Kevin Sinfield CBE Opens New State-Of-The-Art Gym At Top Independent School
Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate, a top independent school in North Yorkshire, has opened a brand-new student gym. The first-class fitness gym provides a space for aspiring student athletes, premiere league teams and students taking their physical education lessons to push themselves to be the best. To launch the opening, QE invited Kevin Sinfield CBE to cut the ribbon, prior to his departure for the latest Running Home for Christmas Challenge in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).
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Kevin Sinfield presenting a signed top to display in the gym. |
The opening of the gym was a momentous occasion for the entire school, with staff and students gathering to celebrate. Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Amy Martin, CEO of QE, welcomed Kevin Sinfield to the school and thanked him for joining despite his preparation for his next charity marathon. Mrs. Martin also praised the Estates Team and everyone involved in the project, emphasising that everything, from design to conception, was completed in-house. This recognition follows closely on the heels of Queen Ethelburga's winning the COMM Landscaping Design Award at the 2024 Northern Design Awards. |
Top Independent School Partners With Eleiko
Queen Ethelburga’s partnered with global strength equipment brand Eleiko to transform the old gym into an inspiring, versatile space designed to accommodate students of all ages and abilities, from beginners to elite athletes.
The refurbishment integrated the school’s existing Eleiko equipment—including Prestera half racks, bars, plates, Vulcano dumbbells, and XF storage—into the upgraded facility, showcasing the durability and adaptability of Eleiko’s products. The gym now features five custom-designed extended double half racks with SVR platforms, providing 10 lifting stations equipped with advanced sound and vibration control. The racks also include integrated Smith machines and custom branding.
To further enhance the gym’s functionality, a Prestera rig for multipurpose training was added, alongside a multi-station cable setup offering lat pulldown, low row, and pulley options.
Eleiko, a global leader in strength equipment and education, supports athletes, students, and facilities at all levels. With over 60 years of expertise, Eleiko’s equipment is trusted in more than 180 countries and is a mainstay at the world’s most prestigious championships and leading training spaces. Committed to quality and innovation, Eleiko designs environments that inspire strength, learning, and performance while meeting the unique needs of its partners.
Students Ask Kevin Sinfield CBE Important Questions
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Rob Rawlinson, Head of Sport, hosted a Q&A session with Kevin Sinfield. Students asked questions about his fundraising efforts and rugby career, including the most rewarding moments of his life and what motivates him to persevere during challenging times. Kevin emphasised the importance of sleep and friendship in maintaining resilience.
Speaking at the opening—18 months after his last visit in 2023 as keynote speaker at QE Speech Day—Kevin Sinfield CBE said:
“It’s great to be back. Every time I enter the school grounds, I just think it’s a really special place. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a gym like this in a school. What a great space for people to come, get better, and improve.”
Rob Rawlinson, Head of Sport, added:
“The Extra Mile offers a new high-performance experience for our budding athletes and adds a new dimension to the sporting programme and facilities available here at Queen Ethelburga’s. We’ve worked hard with Eleiko to produce a functional space for both our younger and older students, while still providing an elite training facility for our Performance Sport Programme students. The new equipment will allow us to deliver an unrivalled strength and conditioning programme within the pathway, comparable to those at professional sports clubs and training facilities.”
Tour the brand-new gym at Queen Ethelburga's next Open Day or book a private tour by contacting Admissions.
