Ex-International sportswoman to become Director of Sport at Exeter Cathedral School

Former Hockey International Emma Ross has been appointed to become the new Director of Sport at Exeter Cathedral School.  Following an extensive search, Mrs Ross emerged as the stand-out candidate, and is set to join the 3-13 co-ed Prep School in January 2017.

An elite athlete and an experienced player, coach, teacher and leader, Emma will be responsible for the provision and strategic development of all sport across the School, and will help lead ECS into the next stage of its exciting future.

Emma has recently moved to Exeter with her young family, and previously worked at Bromley High School, where she was Deputy Director of Sport across the 3-18 School before returning from maternity leave to teach PE in the Junior School (overseeing an 'exceptional' rating for the department in its most recent ISI inspection).

Prior to this, she was Head of Girls' Games at the renowned St Alban's School in Hertfordshire.  Emma, who is a graduate of Stranmillis University College (a college of Queen's University, Belfast) and a qualified teacher, has had a stellar international playing career, earning 131 caps for Ireland and vice-captaining the at the Olympic Qualifiers in 2012.

Prior to her move to the South West she played Premiership hockey at Leicester and has competed in the European Championships representing England.  She has also played County Netball and has tremendous teaching experience and notable qualifications across a vast array of sports.

Speaking after her appointment to Exeter's oldest school, Emma said 'I am absolutely delighted about being appointed Director of Sport at ECS. I look forward to starting the role in January and getting to know the School and Cathedral communities. I feel it is an exciting time for sport in general and look forward to the continued development of sport for all.'

The School's Headmaster, James Featherstone, said 'I am really pleased that Emma will be joining the ECS team as our new Director of Sport. We take sport seriously here, and it matters to me enormously that we provide a broad programme which encourages and values participation whilst making provision for our most able sportsmen and sportswomen.  I am confident that in Emma we have found an absolutely outstanding ambassador for the future of ECS sport.' 

Exeter Cathedral School is Exeter’s oldest school and its only independent boarding school.  It was founded in the 12th century as a choir school and now educates some 275 pupils between the ages of rising-3 and 13, including the Choristers of Exeter Cathedral.

The School has an impressive track record of securing scholarships and awards to some of the region’s leading senior schools and offers training in rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, rounders, soccer, athletics, equestrianism, judo, fencing, tennis, as well as a varied outdoor pursuits programme.

The School has an Open Morning on Tuesday 8th November, and places can be booked via admissions@exetercs.org.