United Learning Minster School thrives from new rowing partnership

The exciting venture sees rowing expand in Lincoln community

In December 2024, British Rowing and United Learning announced a new working partnership with the aim of promoting the physical, social, and mental benefits of rowing to young people. The partnership would also expand access to the sport through the set up of new indoor rowing programmes in over 30 of the trust schools across the country. Within this support included teacher training, indoor rowing school set-up, and the creation of regular virtual and live rowing events.

Lincoln Minster School is one of the trust schools which has thoroughly embraced the partnership with British Rowing thanks to the support of teacher Ryan Thompson. Ryan has been encouraging pupils to compete in regular indoor rowing events, and then helping those young people on a ‘next step’ pathway onto the water through new Learn to Row opportunities in the local area.

The school has already established a strong link with Lincoln Rowing Centre and the University of Lincoln. These new connections will enhance the progression of the student’s abilities and knowledge through rowing on the River Witham. By working with experienced and highly knowledgeable coaches from the club and the University, the school is progressing students through weekly learn-to-row sessions during academic and extra-curricular opportunities. In turn, this has helped many pupils step up and enable them to take on their very first racing opportunities and represent the school and club in a sport they never thought would be possible.

British Rowing Community Development Manager Dan Hetherington said ‘’It’s fantastic to see how the wider project with United Learning has naturally developed into on-water activity.

“This school is one of several involved in the initiative, and its proximity to a local club along with the enthusiasm and commitment from all parties has made it possible to support young people in making that transition.

“This is exactly the kind of progression we hoped to encourage through the partnership, while also supporting the aims of United Learning and helping to grow the sport more widely.”

Head of Community Chris Farrell added, “I am thrilled to see the foundation work that British Rowing’s working partnership has achieved with United Learning this past six months.

“It’s especially nice to see how it has inspired some of the trust schools such as Lincoln Minster to seek further ways for their students from indoor to on the water. It is great that they have been linking with the local club and helping their students fulfil a rowing pathway.

“Lincoln Rowing Centre and the university club provide a real beacon for the sport, helping promote opportunities to help as many local people come and try rowing for the first time through Learn to Row opportunities, as well as encompass United Learning’s mission to bring out ‘the best in everyone.”

The School has encapsulated exactly what rowing means to so many people; being part of a fun, exciting and healthy community. It is very exciting to see these local relationships form and we are looking forward to seeing the next step progress in the coming months and years ahead!

If you’re inspired to give rowing a go. Why don’t you check out where your nearest Learn to Row course is by heading to the British Rowing Learn to Row booking system.