Tennis at Lancing
Tennis at Lancing College is a thriving, inclusive, and performance‑driven programme designed to inspire every player, from beginners discovering the sport to high performance athletes competing at county and national level. Set in the heart of our exceptional facilities, our 20 courts overlook the stunning South Downs National Park and provide an inspiring backdrop for training and competition alike.
At Lancing, we focus on developing confident, resilient, and motivated players. Whether through group coaching, private lessons, competitive match play, or overseas tennis tours, students are supported as individuals, encouraging them to set goals, find balance in their academic and sporting commitments, and make the most of every opportunity.
%
Fixtures per year
Competitive Teams
LTA Qualified Tennis Coaches
Tennis Courts
Our Philosophy
In everything we do, we focus on students as individuals. We aim to support each player in:
- Setting and achieving personal goals
- Managing academic, sporting, and extracurricular commitments
- Developing confidence, leadership, and resilience
- Making the most of their time at Lancing—on and off the court
Our coaching culture prioritises enjoyment, improvement, and character development, ensuring every student feels valued and encouraged.
Competitive Tennis & Achievements
Lancing teams compete throughout the year in a range of LTA and school competitions. Fixtures are an important part of tennis life at Lancing, offering students valuable match play experience whilst representing their school.
Their successes reflect the strength, depth, and commitment of our players and coaching staff.
2026, Recent Achievements
- U18 Boys Independent Schools Sussex League Plate Winners – 2026, 2025, 2024
- U18 Girls Independent Schools Sussex League Finalists –
2026, 2025, 2024 - U18 Girls Finalists at the Sussex Schools Championships – 2026
- U16 Boys Independent Schools Sussex League Winners – 2025, 2024
- U16 Boys County Champions – 2022, 2021
- U16 Girls Independent Schools Sussex League Winners – 2019
- U15 Boys Year 9 & 10 Div 2 League Winners – 2025, 2024
- U15 Girls Year 9 & 10 Div 2 Regional Finalists – 2022
- U15 Girls County Champions – 2023, 2018
- U14 Girls County Finalists – 2023
Competitions Entered
- LTA Year 9 & 10 League
- LTA Year 11–13 League
- National Aberdare Cup (Girls)
- National Glanville Cup (Boys)
- Sussex County Championships, U14, U15, U16, U18
- Summer Term Block Fixtures – every Saturday
- Midweek League Matches – throughout the Summer Term
- Play Your Way to Wimbledon – U14 Singles, U18 Doubles
Private Tennis Lessons
Private lessons are available all year round from 2-8pm. Once allocated, a student’s coach and time slot remain fixed for the duration of the term to allow for continuity.
Lessons can be booked as private 1:1 or as shared lessons 2:1 and charged to students end of term bill. Written consent is always needed from a parent or guardian before lessons can be booked.
Scholarships
Students demonstrating a high standard of tennis may apply for a Sports Scholarship in Third Form and Lower Sixth Form. Scholars receive additional support, coaching, and access to targeted athlete development opportunities to help them achieve their potential. This includes:
- Mentoring from Head of Tennis, Siobhan Airey
- Access to on-site training facilities throughout the year including tennis courts, gym and swimming pool.
- Weekly Strength & Conditioning sessions with Head of Athletic Development, Martin Footman, and if in the Sixth Form, twice a week strength & conditioning including the possibility of 1:1 sessions.
- Specialist workshops covering:
- Sports Science
- Sports Psychology
- Leadership Initiatives
- Lifestyle and Performance Management
Overseas Tennis Tour
Lancing runs a biannual overseas tennis training camp during the Easter holidays, travelling to renowned tennis destinations in Croatia and Cyprus. These camps are designed for both performance players and developing intermediates, providing high‑quality training and preparation for the competitive summer term.
Tennis Events at Lancing College
We host a vibrant calendar of tennis events each year, celebrating participation, competition, and community, most of which come to fruition in the Summer Term:
- U11 & U13 Prep School Tennis Tournaments – last year saw over 130 students competing across our 20 outdoor courts
- Independent Schools Sussex League U16 & U18 Championships – organised by Lancing College and co-hosted by Sussex schools
- LTA Road to Wimbledon (U14 & U18) – offering pathways to regional finals in both singles and doubles
- Intra-school House Competitions – competitive and highly spirited
- Annual Junior & Senior Mixed Doubles Tournament – A beloved event combining fancy dress with outstanding sportsmanship and a lot of fun!
The Coaching Team
Siobhan Airey
Head of Tennis
Siobhan leads the tennis programme at Lancing College and is an experienced member of the academic PE Department, teaching both GCSE and BTEC Sport. A Sport and Exercise Science graduate from Loughborough University, she brings strong technical and pastoral expertise, supported by seven years as an Assistant Housemistress.
A former Kent player who trained at Park Langley Tennis Club and Bromley Tennis Academy, Siobhan competed across Europe, shaping her performance‑led coaching approach. She works closely with Sport Psychologists and mentors students from Third Form to Upper Sixth, supporting both their sporting and academic development.
Favourite tennis quote: “Control the controllables.”
Adam Baldwin
Head Tennis Coach
Adam is an LTA Level 4 coach with more than 30 years’ experience coaching across the UK and Europe. A former Shropshire Junior and current Senior County player, he blends deep technical knowledge with active competitive experience, recently winning a Senior ITF event in Spain.
He has managed tennis centres internationally and coached players at every level, providing clear pathways for development. Adam’s sessions are focused, positive, and performance‑driven, and he also offers a professional racket re‑stringing service for students.
Favourite tennis quote: “It’s never a break, until you hold your own serve”
Luke Grantham
Tennis Coach
Luke is an LTA Level 4 Coach with 19 years of coaching experience across the UK and Europe. A former Lincolnshire county player, he brings first‑hand competitive insight alongside technical expertise.
He has led coaching teams at several established UK clubs and created structured development programmes for players of all ages. Known for his excellent communication and player‑centred approach, Luke delivers sessions that are engaging, confidence‑building, and tailored to each athlete’s needs.
“Tennis is mostly mental. You win or lose the match before you even go out there.” – Serena Williams
Patrick Armstrong
Tennis Coach
Patrick is Head Coach at Cuckfield Lawn Tennis Club and a highly accomplished former elite player, representing the University of Birmingham’s 1st team for three consecutive years. With a degree in Sports Science, he brings strong technical understanding and competitive awareness to his coaching.
His experience spans leading roles at David Lloyd, Edgbaston Priory, and international coaching with Mark Warner. Patrick’s sessions are dynamic, engaging, and carefully tailored to help players progress with confidence at every stage.
Kerry Adams
Tennis Coach
Kerry is a Level 3 coach with more than 10 years of experience working with players of all ages and abilities. His coaching career includes valuable international experience in New Zealand, giving him a broad perspective on player development across different cultures and environments.
Kerry is known for his positive communication and supportive style, with sessions that build technical foundations, tactical awareness, and match‑play confidence. He is committed to helping every player improve, enjoy their tennis, and reach their potential.
Rob Jones
Tennis Coach
Rob is an experienced tennis coach and active Essex Leagues competitor, holding LTA Level 3 and PTR qualifications. He has spent many years developing strong junior programmes at Horsted Keynes LTC, guiding players from their first sessions on court to those working towards LTA rankings.
His clarity, enthusiasm, and highly professional approach have supported hundreds of players in building skill, confidence, and enjoyment of the game. Rob also brings strong organisational and analytical strengths from his previous career as a Financial City Analyst, ensuring a structured, reliable coaching experience.
Tennis Provision and Weekly Coaching
Tennis runs all year round, delivered by our experienced coaching team.
Our coaching structure ensures that students of every ability have opportunities to train, improve, and enjoy the sport in close proximity to their boarding houses and classrooms.
- 20 outdoor courts – six grass, six hard, eight Astros
- Indoor access offsite – through our links with West Worthing Tennis Club
- Indoor Tennis Pavilion – for meetings, analysis sessions, and mentoring
Some of our Success Stories
Olivia M
Sankey’s House, 2024-Current
Benjamin A
Teme House, 2023-current (LPH)
Sussex County Player
Coco M
Field’s House 2023-current (LPH)
Sussex County Player
Jacob T
Head’s House 2023-current (LPH)
Sussex County Player
Amelia P
Saints’ House 2022-Current (LPH)
Logan B
Saints’ House 2022-Current (LPW)
Sussex County Player
George Harris
Saints’ House, 2020-2025
Sussex County Player
William Taunton
Teme House, 2019-2022 (LPW)
Sussex County Player
Isabella Hope
Manor House, 2018-2023
Sussex County Player
Bristol University Women’s 1st Team
George Naunton
Second’s House 2017-2022 (LPW)
Sussex County Player
Cardiff University Men’s 1st Team
Tiana Fox
Sankey’s House 2016-2019
Sussex County Player
Junior GB Winner of Nationals
McNesse State
Saint Mary’s College of California
Jayden Hobbs
Head’s House, 2019-2022 (LPH)
Sussex County Player
Winner of the LTA Regional Tennis Young Person of the Year Award 2022
Leeds Beckett University Men’s Team
“The College’s Tennis Club was an enjoyable group to be a part of, with plenty of pupils getting involved in the sport at every level. The school has been great at providing support for my tennis, offering on-court sessions alongside a specific fitness regime. I was involved in the strength and conditioning programme that the school offers alongside all other sports. The College also supported me when I needed to train outside of school, whilst helping gauge a balance between work and tennis.”
George Naunton, OL