St Leonards Climbing Club – Training, Competition and Progress

2 April 2026

Climbing Club has been busy throughout the Spring Term, with 21 pupils taking part in weekly sessions at AVertical World in Dundee. Each Wednesday, pupils work with instructors on bouldering problems, developing technique and confidence. Some are now learning to lead climb, while others continue on the top rope, building skills in communication, teamwork and trust. A group of Year 7 pupils has also started working towards their NICAS Level 1 awards.

These sessions are supported by staff alongside instructors at AVertical World. The club is led by Ms Sherwood from the Geography department, with Mrs White driving the minibus each week and supporting pupils at the wall, and Mrs Struck from Maths also involved in sessions while taking on a few routes herself.

Competitions and achievements

Alongside weekly sessions, pupils have taken part in a number of events this term, including the Dundee Mountain Film Festival, and are now looking ahead to outdoor climbing on real rock in the Summer Term.

On Thursday, 26 March, a group of 10 pupils competed in the Morrison’s Academy Climbing Competition, where around 80 competitors tackled a series of climbing problems across different age categories. Pupils had two attempts at each problem, with points awarded for successful climbs and a tie-breaker used where needed.

St Leonards was represented by Will B, Emil Z, Maksym S, Hannah C, Murray H-S, Islay C, Ewan W, Marisa G, Isla F and Kitty F. The group included both experienced climbers and pupils competing for the first time. Will B won the Year 13 category with the highest overall score, while Ewan W placed second in his category following a closely contested tie-breaker. Congratulations to both on this excellent result.

Ewan W has made particularly strong progress this term. Alongside his competition result, he was selected to join a competition climbing squad at AVertical World and now trains weekly with Scottish champion Niamh Doran, focusing on technique, lead climbing and bouldering in preparation for national competitions. In February, he placed first in the youth category at an open competition at AVertical World in Dundee.

Looking ahead

It has been a strong term for the Climbing Club, with a committed group of pupils making the most of each session. We look forward to seeing them take on new challenges outdoors in the Summer Term.