START YOUR
JOURNEY
START YOUR
Scarborough College has always embraced its unique coastal location. Located just minutes from the sea, we’re lucky to have one of nature’s greatest playgrounds right on our doorstep. While many schools talk about outdoor education, we live it – our students spend a lot of their time beyond the classroom. And this year, surfing has taken a clear step forward in our ever-evolving outdoor and co-curricular programme.
Surfing has long featured in our Yorkshire Grit programme for Years 7 to 9 and within the Prep School’s Yorkshire Pebbles initiative. It’s also part of the games programme for Senior School students, giving pupils of all ages the chance to experience the thrill of catching a wave. Many of our students surf during holidays or in their free time, but until recently, there was no clear pathway for those wanting to take the sport more seriously.
That all changed this year with the soft launch of the Scarborough College Surf Academy. Spearheaded by Mr James Denton, science teacher as well as experienced surf coach, the Academy welcomed its first official student cohort just before the Easter break. The idea has been in the works for a number of years, and it’s incredibly exciting to see it finally take shape.
The Surf Academy is delivered in partnership with The Surf Coach, Matt Jones, a Scarborough-based professional with national credentials. One of the first certified surf coaches in the North of England, Matt is now a National Team Coach and a prominent figure in UK surfing.
The aim of the Surf Academy goes well beyond training elite competitors. While students may well progress to national and international competitions, the wider vision is more holistic: to deepen understanding of the ocean, improve water confidence, and foster a lifelong connection with the sea.
Whether you’re a total beginner or already confident on a board, the Academy is designed to support all levels. As Mr Denton explains,
“As a teacher, I’ve always been passionate about imparting skills that students can carry into sport and life. I’ve coached surfing for nine years across the UK and Europe, and I still get a buzz from seeing students improve at any stage of their journey.”
Matt Jones agrees:
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an expert looking to take your skill set to the next level – there’s always room for improvement. The goal is to help students develop their skills, respect the water, but most of all, have fun.”
What makes the Surf Academy special is that it’s not just an extracurricular activity – it is being integrated into the curriculum. This ensures that students have the chance to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of the sport. From stress reduction and improved focus to building resilience and community, spending time in the sea offers more than just waves.
As the Academy grows, the programme will expand into related areas such as:
The Academy is also rooted in environmental education, linking directly to the International Baccalaureate’s global citizenship ethos. Students will explore ocean conservation, marine ecology, and our collective responsibility to safeguard the planet’s waters.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we aim to ensure that students not only enjoy the sea but also become its stewards. Ocean health is essential for climate stability, biodiversity, and human well-being. Our students learn that protecting the oceans means protecting our shared future.
The official launch of the Surf Academy is set for the next academic year, alongside the introduction of a Surf Club as part of our Enrichment Programme. With growing interest, passionate staff, and world-class coaching, the future of surfing at Scarborough College is looking very bright.
The coast isn’t just a backdrop, it’s part of who we are as a school. It shapes our values, brings our community together, and gives our students a connection to something far bigger than themselves.
Back to News