Rendcomb College brings horseracingg to the curriculum

Rendcomb College, the leading co-educational day and boarding school in Gloucestershire, is to bring horseracing into the classroom through an association with Andoversford Races and a local trainer.

Rendcomb, which caters for children aged from 3 to 18, aims to cement its place as a school for parents seeking an all-round rural education. The school will become a Partner of Andoversford Races, supporting the two fixtures at the course on consecutive Sundays April 8^th and 15^th. In addition, parents and children recently undertook an educational visit to trainer Graeme McPherson at his successful yard near Stow-on-the Wold.

“We’re delighted to welcome this partnership which reflects the significant contribution Jump racing makes to the rural economy here in Gloucestershire,” commented Race Committee Chairman Peter McNeile. “Racing plays a very special part in the county’s sporting and social culture, and this extends far beyond the world’s leading Jumps course at Cheltenham and into the grass roots of the sport at places like Andoversford. This acknowledgement of the sport’s place in the local community is both gratifying, a great creative stimulus to the students, and a wonderful social occasion for current and prospective parents as well as Rendcomb alumni.”

Graeme McPherson, who hosted a visit from parents and students just before the Cheltenham Festival added “Racing has an important part to play in educating young people of the employment opportunities that exist beyond the school room. I juggle this role with work as a QC; the workplace nowadays is not always a one-role task. Illustrating the diversity of ways in which to earn a living will help prepare our youth of today for their future in the workplace and I welcome it.”

Rebecca Grant-Jones, Marketing Director for Rendcomb College, added, “We’re all looking forward to the yard visit and to the races too. Rendcomb sits firmly amidst this community and it makes good sense for us to use this both socially and as a tool of wider learning. Andoversford is best of class in the Point-to-Point sector, and the Grand Annual Chase meeting just goes from strength to strength. We can’t wait!”