Bryanston has appointed Robert Butler, an accomplished coach and former national-level player, as its new Head of Tennis, further strengthening the school’s ambition to expand both participation and performance in the sport. Tennis participation in the UK leads the world* and tennis at Bryanston is amongst its most popular sport offerings with around 230 pupils playing regularly and some 80 taking individual lessons throughout the year.
Rob competed at national level, travelling across the UK for tournaments, and represented Dorset County Tennis. He holds a Level 3 coaching qualification and brings extensive experience from Wimborne Tennis Club, where he coached players from beginner through to county, regional and national level, and led county training for Dorset. His track record includes guiding three players onto the national pathway, two of which got into the top ten in the country for their age group.
“I am thrilled to be joining the team at Bryanston as Head of Tennis,” said Rob. “I look forward to developing the school’s tennis programme, making the most of its outstanding facilities, and contributing to the inspiring culture that makes Bryanston such a special place for sport and personal growth.”
Rob’s appointment aligns with Bryanston’s plans to redevelop its riverside courts, along with assistance from the LTA Foundation, The Tim Henman Foundation and former Governor and pupil Mark Laurence. It will install four LTA-standard, floodlit courts to provide a dedicated facility for pupils, year-round access for the local community and a venue for LTA sanctioned tournaments.
Rory McCann, Bryanston’s Director of Sport, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Rob to the team at Bryanston. His outstanding reputation speaks for itself, and we have no doubt that he will further enhance the tennis provision across both the prep and senior schools. The school has pioneered mixed pupil fixtures, reflecting its strong co-educational ethos, and offers specialist performance squads for its elite players. Alongside Bryanston’s world class grass courts and indoor facility, the new riverside courts will be among the finest in the country and allow our pupils to develop their full potential.”
Richard Jones, Head of Bryanston, added: “We are extremely grateful for the help of the LTA, The Tim Henman Foundation and Mark, whose generosity will enable more pupils at Bryanston to benefit from exceptional coaching and first-class facilities, and to forge a lifelong enjoyment of tennis. With few community tennis clubs in Blandford Forum or the surrounding area we also look forward to opening the riverside courts to aspiring tennis players from the local community, who will be able to access the facility using the LTA’s ClubSpark booking and SmartAccess system.”
Categories: Bryanston School School News
