Stephen Woodley (KSC Staff 1969-98 and Former Housemaster of The Grange) has been awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) for his services to tennis in the New Years Honours List 2026. The medal is awarded to those who have made an achievement or contributions to the community in a local geographical area. 

Arriving in Canterbury in the late 1960s, Stephen joined Canterbury Lawn Tennis Club and quickly became involved as a volunteer. He was instrumental in the club’s move to Polo Farm Sports Club in 1989, which supported the development of the club with improved facilities. Stephen served as Chair between 1994-2007 and a trustee of Polo Farm between 1999-2018, aiding significant growth for the club in the local area. 

In 2024, Stephen was recognised for his 50-year contribution to grassroots tennis with the Lawn Tennis Association 'Lifetime Achievement Award.' Speaking about the award in 2024, Stephen said:

"I'm enormously proud. Fifty years ago, Canterbury was a dead area for tennis. People played cricket very seriously but - the tennis - we didn't even have teams in the Kent League.

We now have 16 teams playing in the Kent League from Canterbury Club, and we had zero in 1969 when I moved here. The growth is wonderful - 400 children for instance from about three or four upwards play and seven coaches who are earning their living with us." 

Today, Stephen is still a member of the club, as well as Honorary Life Vice President of Kent Tennis. 

On behalf of all of us at King's, we'd like to congratulate Stephen on this incredible achievement. We know that many of his former Grange pupils will be delighted to hear this news!