Nunthorpe Grammar School

Nunthorpe’s motto was “Abeunt Studia in Mores” which, loosely translated, means “Let us go forward through study to character ”

It becomes clear during our interview that, “Carpe Diem” ( seize the day ) would be more appropriate for him. He modestly states that he was “in the right place at the right time” when he took his first coaching job. He only has to be pushed slightly before he explains that being "in the right place at the right time only gives you the opportunity, then you have to take it”.

There are a number of key times when Steve McClaren seized opportunities and it is interesting to note that the first one was when he was 11 years old. He had passed his eleven plus and despite a having comprehensive school on his doorstep and a relatively close grammar school, he chose Nunthorpe. Listening to the tape again it was apparent that the choice was his. His father, a talented sportsman, and the rest his family would have been supportive; “...they were very proud I had passed the 11+”, but it was Steve McClaren who made the decision.

This was no easy choice and he smiles as he describes his daily cycle ride across the City and compares it now with how cosseted children can be. The simple fact was that Nunthorpe had a strong sporting reputation and that was what mattered.

" I chose to go to Nunthorpe because of it's sporting excellence, it was a good school then and clearly has a successful reputation in York today."

Boys grammar schools then tended to have a rugby bias but at Nunthorpe he remembers that all sports were encouraged and he was a genuine all rounder excelling at ball and racquet sports.

At fifteen he was York junior squash champion, a regular with York City Boy’s and had regular training sessions with Middlesbrough, Leeds & Hull as well as his home town.

All sought his signature.