St Swithun’s reaches top 40 schools in exclusive top sports schools list

St Swithun's provides a diverse range of sports programmes, helping the school climb to the top 40 on the list of the best sports schools published by School Sport magazine. Beating more than 4,000 other schools with a ranking of 38, the school was the top rated in Hampshire and the sixth highest all-girls school on the list.

The annual list is based on performance in 20 different sports and more than 120 different national competitions.

St Swithun's strives for excellence in all facets of sport, including participation, cooperation, leadership, teamwork, competitive etiquette, and respect for the individual as well as performance and accomplishments.

At St Swithun's, physical education is a vital part of daily life. Every student takes 2 lessons of games and one of PE per week in L4-L5, and two lessons of games from M5-U6. Girls are introduced to more sports in M5. Girls in grades U5 to L6 select an activity for their required PE sessions. Girls in U6 are required to attend one lesson but may choose to attend another if their study schedule permits.

The fact that all new girls to the school are enrolled in the Team Orange Performance Programme, which offers an individually tailored pathway for each girl to achieve her full potential at whatever level that might be—from being inspired to love a healthy and active life to achieving elite athletic performance and everything in between—is one factor that makes the sporting experience at St. Swithun's so special.

This has led to success in lacrosse, netball, swimming amongst many other sports this year.

In the run-up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, St Swithun's girls from both the prep and senior schools will be able to compete in all 32 sports. This will give them the opportunity to enjoy some of their old favourites while also trying something new.

Acting Head of Sport, Simon Mayes, says of the achievement: “We are extremely proud of all our girls and their sporting achievements and I am delighted that their hard work and the dedication of our staff and coaches are being recognised by the School Sport Magazine. We had some fantastic successes last year and are already improving on those this year.”

Phil Tusler, publishing editor of School Sport Magazine, said: “This has been a remarkable year for competitive sport in schools and St Swithun’s deserve their achievement. Congratulations to the pupils involved and the work of the school’s sports department especially. The list unashamedly reflects and celebrates competitive achievement in a range of sports and honours those schools that take competition especially seriously. It should also nail the myth once and for all that competitive sport in schools is a dirty word.”

School Sport Magazine, the only publication in the UK that celebrates sporting achievement in schools, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next year.