London Irish AASE to relocate to Bishop Wand School

After a 10-year association with St. Paul’s Catholic College, the London Irish AASE will be partnering with Bishop Wand School, Sunbury from September 2020.

Commenting on this, a spokesperson for St. Paul’s Catholic College said. “Over the last 10 years London Irish and St. Paul’s Catholic College have worked together to ensure young rugby players in the South East of England were provided with high standards of education and rugby. St. Paul’s has tried to protect this partnership through their admissions policy but, under regulations, could only protect a small number of student places.

“This has meant that we could not guarantee entry for all London Irish AASE players who met the entry requirements in future years. The Sixth Form at St. Paul’s is going from strength to strength meaning, in the near future, the students living furthest away will no longer be admitted due to our over subscription criteria being adhered to. Therefore, London Irish has been working with us to secure a new Sixth Form setting.

“We are delighted that Bishop Wand has been able to accommodate the programme so it can remain in the Sunbury area. St. Paul’s wish both organisations huge success in the future.”

Commenting on the education provision takeover, a spokesperson for Bishop Wand Church of England School said. “We are delighted to announce that Bishop Wand Church of England School will be taking on the academic provision for the London Irish AASE programme. Over the last 10 years London Irish and St. Paul’s Catholic College have worked together to ensure young rugby players in the South East of England have been provided with the highest standards of post 16 education and elite level rugby. We would like to thank St. Pauls Catholic College for their support in the transfer of the program to Bishop Wand and ensuring it remains based in Sunbury.

“We are looking forward to developing our partnership in the years ahead and look forward to welcoming potential AASE students to Bishop Wand Sixth Form Open day in the near future.”

London Irish AASE manager, Richard Pryor said: “St. Paul’s Catholic College has been a fantastic partner for the programme and brilliant to work with during my involvement. I would like to thank everyone at the Sixth Form College for their support and I wish the school the very best for the future.

“It is exciting to be partnering with Bishop Wand as we look ahead to the future of the programme. We are excited to be working together as we plan for the next intake of lower sixth students. Applications are now open, so if you are interested in joining, please get in touch.”

For more information, please email [email protected]