You can compete in Track and Field (T&F) or Cross Country (XC) with the Athletics programme at QE.
Outside of the curriculum, we encourage you to join Track and Field Running Clubs and take part in Athletics during lunchtime or after-school.
As part of our annual athletics itinerary, we host and compete against local schools. Students also participate in the English Schools Athletics Association (ESAA) Track and Field Cup, Harrogate and Craven Athletic Clubs events and the ISA Championships.
Previously, athletes at Queen Ethelburga's have represented county, England North, England Juniors and Great Britain Juniors. Post-QE athletes have gone on to represent Great Britain Seniors and England Senior teams.
The athletics facilities at QE are of the highest standard and include an all-weather floodlit track, four long jump pits and high jump and throwing areas.
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PartnershipsQE has close links with England Athletics (EA), hosting EA events and allowing students to train with elite athletes or receive specialist coaching. Queen Ethelburga's also has close links to the City of York Athletic Club, where talented students have the opportunity to compete in team and other individual competitions.
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Meet The Coach
Paul Daynes – QE Athletics Coach (Also Sprints & Hurdles Coach at City of York Athletics Club)
Paul Daynes is a highly experienced athletics coach specialising in sprints and hurdles. He holds an Event Group Coach qualification in Sprints & Hurdles (formerly Level 3) and has been coaching since 2012. Paul has attended numerous coaching seminars organised by England Athletics, UK Athletics, and European Athletics, continuously enhancing his expertise. He has worked with athletes on the England Athletics Youth Talent Programme and the UK Athletics Futures Programme, supporting their development at the highest levels.
Throughout his coaching career, Paul has guided multiple athletes to national success, coaching champions across various age groups. His athletes have secured titles at England Athletics Championships, English Schools events, and international competitions, including the SIAB International. In 2025, one of his athletes was selected for the UK Athletics Futures 400m Relay Training Group, further showcasing his ability to develop top-tier talent. In addition to coaching national champions, he has also worked with numerous medallists at regional and county levels.
Paul's coaching philosophy is centred on individual athlete development, ensuring training is engaging, varied, and aligned with their goals. He prioritises technique, communication, and structured planning to optimise performance at the right time. With a background in coaching hockey and football, he integrates insights from multiple sports, remaining adaptable to new methodologies that enhance athlete progression. His commitment to excellence and innovation continues to shape successful athletes on the track.
