This year we have been delighted to welcome Mr Tyler Ward as our new Director of Sport. Since September he has already showcased his infectious enthusiasm for sport (including getting stuck into our Staff vs Parents Unihoc League!). We sat down with him to discuss his journey, his vision for the Knightsbridge School Sports Department, and why he thinks F1 is much more than just “driving in circles.”
Meet Mr Tyler Ward, Our New Director of Sport
Posted: 6th February 2026
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your sporting journey and what drew you to a career in sports teaching?
I’ve always been what you might call an ‘avid’ sports lover. Whether it’s watching, playing or coaching, sport has often been at the centre of my life. The transition into teaching felt like a natural evolution. There is a unique magic in seeing a student finally master a skill they’ve been struggling with, or watching a team find their rhythm. I wanted to turn my personal passion into a platform to inspire the next generation to find their own ‘why’ within sport.
Q: What is your core philosophy regarding school sports?
A holistic education is very important to me. It mirrors my own educational journey, where the focus has always been on developing the whole person, both in the classroom, on the sports field, and generally. I am a firm believer in the importance of grassroots sport. At a young age, it shouldn’t be about hyper-specialisation. My philosophy first centers on exploration – trying as many different sports as possible. When students experience a variety of disciplines, they don’t just find what they’re good at; they build a diverse ‘sporting vocabulary’ that they can finetune as they grow, and hopefully serve them for life.
Q: Why do you feel it’s so important that students involve themselves in sports at school?
Sport is a lifelong gift. It’s a rare vehicle that simultaneously addresses the social, mental, and physical aspects of development. Beyond the fitness benefits, it’s about camaraderie, teamwork, rivalry – the bonds formed in the heat of a match are often the ones that last a lifetime. It teaches resilience and problem-solving in a way a textbook may not be able to.
Q: In your view, what role should school sport play in a student’s overall academic and personal development?
Athletics and academics are two sides of the same coin. The discipline required to improve a personal best or the strategic thinking needed on a pitch translates directly to the classroom. Sports provides a safe environment to fail, learn, and grow, which is essential for building a well-rounded character.
Q: Do you have any goals or plans you are excited to bring to the department?
I am incredibly excited to collaborate with our talented sports team and the wider staff. Along with this, my primary goal is to get to know every student and find what motivates them individually. I want to build and grow a culture of sporting passion where every child, regardless of their starting ability, feels empowered to get involved and stay active, with an opportunity to try a range of sports we are able to offer here at KS. Fostering inclusivity and excellence, ensuring that every student, regardless of ability, has the chance to participate and succeed.
Q: What is your favorite sport to play and watch?
I still play competitive league hockey and cricket. I love hockey for its fast-paced, high-intensity nature. It’s a true team sport. Cricket, on the other hand, is amazing because of the continuous variables in every moment of every match. It’s a fascinating mix of individual battles and collective strategy. Cricket perfectly balances intense physical skill with deep mental strategy, making it a thrilling spectacle because it is a team sport that still places immense responsibility on the individual player, demanding accountability and courage.
As for watching, I’m a huge Formula 1 fan. People often underestimate it, but there is so much more than meets the eye. It’s super technical, always evolving, and the intricacies of strategy and engineering are just mind-blowing. F1 is the ultimate, high-stakes blend of extreme human athleticism, cutting-edge engineering, and global drama. It is not just about driving cars in a circle; it is a year-long, worldwide competition where the best drivers on the planet push machines to the absolute limit.
Q: Who is your sporting hero?
Lewis Hamilton is certainly one of them. Not just for his records on the track, but for how he uses his platform for good. He’s overcome immense adversity in his career and consistently uses his voice to advocate for change, showing that being a champion is about more than just trophies.
Q: What is one thing you hope all students take away from their sports lessons?
Above all else? Enjoyment. I want them to remember the fun and the fulfillment that sport can bring. If they leave my sessions with a smile and a desire to keep playing, then I will too.
Want to learn more about sports at KS? Explore the incredible spaces and facilities we use for sports lessons here.
