We are delighted to have retained our ranking as 4th girls’ school for sport in the country.
In School Sport Magazine’s ‘top 200 sporting schools of 2024’ list, we are also ranked 26th overall and the top school for sport in Oxfordshire –and Abingdon.
This news follows our recent ranking as the top girls’ school in Oxfordshire by The Times Parent Power for the fourth consecutive year.
Director of PE and Sport Charlotte Barras commented: “It has been brilliant to be included in the top 200 sports schools consistently over the last few years and display the incredible talent, hard work and dedication of our students in a multitude of sports. The breadth and depth of activity is paramount to the success, from netball and lacrosse to football, cricket and tennis. At St Helen’s we focus on movement through athletic development from Year 5 through to Sixth Form, underpinned by a plethora of clubs, activities and competitive events that enhance students’ experience of activity.
“Increasing numbers of GCSE PE and A Level PE students undertaking this area of study and the provision of compulsory PE revolves around the choice of varying activity pathways. From strength and conditioning to alternative activities such as dance, yoga and bounce as well as team games and individual sports. Sixth Form students continue to compete at the highest level in fixtures, and during core PE they have recreational choices such as golf, dance, yoga, spinning, climbing, and trampolining as well as traditional sports such as tennis, netball, basketball and badminton. All of this prepares them for continuing healthy lifestyles after they leave school.”
Sports Captain, Kitty (U6), said: “St Helen’s now competes in over 15 different sports and offers opportunities to participate in a huge number more than that. From rock climbing, sailing and fencing to football, cricket and rugby, there is pretty much something for everyone. We are so lucky to be supported by fantastic staff and an outstanding athletic development programme that is accessible to everyone – whether you are performing at a top level or recovering from injury.
Our teams have reached regional and national finals in several sports such as cricket, netball and tennis, showcasing the School’s commitment to sporting excellence. But I believe the most important thing is the huge number of girls who get involved and who make sport part of their school life.”
Recent top sporting achievements for the HelKats have included our 1XI football team being runners-up in the ISFA trophy final, our U15s winning the county cup and several other age groups reaching the final, our tennis team reaching the regional knockouts in the U15 LTA school competition for the first time, and all three netball age groups moving through to the English Schools’ regionals rounds.
We have also recently been included in The Cricketer Magazine Schools Guide’s top 20 girls’ schools for cricket in the UK for the second year running.