Glenalmond Schools Group has appointed Pauline Stott MBE, double Olympian and former Great Britain and Scotland hockey captain, as International Director of Sport across Glenalmond College and Craigclowan Preparatory School.

Jenny Davey, Warden of Glenalmond College, said: “Wherever you are in the world, the very best schools are people places, and that means having the very best teachers: those with a true vocation, who love their subject and want to share that love with children and young people. Those teachers are gold dust and transform lives. Pauline is one of those teachers. Her passion for the sport is equalled only by her ability to inspire the pupils she works with, and I am delighted that she has accepted this role.”

Pauline played hockey at international level for 12 years, captaining Scotland for seven years, winning 123 caps, and earning 80 caps for Great Britain. She competed at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games and captained the Great Britain team at Sydney 2000. In 2016, Pauline was awarded an MBE for services to hockey. She brings more than 30 years of experience in business and high-performance sport.

Pauline said: “I am thrilled to have this incredible opportunity to be part of the Glenalmond College team. Knowing the staff, the exceptional facilities, and the passion of everyone at Glenalmond to take our sports programmes forward made this an opportunity not to be missed.

“Glenalmond's ethos closely aligns with my own view of sport. There is something for all pupils to engage with, to enjoy, and to help them be healthy. Not everyone is going to be an Olympic athlete, but if pupils aspire to be one then we have the skills and experience to support them to get there. Equally, not every child wants to play sport, and we'll work hard to make it as enjoyable as possible so they want to be there.”

Beginning next week, Pauline will lead the Group's sports strategy. She will head the hockey programme at Glenalmond College, oversee the school's partnership with Chelsea FC, and lead tours and trips. Working alongside Paul Wilkinson, Glenalmond College’s Director of Sport, Pauline will ensure that every pupil is supported to enjoy sport, achieve their goals and take their ability to the next level, with a focus on each pupil's wellbeing and a balance of academic rigour and sporting ambition.

Pauline added: "I am looking forward to bringing people into the school who may not have Glenalmond on their radar so they can see the quality of our offer, from our coaching to our support in strength and conditioning, sports psychology, physiotherapy and nutrition.

“The drop-off in female sport is a real concern. We have to understand why girls lose motivation at certain ages and put things in place to help them stay involved, and having a female role model will support with this.”

In a further development, Marcus Holden will continue to lead rugby with an enhanced remit as International Head of Rugby. He will oversee rugby across Glenalmond College and Craigclowan Preparatory School, as well as leading new international partnerships.