About

Meet the Sports School Team

Since 1993, PE teacher Roddy Mackay and his dedicated team of coaches and teachers have been providing safe, fun, and inspiring childcare during the school holidays. Sport School is a leading holiday club and multi-sports camp in Newcastle upon Tyne, providing fun, safe, and active school holiday programmes for children aged 5–14. Our team of qualified PE teachers and experienced coachesdeliver high-energy sessions across top venues, including Newcastle High School for Girls, Jesmond Park Academy, Longbenton High School, John Spence Community High School, and Royal Grammar School. Children enjoy a wide range of sports, team games, fitness activities, and outdoor challenges, helping them build confidence, teamwork, and physical skills while having a blast. We offer flexible full-day and week long holiday childcare, making us a trusted choice for working parents across Newcastle. Whether you’re searching for a school holiday sports camp, a multi-sports holiday club, or active childcare in Newcastle, Sport School keeps every child engaged, healthy, and happy throughout the holidays.

Our holiday clubs are recognised for their outstanding level of childcare, consistently highlighted during annual Ofsted visits.

Roddy Mackay BSc Hons. ILAM.

Director of Sports School

Sports teacher and director of gymnastics at the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle.
Ex-International Gymnast
Ex-GB Freestyle Skydive Champion
National & International Gladiators Contestant & Trainer
Television Health & Safety Consultant

Roddy leads a team of highly motivated childcare professionals, including teachers and sports coaches who are fully DBS-checked. Many staff have worked with Sports School for years, bringing experience, dedication, and passion to every session.

We also offer work experience opportunities for students studying childcare, teaching, or sports at GCSE, A-Level, and University. These students assist our teaching staff, gaining valuable skills while contributing to our vibrant, supportive environment.

Each Sports School site is managed by an experienced teacher who has been part of our team for many years, ensuring every session runs smoothly and every child receives the care and attention they deserve.

At Sports School, we don’t just provide childcare—we provide an experience that builds confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong love of activity.

Sports School: Jesmond Park Academy registration setting reference number: EY483982

Sports School: Newcastle High School for Girls setting reference number: 2644460

Sports School: John Spence Community High School setting reference number: EY2801858

Extract from Ofsted Report

Jesmond Park Academy

“Sports School provision is well organised to meet the children’s needs and provide a good range of interesting and stimulating activities. Staff are regularly briefed about important issues to ensure children are well cared for. There is induction training for staff, at the beginning of the holiday programme, which informs them about safety, managing behaviour and organising activities.”

Newcastle High School for Girls

“The provision you provide is of a high quality, and both the staff and children are safe and happy. The structured programme provides something for everyone. Well done.”

Staff

(Roddy & his two sons)

They grow up so quickly

NOTE: Prior to the course start date our courses are always full, so please book earlier in order to secure your preferred weeks and assist our team with the planning of courses.

Session timings: 10.00am-4.00pm. For an early drop off and late pick up, wrap around care is available between 8.30am-10.00am and 4.00pm-5.25pm

Sports School partners

LD Mountain Centre: http://www.ldmountaincentre.com

Sports Club Newcastle Gymnastics and Cheerleading club: http://www.sportsclubnewcastle.co.uk

Maths & English Camps: http://www.mathsandenglishcamps.co.uk

Raring to Go magazine: https://raring2go.co.uk/2026/04/sport-schools-now-in-5-superb-venues/

Wave paddle boards: https://wavesupboards.com/en-gb

Wave hot tubs: https://wavespas.com

Royal Grammar School: https:https://www.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk

Newcastle High School for Girls: https://newcastlehigh.gdst.net

Jesmond Park Academy: https://www.jesmondparkacademy.org.uk

John Spence Community High School: https://www.johnspence.org.uk

Longbenton High School: https://longbenton.org.uk

Lilly Brew Cafe Jesmond: https://lilybrew.co.uk/

Batch Cafe Jesmond: https://batch-jesmond.square.site/

Personal training Joe Fishburn: https://www.jf-coaching.co.uk/personal-training

“Hi Roddy and team, Thank you so for much for looking after my two last week. They had a wonderful time, made new friends and you guys were so caring with them. See you in the Summer.”