The average Year Nine pupil in an English boarding school spends 175 minutes a week on Maths. And about the same on English. This is a total of 350 minutes a week on what are generally regarded as the two most important academic subjects. Combined.

The same pupil spends an average of 400 minutes on compulsory PE and Games. Regardless of ability, aptitude or enthusiasm. It would be reasonable to assume from these figures that there is an important and undeniable benefit to all pupils from this level of participation. So what is it?

For...

Competition is what sporting contests are founded on. Yet after thousands of years, the concept still sits uncomfortably, especially in schools. Few schools are genuinely comfortable answering the fundamental question, "How Important is Winning?" Everyone wants to win, though those who are really driven by it are reluctant to confess this dark urge in civilised company. And even winning isn't enough. Some winning is better than others. Winning through adventurous, expressive, attacking play is somehow more worthy than just winning. Winning through breathtaking, skilled performance attracts more adulation than risk free, efficient triumphs. It can't all be the product...

For many schools the time of year of Sports Scholarship Assessments is fast approaching. Some schools still conduct testing alongside other longer established scholarships, which HMC rules confine to February. Sports Awards slipped in under the radar, and don't seem to be bound by any rules, so creep earlier as schools try to steal a march on their competitors. Maybe it's time for an American style Draft System.

A lot of time, effort and money goes into these programmes. It is curious therefore, how little attention is given to developing the selection process. Identifying talent in sport...