Westonbirt School Drives Sporting Excellence with Appointment of Dr Graham Williams

22nd May 2026

Westonbirt School has appointed a senior international sports leader to drive the next phase of our ambitious sporting strategy, with Dr Graham Williams joining as Director of Sport this September. The appointment is an exciting step in Westonbirt’s ongoing drive to elevate sport at all levels. 

Dr Williams, who takes up the post in September, arrives from Dubai’s GEMS School of Research and Innovation, where he currently heads coaching, partnerships and performance. A founding member of the senior leadership team there, he has been instrumental in building an innovative sporting model that combines inclusive participation with opportunities for gifted athletes through elite performance pathways. 

Before his international move, Dr Williams spent more than a decade at Millfield, one of the UK’s most prestigious sporting schools, where he led athlete development and performance programmes within this nationally recognised, elite environment. During his tenure, he held several senior roles, including Acting Director of Sport, and helped to design a sporting model that increased engagement and raised standards across the whole school. 

Westonbirt has rapidly expanded its sporting provision in recent years, with increased pupil participation, investment in facilities and a renewed focus on competitive sport. Dr Williams’ arrival is expected to accelerate Westonbirt’s growing reputation for successful performance, alongside wellbeing, community and participation well beyond the end of the school years. Sport, he says, should be inclusive, enjoyable and transformative, and he champions an approach that balances opportunity for all with pathways for excellence. 

Speaking about the move, Dr Williams said he was drawn to Westonbirt’s ‘rapidly evolving and ambitious sporting programme’ under the leadership of Nic Sestaret, and the chance to strengthen community spirit through both competitive and house sport. He highlighted plans to expand opportunities for pupils through inclusive competition structures, enhanced scholarships and clearly defined performance pathways. 

Head Dina Porovic welcomed the appointment, calling it a critical role that will shape the future of Sport at Westonbirt. ‘Graham brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for how sport can influence not just performance, but culture and ethos across the whole school.’ 

The appointment marks a significant moment for Westonbirt, as we continue to invest in sport as a cornerstone of school life, aiming to deliver excellence on the field while fostering confidence, ambition, camaraderie and a sense of belonging.