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St Swithun’s Prep school welcomes new Head of Sport, Kat Shoesmith |
St Swithun’s Prep School is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Head of Sport, Kat Shoesmith, who brings nearly 20 years of teaching expertise across the UK and Malaysia.
Kat undertook her BA (Hons) in Physical Education at the University of Chichester and began her career at Grays Convent High School, an all-girls’ school in Essex, where she spent eight years as Head of Department. She later worked for seven years in Malaysia across two international schools - Garden International School and The Alice Smith School - teaching pupils from Early Years in prep through to Year 13.
Her own sporting background includes competitive gymnastics, regional level rugby at university and, more recently, adult netball in the Southampton Margaret Whittaker League.
Kat’s vision for sport at St Swithun’s Prep is a purposeful and positive culture. “My job is to inspire a generation who love being healthy and active through the medium of sport. I want girls to leave school with the tools and confidence to look after their health and wellbeing long after their school years.”
The new head of sport aims to strengthen the school’s already well-established sports provision. “My goal is a well-rounded curriculum that means girls are exposed to as many activities as possible,” she explains. “This way each student can discover a form of movement they enjoy, helping them build the foundations of a healthy and active life that is sustainable.”
St Swithun’s Prep believes participation in sport has long-term benefits for girls’ futures. Research shows that a significant proportion of female CEOs played sport in their youth (Forbes 2022) and we see sport as an opportunity to strengthen the future projection of each student, with a byproduct of essential life skills such as teamwork and resilience.
Reflecting on her approach to encouraging young girls to play sport, Kat says, “Don’t be afraid of failure – that’s where the magic happens.” She believes that failure is not falling but choosing not to get back up.
Liz Norris, Head of St Swithun’s Prep said, “We are delighted to have Kat championing sport and active wellbeing at St Swithun’s Prep. Her passion to foster a positive sporting culture will enrich each girl’s unique educational journey here.”
Meet Kat and the rest of our staff at our upcoming Prep Open Afternoon on Friday 13 March 2026.
