We are excited to announce that The Mary Erskine School (MES) has been awarded Centre of Excellence status by the Leadership Skills Foundation for 2024/25. This prestigious recognition celebrates the outstanding impact of the School’s Sports Leadership programme, where senior students work with children from both ESMS and the wider community to deliver engaging, inclusive sports activities.
The Centre of Excellence status is awarded to schools and organisations that deliver high-quality leadership programmes, emphasising the value of volunteering and its positive impact on local communities. These accredited centres are champions of empowering young people to develop vital leadership skills that inspire them to believe, lead, and succeed.
In 2023/24, MES delivered the Level 5 Qualification in Community Sports Leadership to 106 students. Together, these Sports Leaders contributed an impressive 1,108 hours of volunteering within the School and the local community, while students and staff dedicated a total of 5,756 hours to learning and delivering the qualifications.
The Sports Leadership programme benefits both the students who lead the activities and the children who take part. Caroline Maclean, Assistant Principal Teacher of Physical Education and leader of the programme, highlighted the transformational journey many Sports Leaders undergo:
“We often see very shy students in the first few lessons, only comfortable speaking in front of close friends. As we progress through the units and work through various practical leadership games and tasks, the growth in their confidence and self-belief is remarkable. By taking a gradual approach to leadership, students first teach a partner, then a small peer group, and eventually lead full activities.”
The programme includes a wide range of initiatives, from leading PE activities for younger students within the school, such as P3 students, to volunteering in the Community Inclusive Sports Initiative. This partnership with Stewart’s Melville Rugby Football Club welcomes families from across Edinburgh and provides children aged 4-14 with disabilities the opportunity to participate in adapted sessions of hockey, cricket, football, rugby, and athletics.
This award recognises the tremendous effort and dedication of MES students and staff in refining and expanding the Sports Leadership programme to create meaningful opportunities for the wider Edinburgh community. The Centre of Excellence status is a testament to the commitment and teamwork of all involved, and we look forward to seeing the programme continue to grow and thrive.
