Sport

Sport For Every Ability

Ardingly College has a reputation for being successful in many sports while providing opportunities for children of all playing abilities. Our success comes from our ethos of providing sport for all at an appropriate level: Performance, Aspirational and Recreational.

SPORT IN THE FARMHOUSE (Nursery to Year 2)

Taught by the coaches from our sports department children build vital foundation skills like throwing, catching, and coordination, all while having fun. With regular swimming lessons during the school day in our indoor pool, along with our own sports field and an annual sports day, we provide a well-rounded and enjoyable sports curriculum for all.

SPORT IN THE SCHOOLHOUSE (Year 3 to Year 6)

Sports on offer include football, cricket, hockey, netball, athletics, cross country and swimming but also include tennis, sailing, fencing, basketball, golf, badminton, and futsal.

Training and Fixtures

We run an all-inclusive sports programme, encouraging boys and girls to participate in a termly sport with weekly matches. Games are timetabled twice a week and matches are played on a Wednesday. We field numerous teams of various ability levels so that everyone has the opportunity to compete. Our A teams are regular recipients of cups and medals, sometimes at a National level; while boys and girls representing the other teams play at a level to ensure they thoroughly enjoy participating.

FOR GIFTED and TALENTED ATHLETES

We provide many different opportunities to further develop our most promising athletes with our Extended Sports Programme. Our most talented pupils benefit from a unique programme, supported by top coaching, in several additional weekly sessions at a more advanced level than our clubs’ programme and are given opportunities to compete at the highest level. There may also be the opportunity to train and play with students in the Senior School. Ardingly Prep School are incredibly proud of their sporting achievements.

Sport as part of the Clubs Programme

The Co-Curricular Programme offers an opportunity for children to try many different sports.  For those passionate about a particular sport, the clubs provide extra training opportunities so that boys and girls can develop their skills and fitness.

Swimming Programme in the Prep School

Prep School pupils have a weekly swimming lesson based on ability for half a term, 2 terms of the year. Swimming is also available as an option 3 times a week in Prep Games.

Pupils can trial for the swim squad programme. This accommodates the training commitment needed for competitive swimming around the school day allowing pupils to reach their academic potential. Pupils who are part of the swim squad also benefit from holiday training sessions.

Outstanding Facilities

• The two sports halls, squash court, indoor rowing area and indoor swimming pool are home to the indoor sports facilities offered at the College. A Strength & Conditioning Centre is open to Senior students.
• Outdoor facilities include two astro turf pitches (one multi-purpose), numerous football and rugby pitches, netball and tennis courts. These are all on campus and accessible within a few minutes’ walk.
• Ardingly Reservoir is situated next to our campus and is used for rowing and sailing as well as fun team building activities. We take full advantage of having this superb water facility on site.

High level coaching staff

We have two dedicated and passionate Heads of Boys’ and Girls’ Games. The Prep and the Senior School share resources so are in a privileged position of having access to superb sporting facilities and high level coaching staff (Premiership hockey players, County cricket coaches, UEFA Licensed football coaches, Level 2 netball coaches, a strength and conditioning coach and full time swimming instructors).

“The ethos of performing to the best they can is promoted through excellent coaching for all ages and the school’s Elite Sports Programme. Talented boys and girls benefit from a personal programme supported by professional coaching.”

ISI Report 2018

Prep School Sporting Achievements - 2017 to date