Bede’s has been placed 15th in the latest list of the Top 200 Sports Schools compiled annually by School Sport magazine.
Analysing the results of 120 national events across 20 different sports, the magazine looks at the achievements of both independent and state schools.
The news comes after an exceptional year for Bede’s sports department.
In 2022, Bede’s boys won the English Schools Football Association U-18 Schools’ Trophy.
In cricket, Sixth Former Freya Kemp and Bede’s recent alumna Alice Capsey, were awarded professional contracts for 2022-23 by the England and Wales Cricket Board – just two of 18 players nationally to receive such contracts. Both girls have also played for England in the Commonwealth Games. Alice, Freya and another recent alumna, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, all played in last season’s The Hundred.
Bede’s 1st XI Girls cricket team were crowned U18 National 100 ball Champions for the first time. Last month, Bede’s was named as one of the top 100 UK schools for cricket by The Cricketer magazine.
David Byrne, Director of Sport said: “This is brilliant news. We do everything at Bede’s to not only make sure our top athletes have the best support and training but also that everyone – at whatever level – enjoys one of the many sports we have on offer.
“That we are number 15 in these rankings is down to the hard work of our pupils, their coaches and teachers.”
Bede’s pupils enjoy considerable sporting success at county and national level. Upper Fifth pupil Harry Mills, recent alumnus, was awarded a professional two-year Under-18s scholarship at Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, while in hockey, Sixth Former Isabel Field continues to represent East Grinstead Hockey Club and England U18 Girls.
Bede’s philosophy of engagement in sport is threaded through all sports and year-round Academy Programmes, from the Pre-Prep years right up to Sixth Form level.
While staff encourage all children to try as many sports as they can, coaches create unique pathways for elite athletes, enabling them to balance academic study with the demands of performing at county or national level.
Whilst the Bede’s coaches are exceptionally proud of the teams and individuals who have gone onto national acclaim, they pride themselves most on their rates of participation. At Bede’s, whether pursuing sport as a career or a hobby, pupils are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities, specialist coaching and facilities on offer. From Year 5, Bede’s pupils gain access to professional coaching that follows them through their senior Prep years and into the Senior School.
Bede’s provides pupils with the options to pick a variety of sports through the year, with most sports offering a three term programme. There is a plethora of opportunities for all pupils to participate in a wide range of competitive and non-competitive sport, from playing cricket, football and hockey national leagues, to trying their hand at kayaking, sailing, climbing, tough-mudder and cross fit – there’s something for everyone.
CEO and Headmaster at Bede’s, Peter Goodyer, said: “Bede’s coaches and sports teachers very much deserve this recognition. They have true devotion to getting the best out of all of our pupils on the sports pitches.”
