St Bees School is proud to announce the launch of fencing as an exciting new sport for its students with an Olympian helping them start.

The school welcomed Beth Cranston-Selby, a Team GB Olympian and fencing champion, who led an inspiring and energetic training session for six members of staff.

“Introducing fencing to St Bees School is a phenomenal step forward for us and for sport in West Cumbria,” said Mr Simpson, Lead PE Teacher and Director of Pastoral at St Bees School.

“It’s a sport that naturally develops confidence, resilience, and creativity, qualities we nurture every day in our students.

“It also embodies our school virtue of fortitude: having the courage and determination to face challenges and persevere.”

The session was organised through British Fencing’s Forging Fencing Futures programme, which has made St Bees an affiliated partner of British Fencing, a first for West Cumbria.

These newly trained staff members are now ready to introduce the thrilling art and discipline of fencing to the entire school community of just under 100 students.

This marks a unique milestone for West Cumbria, as St Bees becomes one of the only schools in the region offering fencing as part of its sports programme.

The addition reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to providing students with exceptional, diverse, and world-class opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom.

The training session covered essential elements such as footwork, bladework, safety, and coaching principles.

Beth’s enthusiasm and expertise left a lasting impression on staff, who are now eager to pass on this elegant and strategic Olympic sport to their students.

Fencing’s emphasis on precision, composure, and respect aligns perfectly with the school’s vision to develop the next generation of global leaders.

Through its fusion of East and West, St Bees balances academic excellence (IQ) with character development (EQ).

Nurturing virtues such as compassion, fortitude, and integrity to help students thrive in every arena, both now and in the future.

The school will begin delivering fencing sessions to students in the coming weeks, with plans to expand into competitions and regional events in the future.

St Bees continues to push boundaries, ensuring every student has access to extraordinary opportunities that nurture confidence, character, and curiosity, and now, perhaps, a few champions in the making.