Andrew Barnes, appointed Sports Head for St Benedict’s Prep and College, shares his vision for 2026 in his newly appointed role.
St Benedict’s College is celebrating a significant milestone after consistently being ranked among the top 40 sports schools in South Africa, a recognition that speaks to the school’s long-standing commitment to sporting excellence. This achievement reflects years of hard work from athletes, coaches, staff, and the wider Bennies community, all of whom contribute to a culture where performance, dedication, and school pride thrive.
With this latest accolade, St Benedict’s is proud of how far its sports programme has come — yet remains firmly focused on going even further. Andrew Barnes, newly appointed as Whole School Head of Sport after previously serving as College Head of Sport and Head of Rugby, is poised to lead that next phase. Under his guidance, St Benedict’s aims to continue climbing the ranks of South Africa’s best sporting schools, strengthening its reputation as a competitive and high-performing sporting institution.
Barnes brings not only leadership experience but also a powerful athletic pedigree. His personal background as an international track athlete gives him first-hand understanding of elite sporting performance — from technical precision and conditioning to mindset, discipline, and the realities of high-level competition. This insight will shape the school’s evolving approach to sport, ensuring that performance pathways and coaching structures reflect modern, research-based best practice.
Having already made a significant impact within the College, Barnes now looks to enhance alignment between the Preparatory and College phases, refine talent development systems, and expand opportunities for athletes across all sporting codes. His holistic approach prioritises both excellence and character, building athletes who are competitive, confident, and well-rounded.
Breaking into the top 40 marks an exciting chapter for Bennies — and with renewed vision and leadership, St Benedict’s is determined to rise even further among South Africa’s sporting elite.
