Sport and Outdoor Pursuits - Heathfield School

Sport

Sport plays an extremely important role in the life of all students at Heathfield. We are proud that every student in Years 7 and 8 represents the school in Athletics, Lacrosse, Netball, Rounders, Swimming and Tennis. In Years 9 and 10 there are A and B teams in most sports and at Senior level, 1st and 2nd teams.

We boast great facilities, including a superb 25m indoor heated swimming pool, sports hall, large spacious fields, dance studio, fitness suite, and tennis/netball courts.

As well as running teams and clubs in all our major sports, the department offers students the opportunity to join a variety of clubs such as Badminton, Ultimate Frisbee, Trampolining, Fitness, Football, Polo and Riding. These are open to all ages and abilities and are an excellent opportunity for older students to coach and mix with the younger years.

There is a strong Inter-house structure which gives every student in the school a chance to represent their House in both team and individual sports.

The school has a busy fixture list in all sports, competing against schools in London and the South West including Putney High School, St George’s Ascot, The Marist, Queen Anne’s and schools further afield including Downe House, St Swithun’s and St Mary’s Calne. A full fixture list, which is continually updated, can be found under ‘Calendar’. It is compulsory for all students who are selected to represent the school to attend fixtures.

Heathfield regularly produces county, regional and national sportswomen and some aspiring Olympians.

original-C172D0B8-F41A-46BA-94B9-A3DE5C149CD7

Equestrian

Heathfield has a well-deserved reputation for excellence in equestrian sport, with students competing and achieving success across a range of disciplines. Our comprehensive equestrian programme caters for everyone, from complete beginners to experienced riders, offering opportunities to develop skills, build confidence and compete at the highest levels.

Students can take part in show jumping, polo, dressage, hacking and military riding, with training delivered by professional coaches at leading local venues, including Berkshire Riding School, Coolhooves Polo Academy and Windsor Great Park. For those competing at a particularly high level, there may also be the opportunity, with special permission from the school, to undertake specialist training at home.

Polo is a particular highlight of the programme. Heathfield students regularly compete against other schools, including Eton and Harrow, and take part in the National Schools’ Polo Tournaments throughout the year. Polo ponies are hired for these competitions, ensuring students have the opportunity to participate without needing to own their own pony.

Our equestrian teams and individual riders also compete throughout the year in show jumping, dressage, hunter trials and one-day events, representing Heathfield at a variety of levels.

Whether students are taking their first steps in the saddle or pursuing competitive ambitions, our equestrian programme offers the chance to develop expertise, enjoy the sport and be part of a supportive community of fellow riders.

For the latest news, competition results and updates, visit our Heathfield Equestrian Facebook page.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award is one of the world’s most recognised youth achievement programmes, encouraging young people to challenge themselves, discover new strengths and make a positive contribution to their communities. Since its launch in 1956, it has helped millions of young people develop skills and confidence that stay with them for life.

At Heathfield, students have the opportunity to work towards both the Bronze and Gold Awards. Along the way, they take on new challenges, learn to work independently, develop their teamwork and leadership skills, and discover just how much they are capable of achieving.

The experience begins in Year 9, when students undertake their Bronze Award training during school club time. This prepares them for their practice and qualifying expeditions, which take place locally under the supervision of Heathfield staff.

Students can progress to the Gold Award in Year 12, taking on a greater level of challenge and independence. Expeditions are supported by external staff where necessary and may take students to spectacular locations such as the Brecon Beacons. Those who successfully complete their Gold Award are invited to a special presentation at Buckingham Palace, where they receive their certificates.

A DofE Award is a valuable achievement, recognised by universities and employers alike. It demonstrates commitment, resilience, initiative and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Many students also choose to include their DofE experience in their UCAS personal statements, reflecting the personal growth and practical skills they have gained.

Above all, the DofE is about much more than gaining a qualification. It is an opportunity to step outside familiar surroundings, embrace new experiences and develop the confidence to take on whatever comes next. Students who complete their Award carry a real sense of pride in what they have achieved – and skills and memories that will stay with them well beyond their time at Heathfield.

Bronze timescales:

Volunteering section: 3 months
Physical section: 3 months
Skills section: 3 months
Expedition section: 2 days/1 night

Participants also have to do 3 more months in one of the Volunteering, Physical or Skills sections.

Gold timescales:

Volunteering section: 12 months
Physical and Skills sections: One section for 12 months and the other section for 6 months
Expedition section: 4 days/3 nights
Residential section: Undertake a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for 5 days and 4 nights.

Participants will need to undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections, as the Silver award is not completed.