From Elite Athlete to Head of Sport
An interview with Emily Lord, West Buckland School’s new Head of Sport
Tell us about your sporting background. Where did it all begin?
I come from a very sporty family, so being active was always a huge part of my upbringing. I started playing netball at a young age and was fortunate to be selected for England at just 17. I went on to play at England and Super League level until I was 22. Unfortunately, after a number of injuries and surgeries, I had to step away from the sport at that level.
Following my playing career, I was given the opportunity to begin coaching at Truro and Penwith College. Coaching gave me the same sense of fulfilment and passion that playing once had, and that’s what inspired me to pursue a career in education.
I completed my PGCE part‑time so that I could continue coaching alongside my studies. After qualifying, I secured a full‑time teaching role at the college, which allowed me to combine my love of sport with teaching.
What experiences have most shaped your approach as a sports leader?
My journey through sport has had the biggest influence. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be coached and mentored by some outstanding people, and I’ve seen first‑hand the powerful, transferable skills that sport develops. I’ve also witnessed how sport can positively change lives across a wide range of disciplines.
More recently, working with the Rugby Players Association gave me valuable insight into professional sporting environments. It strengthened my ability to build drive, focus and vision, all of which I bring into my work every day.
Before that, as Head of Sports Academies at Truro and Penwith College, I managed a large number of staff and students. Creating competitive and developmental opportunities for young people developed my leadership, organisation and people‑management skills. Altogether, my journey from player to coach and leader has shaped my ethos around achievement in sport and reinforced just how transformative it can be.
How would you describe your philosophy in sport and education?
My Philosophy in anything I’ve ever done has been driven by honesty. I strive to work alongside a highly capable sports department to develop confident, respectful and resilient young people through inclusive participation and high‑quality competition.
I value effort, growth and teamwork just as much as results, and I’m passionate about creating opportunities where every student can succeed, contribute and lead.
What role should sport play in daily life at West Buckland School?
Sport should sit at the heart of daily school life, whether through competitive fixtures, inclusive house events or recreational opportunities. It teaches resilience and teamwork, strengthens community through shared experiences, supports wellbeing by balancing academic demands, and develops leadership by encouraging students to take ownership and responsibility.
Crucially, it also allows for both broad participation and high performance, ensuring there is something for everyone.
How do you balance performance, participation and enjoyment?
The balance comes from being clear about when each one takes priority. Trying to give all three equal weight at all times rarely works in practice.
At West Buckland, participation underpins everything. From there, we create positive, appropriately challenging environments that drive enjoyment and connection to sport. Alongside this, we provide clear, aspirational pathways for those pursuing higher performance, with increased expectation and support.
Being intentional about these priorities allows us to be inclusive, motivating and capable of developing both lifelong participation and high‑level achievement.
How do you define success in school sport?
Success isn’t measured solely by trophies. It’s reflected in the culture we create and the impact we have on every pupil.
High participation levels, genuine enjoyment, personal growth, pride in representing the school, strong relationships and positive conduct all signal success. While strong performance matters and we absolutely strive for it, our real measure of success is how many students are engaged, how much they develop, and whether they leave with a lifelong love of sport and the character to thrive beyond school.
What are your priorities as you begin your role at West Buckland?
I’m delighted to be joining at this point in the term. There is already a strong structure in place, and my initial priority is to listen, learn and observe how the programme operates day to day.
In the early stages, I want to understand the culture, the pupils and what is already working well before making any significant changes. From there, I’m keen to shape a shared vision for sport built around four key pillars: participation, engagement, enjoyment and progression.
Ultimately, my aim is to ensure every student, regardless of ability or experience, can find their place in sport, feel part of the school community and develop both as a performer and as a person.
What impact does sport have on student wellbeing?
Sport plays a vital role in wellbeing, confidence and resilience. It places students in authentic situations where they learn to handle success, failure and challenge in a safe, structured environment.
When participation is genuinely accessible, sport becomes one of the most powerful tools for developing a young person’s sense of self. It builds belonging and routine, confidence through earned progress, and resilience through exposure to challenge. You don’t have to be the best to gain these benefits every student can grow from sport.
What excites you most about working with West Buckland students?
West Buckland students embrace challenge and show a real willingness to get involved. Supporting their progress not just athletically, but in confidence, teamwork and resilience is incredibly rewarding.
The school’s outstanding facilities allow us to deliver a broad, ambitious programme while nurturing high performance. Combined with the strong sense of community, it’s a hugely inspiring environment to work in.
How does sport help build the wider school community?
Sport brings people together in a way few other areas can. It creates shared experiences for students, parents, staff and alumni.
Regular fixtures, events and festivals strengthen connections, while inviting alumni back for coaching, mentoring or fixtures reinforces tradition and identity. A strong sports programme doesn’t just develop individuals; it helps create a vibrant, inclusive school culture.
What do you hope students leave West Buckland School with?
More than technical ability, I want students to leave with enjoyment of physical activity that stays with them for life. I hope they develop resilience, commitment, discipline, teamwork and leadership, along with respect for others and confidence in themselves.
If students leave willing to challenge themselves, support others and take pride in their journey, then their sporting experience has been a success.
What are you most looking forward to in your first term?
The summer term has great energy. With cricket, athletics and tennis in full swing, it’s a fantastic time to see students thrive.
I’m excited to be visible on the fields and courts, supporting fixtures and building an inclusive, high‑standard culture. Sports days, tournaments and community events provide wonderful moments to bring everyone together, and I’m very much looking forward to being part of that.