THE new head teacher at a North Yorkshire Catholic boarding school has set out a development plan for the future with a sporting flavour.

David Lambon became the first lay headmaster at Ampleforth College in September this year replacing Fr Gabriel Everitt, who retired after ten years as head.

He says the 2015 action plan is designed to ensure Ampleforth’s areas of strength are conserved with the development of a new outdoor curriculum and facilities including an equestrian sports centre and dance studio.

The new ‘outdoor curriculum’ for 3-18 year olds will feature a forest school - making the most of the school's extensive grounds - and 70 extra-curricular activities. These activities will play a particularly important role for students at weekends.

Mr Lambon, a keen triathlete who has an MBA in School Leadership said: “When I first came to Ampleforth I was struck by the magnificent and huge opportunity we have to help children enjoy a traditional childhood with the space to grow and develop.

"We’ve been committed to a co-educational environment since 2004 and our new dance and equestrian centres will provide boys and particularly girls with opportunities to grow and develop as they appreciate their beautiful surroundings and develop team working and leadership skills, beyond the classroom.”

Fr Wulstan Peterburs, Procurator of Ampleforth who is responsible for the management of the Abbey’s estate said: "Stewardship of creation and appreciating and looking after our surroundings is a core Benedictine value set out over 1,500 years ago, so the Monastic Community wholeheartedly believes that helping future generations enjoy the benefits our surroundings bring is a key part of a Benedictine education."