woodard Corporation, has a global reputation for high-performance sports programmes with swimmers, shooters, horse riders, golfers, and athletes among its ranks. “We are delighted to be the first school in Shropshire to be accredited as an athlete-friendly education centre,” says headmaster Brendan Wignall. “Ellesmere will be a lead school in providing flexibility and support to exceptional athletes following the IB Diploma programme, enabling them to combine their dedicated training schedules and commitments with their academic studies.” Pic: Pupils Will Edwards, Shannon Davies, Charlotte Dixon and Chloe Golding showcase the range of sports offered by Ellesmere College