Three young rugby players land in South Africa as part of Scarborough College's global exchange programme
Three students from Scarborough College have made an unforgettable journey as they head to South Africa as part of the school’s expanding global exchange programme.
Scarborough College Year 10 pupils Bailey Bradley and Tom Barber, along with Sixth Form student Will Harding, arrived Johannesburg earlier this week for a six-week exchange at St Stithians College – one of South Africa’s leading educational institutions.
Their visit marks the second exchange to St Stithians this year and forms part of Scarborough College’s broader initiative to provide international opportunities to its pupils.
The exchange programme, now in its second year, has already facilitated visits to top schools such as Whanganui Collegiate in New Zealand and Bishops Diocesan College in Cape Town.
The aim is to offer pupils academic, cultural, and sporting enrichment through international immersion and reciprocal hosting arrangements.
“This is a great opportunity for Bailey and the other students flying to South Africa,” said Bailey’s mother, Amanda Bradley. “What an incredible experience to play rugby overseas at only 15!”
Bailey, a promising rugby player whose skills have been honed at Scarborough RUFC and through the college’s growing sports programme, was recently selected for the Yorkshire Pathway Academy.
His upcoming exchange will further his athletic development while also offering exposure to South Africa’s rich culture and complex history.
While sport is a key focus – building on a similar cricket-focused exchange earlier this year – the programme also emphasises personal growth, cross-cultural understanding, and educational development.
Pupils will live with host families abroad and, in return, welcome exchange students into their own homes when they return to the UK.
The college's global exchange programme is gaining momentum, with more students set to travel in the coming months.
By the start of the summer holidays, the number of pupils involved will reach double figures, including one student scheduled to attend Bishops Diocesan College for the entirety of July and August.
As the college continues to strengthen its global reputation, the exchange to South Africa is another step in its mission to prepare students for life beyond college.