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At King’s Worcester we are passionate about sport and physical activity. We aim to deliver a premium sporting experience, within an environment of enjoyment, endeavour, and achievement. Our thriving sports provision for boys and girls embraces ‘Excellence’ and ‘Sport for All’ and we encourage all pupils to engage with the many sporting opportunities available, regardless of ability.
We offer over fifteen different sports at specialist level in first class facilities with expert coaches. In addition to our core sports of ruby, hockey, cricket, netball, rowing, football, athletics, and swimming, we also offer a range of other sports such as basketball, equestrian, cross-country, and fencing.
The standard of our competitive sport is very high and we are proud to have a number of keen sportspeople representing the county and achieving ongoing national successes.
Our five sports pillars encapsulate our vision for sport:
- Passion – To inspire a commitment and determination to build lifelong involvement in physical activity, fitness, and sport.
- Well-being – To develop and support physical, social and mental well-being and confidence through physical activity, teamwork, determination, and enjoyment.
- Excellence – To foster and develop pupils, inspiring them to individually achieve their best, and celebrating their personal progress and achievement in sport and physical activity. Excellence is measured by improvements in pupil and team performances, rather than results alone.
- Core Values – To instil core values of resilience, sportsmanship, respect, and focus.
- Opportunities – To provide a high-quality range of opportunities, provision, and support through personal and team challenges.
Sport at King’s Worcester is also about ensuring that our pupils achieve a healthy lifestyle whilst studying – providing pupils with vital skills of determination, resilience, and focus which can be transferred into their classroom study and beyond.
In 2024 King’s Worcester achieved a remarkable feat by being named in the top 1% of sporting schools in the country, climbing up an impressive 98 places to reach the Top 30 ranking. To add to this achievement, King’s is the only school in Worcester to appear in the Top 165 Schools.
School Sport Magazine independently compiles the list of top-performing schools by considering results from over 120 different events in 20 different sports. The ranking system aims to acknowledge schools that excel in a variety of sports, rather than just one particular sport. To be eligible for the list, schools must have reached the later stages of at least two, three, or four national competitions.
Rugby
The King’s RFC has been playing competitive fixtures since 1873. We have strong links with Worcester Warriors and regularly provide their Academy with players across all age groups. The school has produced a number of full international, Premiership, and schoolboy internationals, along with strong representation at county and divisional levels.
It was as a direct result of the coaching that I received at King’s that I was able to represent England at under-18 level
We have a competitive fixture list, playing from U12s to 1st XV every Saturday during the first term. This regularly means over 200 boys representing the school in rugby games on a weekly basis. Our 1st XV won the NatWest National Bowl competition in 2019.
During the second term we move to the shorter format of the game with each age group playing in at least four 7s tournaments, both regionally and nationally. The 1st VII has won a number of tournaments across the country in the last ten years.
As a rugby club, our priority is to improve an individual’s decision-making ability and their skill base within the game. We also understand the importance of athletic development and provide training programmes with regular access to the gym throughout the year.
The club embarks on a major tour every two years, taking boys from Years 11 and 12 on an U17s tour in preparation for the following season. Destinations have included South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and North America.
Hockey
Hockey has been a major sport for the girls at King’s Worcester since its introduction to the school. The sport has continued to grow and now boasts a number of very successful teams and individuals. We are fortunate at King’s to be blessed with two National League hockey players as part of the coaching staff.
Throughout my time at King’s, I went through the “England Hockey Single System”, which includes regional levels and national tournaments. I was definitely aided in this by playing for the school 1st team since the Fifth Form.
Netball
King’s Worcester has enjoyed a strong tradition of producing exceptionally talented netball players and teams. An extensive netball programme is run over two terms and incorporates court sessions and strength and conditioning, whilst utilising our extensive facilities. For the past 5 years, KSW Netball has worked in partnership with Severn Stars to run a performance academy; developing and nurturing the wealth of netball talent in Worcestershire.
I have throughly enjoyed my two years of netball at King’s. I joined in the Sixth Form having played 2 years of Severn Stars netball and easily settled into the friendly environment – having played with many of the girls before. The highlight of my King’s netball journey was playing in the 2022 Superball where we won 37-36.
King’s is nationally recognised as being an excellent school for netball. We have experienced success on the National stage, winning medals and most recently placing in the top 4. King’s regularly win at the County tournament and progress to the Regional finals at all competing age groups. All teams from U12 to U19 also compete in either the School Sports Magazine knock-out competition or the Independent Schools Cup; recently being knocked out in the semi-finals at U19 level.
As a school, we aim to provide opportunities to be involved in sports for as many girls as possible. On any given Saturday in the Autumn and Spring terms, it is not uncommon to see in excess of 180 girls playing netball for King’s.
The stand-out occasion in any netball season is the Superball Netball event held at the Worcester University Arena. This is an opportunity for the 1st and 2nd VII to play in front of a full house at a nationally-recognised venue, as well as both of our Prep School athletes experiencing a coaching masterclass on the show court. The game is also live-streamed; in 2022, 2800 people watched King’s win in the last few seconds.
As a school, we have a strong club and franchise links and regularly have individuals going on to represent the county, region and franchise age groups. In recent years we have had four girls represent their country in netball.
County Representatives
The strength of the netball program at King’s is showcased by the number of pupils involved in County level netball or higher.
Here at King’s, we have a strong partnership with Severn Stars, having run a Nova Academy for 5 years, but have recently been asked to host one, of one-of-three player development programmes on site. Our Director of Netball, leads this performance academy, alongside our Head of Strength and Conditioning Harry Cronin. In recent years, both coaches have also been involved with the National Performance League, training the best athletes in the West Midlands.
Across the years of Upper Fourth to Fifth Form, we have 13 County players.
King’s have 12 players in NOVA Academies, with a special mention to Jaz F who plays and vice captains for U19 Severn Stars.
Cricket
Cricket has a long tradition of success at King’s Worcester. Many boys, past and present, have represented Worcestershire at all age groups, and we have had boys and girls involved in the academy system. Recent players have also been involved in the Bunbury Festival and the Super Fours.
Even from a young age, the work of coaching staff to help my development, as well as the fantastic facilities, have allowed me to become the player I am today.
The 1st XI play over twenty fixtures in a season against a variety of opposition, ranging from other schools to foreign touring sides, and a number of local men’s teams. All other age groups will put out an A and B team on Saturdays, as well as during Games afternoons.
Coaching is of a very high standard, with external coaches being brought in to supplement the in-house provision. Winter nets start in January where both age group and one-to-one work are undertaken. King’s is proud to have encouraged female cricket for a number of years and girls actively play alongside boys in practices and fixtures.
The school regularly tours with a senior squad and has visited the Caribbean and Sri Lanka on a number of occasions.
Rowing
There has been a fine tradition of rowing at King’s Worcester since 1877, with the Boat Club able to celebrate four Olympic oarsmen to date; the most recent being Zac Purchase who won Olympic Gold and Silver in the lightweight double sculls. Many other students and OVs have represented the Home Countries and Great Britain at international events, along with extensive and regular regional representation. In recent years our boys and girls have won national championships and medals at many major events.
Without that initial experience and the support and encouragement that I received whilst travelling to international competitions and training camps, I probably wouldn’t have continued the sport after leaving King’s and then had the opportunity to race at two Olympic games in both Beijing and London.
We have enjoyed success at indoor championships and on the water, in both head and regatta seasons across the years. We strongly encourage all Lower Removes to try rowing at some point in the year during the Games programme; they may then choose to become more involved in the Boat Club.
A range of activities are undertaken as part of the basic training including: running, core exercises, strength training, cycling, and the use of the rowing machines to build fitness and technical skills. A strong technical focus is maintained throughout their time in the club to ensure their development into robust athletes.
Athletics
Athletics is one of the major sports in the summer term for both girls and boys. In recent years the sport has flourished, with numerous athletes qualifying to represent both the district and county. In the past five years three athletes have represented their country in international competitions.
The fixture list is growing, with Saturday matches being added to the programme alongside the ESAA Track and Field Cup and District and County Competitions. This year over 150 pupils have represented the school, 44 have represented Worcester City district and five have represented Hereford and Worcester.
King’s has access to a grass track on site and makes use of Nunnery Wood athletics track when required. We are starting to build links with Worcester Athletics Club and are encouraging our top athletes to develop their talent further at club level.
We are lucky to have a personal trainer on site in the fitness suite, where athletes can follow a tailor-made programme for their specific event.
Football
Football has become an established sport at King’s Worcester over the past decades. Four senior XIs and two junior sides at each age group regularly represent the school.
The senior footballers also compete in 3 Cup competitions; 2 National Cups and 1 County cup. There is also an annual tour, taking footballers from Years 11, 12 and 13 in preparation for the main part of the season. Destinations have included Valencia FC, Benfica, Manchester City, Inter Milan and Real Madrid. This is a great opportunity to train in fantastic facilities with full-time coaches from respective academies in readiness for the 2nd term of fixtures.
Throughout my many years playing, from Year 5 training at King’s Hawford to three years of first-team football in the senior school, the coaching has been second-to-none, always putting the interests of what I and the team as a whole needed.
In the first term the senior 1st team embarks in Cup competitions in the ISFA Cup and Shield as well as the County Cup.
In the second term we play an extensive fixture list on Saturdays and Games afternoons; which comprises independent schools within a 100-mile radius of King’s. In 2016 we won both the 1st and 2nd XI leagues Mercian Leagues, consolidating our reputation as a footballing school.
Recently a number of boys have represented Worcestershire and some have gone on to play for the ISFA regional and England teams. Others have been involved with local academies at WBA, Cheltenham Town, Kidderminster Harriers and Worcester City.
Other than the cup competitions, another highlight for the 1st senior footballers is the Challenge Cup match held at Sixways Stadium in front of over one thousand spectators.
We have also had several pupils within the last 4 years who have gained football scholarships at American Universities to continue their high-level football careers and studies simultaneously.
County Representatives
At King’s we run an in-depth football program with two players playing for an academy, with one playing for West Bromwich Albion Academy at U14, U15, U16 Level and another at Cheltenham Town Academy at U15 Level.
Highlights
The biggest highlight of last season was the great participation levels across all year groups, 94 fixtures were played in the 2nd term, only the weather stopping us breaking the 100-matches barrier. Over 250 footballers were involved in the fixtures that took place during games days and on Saturdays.
Each team developed and grew as the season went on.
The Lower Fourth (U12) were unbeaten all season and played some very neat football.
The senior teams had a mix of year groups meaning many of the younger Fifth Form (Year 11) players have gained good experience playing at this level which will help them in the next years too.
Swimming
Swimming has gone from strength to strength at King’s Worcester over recent years. We participate in two major competitions a year: a local schools’ relay competition, and the English Schools’ Regional Qualifier (ESSA), where relay teams compete and the top thirty schools in the country are invited to participate in the prestigious national final held at the London Aquatic Centre. In the last three years we have qualified with two teams.
I was a competitive swimmer for the whole of my King’s journey. Juggling homework and training wasn’t easy but my teachers were always supportive and encouraging and, with good time management, I managed to train right through my GCSEs and A-levels.
Our facilities include an on-site, indoor, heated, six-lane twenty-five metre competition pool. Thanks to a substantial investment, we completed a major refurbishment in September 2024 that included a brand-new, larger plant room housing a cutting-edge filtration system, an upgraded pool enclosure, and a fully relined pool. These enhancements will ensure a pristine swimming environment for years to come.
King’s swimmers have qualified for the English Schools’ National Team Championships for the last three years in a row.
Without that initial experience and the support and encouragement that I received whilst travelling to international competitions and training camps, I probably wouldn’t have continued the sport after leaving King’s and then had the opportunity to race at two Olympic games in both Beijing and London.
Athlete Development Programme
Our Athlete Development Programme has a nationally and locally recognised reputation across a wide range of sports. The school has produced a number of full and age group international performers over the years and we are also proud of our pupil representation at county and divisional levels.
The aim of the Athlete Development Programme is to provide support for talented individuals – facilitating excellence in both their sporting and academic careers.
It supplements the strong coaching, training, and competitive environment that exists at the school by providing a tailored personal programme which includes:
- Provision of a Level 3 PT instructor who will design a personalised training programme, nutritional plan, and monitor fitness levels.
- Termly lectures by external speakers on subjects that are relevant to the development of the young athlete.
- Provision of leadership and coaching opportunities, to enhance an individual’s personal development.
- Individual goal setting to facilitate achievement in all aspects of school life.
- Provision of a staff mentor to provide a link between the House system, academic staff, coaches, and parents.
- An annual review of the athlete’s progress.
We firmly believe that the drive to succeed in sport should transfer to achievement in all aspects of school life, which is one of the primary goals of this programme.
Sports Facilities
Our games facilities are the envy of many: a state-of-the-art, national-standard sports hall, an indoor climbing wall, a fitness suite, and a twenty-five metre, indoor, heated swimming pool. The architecturally exciting Michael Baker Boathouse juts out over the river alongside the school, and across the river next to the Worcestershire County Cricket Ground we have forty-six acres of playing fields and courts.
A National-Standard Sports Hall
Our national-standard sports hall is housed within the iconic Keyes Building. It is a multi-use sports hall equipped with full-sized court markings and equipment for a wide range of sports.
A Modern Top Power Gymnasium with Experienced Personal Trainers
The modern top class powerhouse gym houses a wide range of modern equipment and a twenty-five metre sprint track, providing the optimal facilities for strength and conditioning and explosive athletic training. We work with ‘Exclusive Gym’, which is a team of highly-experienced exercise professionals and athletes with a vast knowledge in many health and fitness fields. The team provides one-to-one or group training sessions, providing expertise in sports strength and conditioning, sports psychology and nutrition.
An On-site Indoor Swimming Pool
Our twenty-five metre, indoor, heated swimming pool is located next door at King’s St Alban’s. The pool is regularly used for post-fixture recovery sessions, as well as weekly swimming lessons enjoyed both on and off timetable. A range of additional water-related clubs are held here, including scuba-diving, water polo, and canoeing.
Forty-six Acres of Playing Fields and Courts, and an All-Weather Pitch
The school’s forty-six acres of playing fields and courts, located across the river, are home to rugby, football, cricket, netball, rounders, athletics, and tennis, and lie in the shadow of Worcester Cathedral, and enjoy views over to the Malvern Hills.
Hockey, and occasionally football, are played on the school’s all-weather surface, which is a short, ten-minute drive from the school.
Award-Winning Boathouse next to the River Severn
When Michael Baker (OV) gifted the money for a purpose-built boathouse, he wanted it to be a building that is fit for purpose, and one that will last long into the future. Situated next to the River Severn, the boathouse provides the ideal facilities for pupils who are keen to participate in rowing at King’s.
On the lower floor, the building houses a large number of specialist and high-quality rowing boats, while on the upper floor, the multi-function space houses modern equipment, focused on training, including cycling and rowing machines.
A Three-storey Climbing Wall
Our three-storey climbing wall is the envy of many local schools. At twelve metres high, it presents a range of climbing challenges and an abseiling gallery at the top. The school has an active Climbing Club, which regularly uses the wall.
Overseas Sport Tours
Pupils have the opportunity to take part in tailor-made tours. We regularly run tours for hockey and netball, rugby, cricket, and football. Recent destinations have included South Africa and Swaziland, The Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, North America, and Sri Lanka and Singapore. We have also taken tours into Europe, visiting Paris, Spain and Portugal in recent years.
Tours give the pupils a fantastic opportunity to experience other cultures, go on unforgettable excursions, play competitive fixtures against local and international teams, and enrich their lives through charity and volunteering work.
Tours also provide pupils with the opportunity to test their sporting abilities in a different environment, build strong relationships across the squad, and create memories for life.
