A Sedgley schoolgirl has been confirmed as a member of the England National Karate Squad.

Dormston School pupil, Hattie Jenkins, has been on trial with the Squad since December has now been confirmed as a full member.

In the last year, Hattie has achieved immense success and laid her mark down as the top competitor in England for her section. She took gold in both the UK Open and the Berliner Cup as well as winning the National Champion title for under 14s at Pond Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield in February. Hattie said: 

"I'm really pleased to be chosen as an England squad member. My next focus is now on the English Championships in April before heading to the 3 Nations in Durham."

Hattie trains regularly with Hickman’s Karate Academy in Bilston. A spokesperson for the academy added: "Hattie has not only achieved great sporting success, but has demonstrated enormous dedication, discipline and character.

"She's pushed herself in training both before and after school, while also being an outstanding team mate. Hattie is a shining star of our academy and lights up the path for others to follow her example in both her athletic and personal qualities.’’

Alongside Hattie’s Karate success, she also shines within school by being a member of a variety of Dormston sports teams. She plays in the U13s Cricket, Rounders and Netball squads, representing the school within both Dudley and County Leagues. In April, Hattie will be representing the Dormston Netball Team in Paris as they compete in an international tournament. Hattie’s PE teacher, Miss Lines, said:

"It is a pleasure to teach Hattie. She is the perfect example of a Dormston PE pupil who works hard, supports others and contributes to the success of our extra-curricular teams.

"As a PE department, we are proud of her achievements and the attitudes she shows towards Physical Education".