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Flying High, Staying Grounded: Balancing Ambition and Wellbeing at Barney

An interview with Head Boy, Max Martin

1. Balancing excellence in the classroom and on the cricket field is no easy feat-what strategies help you manage your time and maintain focus across such demanding commitments? 

Balancing my academic work, sporting commitments, and leadership responsibilities is definitely a challenge, but it’s something I’ve grown into with time, structure, and a strong support network. I’m a big believer in routine-having a clear plan for the week ahead helps me stay focused and prevents me from feeling overwhelmed. I treat my training sessions and study time with equal importance, blocking out specific windows for both and ensuring I get adequate rest in between. As someone with ambitions of becoming a pilot, I’ve learned the importance of organisation and attention to detail, and I carry those values into everything I do-whether it’s in a psychology essay, a cricket match, or preparing for my EPQ on AI in commercial aviation. 

Being Head Boy also adds another layer, but I see it as a privilege. It gives me the opportunity to support other students and share what I’ve learned. If I can show them that it’s possible to juggle different passions with the right plans, and mindset, then I know I’m doing my job. Ultimately, what keeps me grounded is the encouragement I get from my friends, my teachers, coaches and most importantly, my family-none of this would be possible without them. 

2. You’ve just earned an elite cricket opportunity in Australia-how do you stay grounded and look after your mental wellbeing while pursuing such high levels of ambition? 

Being invited into the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy in Australia is a huge milestone for me, it’s the kind of opportunity that only comes once in a lifetime. But with that excitement also comes pressure, and managing my mental wellbeing has become just as important as my physical training. One of the key things that keeps me grounded, is keeping positive relations with my friends, family, and the school community. No matter how far I travel or what goals I pursue, I carry their support and belief in me with pride. 

I’ve also learned that it’s okay to take a step back sometimes. In the world of elite sport, there’s a temptation to always push harder, but rest and reflection are vital, especially as failure is the fuel to success. Whether it’s a chat with my family, socialising with friends, or even just time to unwind with a trip to the driving range or a film, I always make sure to recharge. 

I set goals that reflect my values and remind myself that ambition doesn’t have to come at the cost of health. Success, to me, means achieving your dreams whilst still being present, balanced, and connected to what really matters. I always follow the saying, ‘if people are not laughing at your goals, your goals aren’t big enough.’ 

3. Who in the Barnard Castle School community has supported you most on your journey, and how important is that sense of belonging to your success? 

I truly believe that no one achieves anything meaningful alone, and for me, the Barney community has been the foundation of everything I’ve accomplished. From the teachers who go above and beyond, to help me balance my studies with sport, to my friends, which altogether within the community has helped shape me into who I am today. I’ve always felt that at Barney, we’re encouraged to pursue our ambitions, but never at the expense of our values or wellbeing. With Barney’s great motto, of failing in a safe environment, I really feel I have the potential to develop into the best version of myself. 

Our sports staff have played a huge role in pushing me to be my best while also checking in on how I’m doing mentally. My Tutor, HSM and academic staff, have supported me in my EPQ, and academic studies, and always make time when I’m juggling a tight schedule. And my peers, especially in the Sixth Form, who keep me motivated with their own ambitions and their willingness to support each other. 

As Head Boy, I’m proud to carry that spirit forward. I want every student here to feel like they belong, that their voice is always heard, and that there’s always someone in their corner. Community isn’t just a word we use; it’s something we live in every day, and it makes all the difference, in a positive and successful day to day life. 

4. How do you make space in your week for rest and connection with friends and family, and why is that balance so important to you? 

As someone with big goals, it would be easy to fall into the trap of always working, always pushing. But I’ve come to realise that without balance, even the things you love can become overwhelming. That’s why I make it a point to carve out time each week to properly switch off and reconnect—with myself, with my friends, and especially with my family. 

Sunday afternoons are a great time for this. With no cricket, or activities, it’s these moments that reset me, allowing me to rest and switch off. My friends also play a huge role-whether it’s a round of golf, having a net, or going out, they give me perspective, always motivating me. 

That sense of connection isn’t a distraction from ambition-it fuels it. When your relationships are strong, when you feel supported, you’re more resilient, more motivated. That’s something I encourage other students to prioritise too. You don’t have to sacrifice joy or connection to succeed-in fact, they’re what help you go further and enjoy the journey along the way. 

5. What advice would you give to younger students who want to achieve big goals but are worried about pressure and expectations? 

The first thing I’d say is: don’t be afraid to dream big. Ambition is something to be proud of, but it’s also important to understand that the road to success isn’t always smooth, and that’s okay. This can relate to a book. Just because you have a bad chapter, turn the page, there are always so many opportunities and doors open for you. There will be times when things don’t go to plan, when you feel tired, stressed, or like you’re not doing enough, but those moments are the steps to success, not signs that you’re failing. 

My biggest piece of advice is to build your support team early. Talk to your teachers, make as many friends as you can, and always keep your family close. You don’t have to carry the weight of your goals alone. I’ve found strength in asking for help when I need it, and that’s something I really encourage more younger pupils to realise. 

Also, make time to breathe. Pursuing a future in aviation and elite sport means I’m constantly thinking ahead, but it’s just as important to enjoy the present. Celebrate the small wins, learn from setbacks, and remember you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! 

Finally, don’t forget who you are. Stay true to your values, treat others with kindness, and success will come—not just in achievements, but in the person you become along the way.