National sporting accolade delights Worthing College bosses

Worthing College's netball squad were national winners in 2020

That’s according to a top 200 published by School Sport Magazine, which says Worthing College is the highest ranked further education college to feature.

It has named Worthing College the 59th best school or college in their ‘top 200 sporting schools’ for 2020 which, for the first time, combines state and independent education providers. In addition to being the highest ranked further education college on the list, Worthing College is also highest listed school or college in Sussex to appear.

The judging criteria is based on the sporting offer provided to students, as well as how well the school or college competes at national level.

The Worthing College football team, also winners of a high-profile tournament

David Hall, Deputy Head of Learning for Sport at Worthing College, said: “There are more than 120 qualifying competitions considered by the publication, so to feature in the top 100 is incredible achievement of which we are all extremely proud of!

“As a college, we mainly enter national tournaments that are linked to our academy sports, so this is testament to the achievements of our netball, rugby (men and women) and men’s football teams who all reached the latter stages of their national tournaments.

“We are very proud to feature so high on the list, and I thank all of our sport and academy staff and students for providing an environment and culture that allows our sports to thrive, which is linked to our ethos of developing the ‘academic athlete’. Outstanding work!”

In 2019, Worthing College featured as the 65th best state school or college, putting the college in the top 3% in England. The 2020 placing takes that achievement a step further, as the 59th best state or independent provider.

Paul Riley, Principal of Worthing College, added: “This is superb news and very justly deserved. I share David’s pride in our students' achievements and our staff’s dedication to delivering the best education, training, support and coaching that they can. The passion of our students and staff for sport is inspiring for the whole college community.

“2020 was a challenging year for all of us, so to achieve this is even more outstanding.”