An Education Like No Other

At Westbourne School, we take great pride in celebrating the achievements of our pupils, both in and out of the classroom. Our Pupil Spotlight shines on Taj and Ibraheem, twin brothers in Junior School who have made remarkable strides in the world of tennis.

A Passion for Tennis from an Early Age

Taj and Ibraheem’s tennis journey began at just three years old, playing with Jonathan Wragg. Their enthusiasm only grew as they joined holiday camps and after-school clubs, eventually training with Sam Salt and NexGen, where their love for the sport flourished.

What Tennis Means to Them

For Taj, the thrill of winning tournaments brings him joy. “Winning tennis tournaments makes me happy. It’s made me competitive and passionate to do my best.” Meanwhile, Ibraheem values the chance to learn from his mistakes. “In tennis, if I make a mistake, I get another chance. In games like cricket, if I get caught out, the game is over.”

Notable Achievements

Both boys have already accomplished impressive milestones in their young careers:

• Taj has earned a place in a Grade 1 National Tournament, a significant achievement in junior tennis.
• Ibraheem represented Yorkshire in the County Cup 9U, winning in the qualifiers and now preparing for the finals.

Striking the Right Balance

Balancing training, competitions, and schoolwork can be a challenge, but as the boys humorously admit, “We don’t – our mum does!” Their dedication extends beyond tennis, excelling in Islamic studies, karate (training for their black belt), swimming, and their school work.

Values Beyond the Court

Tennis has taught them skills that apply beyond the game. Taj has learned about competitiveness and fair play, while Ibraheem values sportsmanship, saying,

“Telling my opponent well done when they have done a good shot is important.”

Tennis Inspirations & Future Goals

Taj admires Roger Federer, calling him “the best.”

Ibraheem looks up to Novak Djokovic, inspired by his record-breaking 25 Grand Slam titles.

Looking ahead, Taj aspires to win Grade 2 and Grade 1 tournaments, while Ibraheem aims to qualify for a Grade 3 10U tournament.

A Parent’s Perspective

Their mother, Mrs Aslam, reflects on their journey:

“It has been tricky to balance both tennis and academic growth, but Westbourne has allowed us to navigate this together. We are immensely proud of both Taj and Ibraheem, not just in tennis but also in their academic achievements and other extracurricular activities. It’s a challenge to fit it all in, but it’s building a strong work ethic and a ‘work hard, play hard’ mindset.”

Westbourne’s Support in Their Journey

Westbourne has been a key supporter in Taj and Ibraheem’s development, ensuring they can pursue their sporting dreams while maintaining their academic progress. Mrs Aslam acknowledges,

“Westbourne has allowed them to explore their talents without being tied to a desk. The opportunities in school sports and the fun-filled music programme have given them space to enjoy learning.”

Mr Edmanson, Headteacher of Westbourne School, shares his pride in their journey:

“Taj and Ibraheem are shining examples of how dedication and passion can lead to success. Their achievements in tennis are remarkable, and we are proud to support them as they continue to excel both on the court and in the classroom. At Westbourne, we are committed to nurturing talent and ambition”

Congratulations to Taj and Ibraheem! We look forward to seeing them continue to shine on and off the court.

Westbourne - Where sporting excellence belongs!