The whistles are back. Training has restarted, squads are taking shape, and the first fixtures of the autumn season are in the diary — which means netball and football courts and pitches busy from early morning to well after the last lesson.
WHERE THE SEASON IS PLAYED
Much of it happens at Hinchley Wood, our 39-acre sports ground. Space on that scale changes what a school can offer: more teams, more pitches, more pupils actually playing rather than waiting on a touchline. Our Super Eight sports (cricket, football, netball, hockey, gymnastics, rowing, tennis and skiing) are where we compete hardest, at borough, regional and national level.
NOT ONLY THE A TEAM
This is the part we care about most. Yes, our sports have collected multiple National titles; however, the same season runs for those in the B-G teams, house competitions and clubs for pupils who play purely because they enjoy it.
A child who plays at participation level still deserves fixtures, a kit and someone cheering. Depth is not a consolation prize here; it is the point. From Year 7, pupils choose a PE pathway, competitive, artistic or all-rounder, so sport keeps fitting them as they change, and at Senior games pupils have the option to choose sports outside of our Super 8 to allow for a varied curriculum and keep our pupils engaged in sport until they leave.
WHAT AUTUMN LOOKS LIKE
Netball, Hockey, Football, Rowing, Skiing and Gymnastics dominate the Senior School calendar this term, with fixtures most weeks and tournaments as the season builds. In the Prep Schools, the emphasis is on fundamental skills, plenty of matches and the sheer fun of playing — the foundation everything later is built on.
SUPPORTING FROM THE SIDELINES
Parents ask what helps. Turn up when you can; children notice. Bring the right kit and a warm coat. And keep the car conversation afterwards about effort rather than score — “what did you enjoy?” travels a great deal further than “why did you lose?” Our coaches will handle the technical feedback.
TRYING SOMETHING NEW
It is not too late to join in. If your child fancies trying a new sport or continuing to progress in their favoured sport, this is the term to start — squads are still forming, and coaches would far rather have a beginner in September than a regretful non-player in March. Encourage them to speak to a member of the PE department, or come along to a club session and watch first.
Fixtures, results and team news are published on our sports pages through the season. Our Sport Instagram account is always buzzing with updates, so do follow along — and if you can get to a match, come and make some noise!
