Our pupils have, once again, been excelling on the national stage this week, showcasing talent, teamwork and determination across multiple sports.

In the Swimming National Schools’ Bath Cup at the Olympic Aquatic Centre, Faaiq (U6), Matthew (U6), Emilio (U6) and Tako (Middles) delivered outstanding performances, making the national final and finishing among the top seven teams in the country in the medley relay. Their commitment in training and composure under pressure were a credit to the School and their coaches.

Meanwhile, the Girls’ 1st XI Hockey team continued their remarkable run by reaching the Tier 1 National Finals.
In a fiercely contested semi-final, they were edged out 3–5 by Clifton, before facing Repton in the bronze medal match. In a thrilling rematch of the indoor national gold medal game, the team produced a superb performance, drawing 2–2 in normal play and clinching victory via shuffles.

The Boys’ 1st XI Hockey team played a thrilling match against Bradfield College. ��ݮ��Ƶ made a strong start, converting two penalty corners in the first half. Bradfield responded after the break, narrowing the gap to 2–1, before Alex (U6) restored ��ݮ��Ƶ ’s advantage with a superb strike. The closing minutes were nail-biting, with Bradfield scoring again and then earning a penalty corner in the final play of the game. However, a brilliant goal-line clearance by James (U6, Trevelyan) secured ��ݮ��Ƶ ’s place in the semi-final.

Last but not least, the Golf team won the East Region Championship, with a fabulous performance in hugely challenging conditions on a very windy links course, overcoming Uppingham 5-0 in the final, and thus winning the Ratcliffe Cup.

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A Year of National Finals and Unforgettable Achievements. The academic year 2024–25 has been truly remarkable for ��ݮ��Ƶ sport, marked by exceptional performances, teamwork, and resilience across a wide range of disciplines. Our pupils have represented the School at the very highest level, reaching 12 national finals in 9 different sports, a testament to their dedication and the strength of our sporting programme.

National Champions and Noteworthy Triumphs

This year, ��ݮ��Ƶ teams have brought home four national titles:

• Foster Cup for Rackets
• U16 Girls’ Indoor Hockey
• U13 Girls’ Indoor Hockey
• U13 Lacrosse Division 1

In addition, our talented Golf team were crowned National Plate Champions, an achievement that places them among the elite schools in the country.

Sporting Highlights

U16 indoor hockey

The girls performed with extraordinary composure and self-belief, beating Repton, Sevenoaks and King’s Chester, and then producing a fabulous crescendo in the final to win 7-2 against Clifton. Laura was ruthless in front of goal, scoring 18, and Lois and Cate shone down the spine of the defence and midfield. It was fitting that the girls also won the Tony Nunn Fidelitas Shield at Speech Day for performance levels but also for the sportsmanlike manner in which they went about their business.

Rackets

Flynn is the first Haileyburian to win the Foster Cup for over 40 years. He was a man with a target on his back from the start of the tournament and to achieve championship victory with so many top players looking to raise their game against the favourite was a great example of composure and quality combined. He backs up his U16 success therefore with this superb national triumph.

U13 girls

In both indoor hockey and lacrosse the U13 girls’ sporting squads showed what character and what depth of quality they have. Two magnificent wins in different sports in highly competitive tournaments was a stunning achievement. What a future!

Netball

The senior netball squad were superb – securing qualification from the extremely competitive Hertfordshire rounds, then again through the East Region. At the national finals at Sheffield the girls were excellent, winning all bar their last crucial game to make it to the semi-final, missing out by just the one goal. The competition was fierce and the top 16 schools in the land made it a highly competitive experience, but the girls showed that they are right up there with the very best there is.

Swimming

The girls’ squad made it to the national final for the second year in a row to defend their title from 2024! It was a tense affair and finishing 8th in the land is superb. The boys had never qualified for the final before and to finish 4th was incredible, albeit tough to just be pipped to the podium.

Boys’ hockey

U18 boys backed up their U16 title from last year by making it to Nottingham again. The day was tough and with a squad all bar one of whom return next year makes it a mouthwatering prospect in 2026.

Girls’ Cricket: National Podium Success

• U17 National T20 Cup Finals:
  Our U17 girls’ cricket team made history by reaching the finals at the stunning Arundel Castle, competing as one of the last four schools standing nationwide. After a challenging cup run with victories over Framlingham and Marlborough, the girls finished with bronze medals and are now officially ranked 3rd in the country—a phenomenal accomplishment.
• U18 Girls’ Cricket Hundred Nationals Plate:
  The girls added to their accolades with a silver medal in the U18 Hundred nationals plate, demonstrating their prowess and consistency at the highest level.

Boys’ Cricket: Unbeaten Champions

• 2nd XI Boys’ Cricket:
  The boys’ 2nd XI capped off a perfect season, finishing top of the national rankings for school 2nd XI cricket teams after an unbroken run of 11 wins from 11 matches against other schools.

Golf: National Plate Champions

• National Finals, Oxfordshire:
  Out of 92 schools, only 8 reached the finals, and ��ݮ��Ƶ’s team—Matt, Rohit, Tejas, Arjun, Fin, and JJ rose to the occasion. They delivered a series of outstanding performances, only losing to the eventual champions Reeds by the thinnest of margins on the final green, and going on to defeat, Eton, and Wellington to become National Plate Champions and secure a 5th place national ranking.

“I could not be prouder of everything our pupils have achieved in sport over the past 12 months. From individual milestones to team triumphs, it has been a year filled with dedication, passion and true ��ݮ��Ƶ spirit. Just as crucial as national trophies has been the amazing depth of opportunities for all, with over 1250 fixtures over 20+ sports during the year.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has taken part in sport this year. I am also grateful to our outstanding team of coaches, whose hard work and support make these achievements possible. As we look ahead to the next 12 months, I do so with immense pride and excitement for what is to come.“

Andy Searson – Director of Sport

National Successes

A Message of Pride

These achievements are the result of hard work, commitment, and the unwavering support of our pupils, coaches, staff, and families. Every pupil who represented ��ݮ��Ƶ this year should feel incredibly proud of their contribution to our sporting legacy.

Congratulations to all our athletes – your success inspires the whole school community. We look forward to building on these achievements and celebrating many more in the years ahead.

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Here are some of the highlights and photos from the past five weeks of competition.

Rugby

The boys’ rugby season kicked off with a bang, the 1st XV scoring 43 points in victory over Felsted, with England international Fraser scoring an impressive five tries. The U15A team has been particularly noteworthy, amassing over 200 points in just seven matches and winning six of them. Their 24-12 triumph over Reeds marked a stunning reversal from last year’s 50-point defeat, and illustrates the progress they are making. U15C rugby are also in great form, winning in their final match before Half Term break.

Hockey

On the hockey pitch, the girls’ 1st XI remains unbeaten, proving themselves formidable opponents in both the national cup and England Tier 1 competitions. The team’s Tier 1 victories over Framlingham (4-0) and Ipswich (2-1) have been particularly impressive. Meanwhile, the U15A squad has been on fire in defence of their national crown, netting 55 goals in 12 games while conceding just three. The U12 girls showed that the future is in good hands too, with a county cup triumph.

Netball

Netball has seen its share of success, with the U19 squad qualifying for the regional stages of the national cup for the second consecutive year. Lucy and Charlotte have been ruthless in the shooting circle, while Daisy, Brogan, Charlotte and Alice have controlled the midcourt with aplomb.

Lacrosse

The lacrosse teams have been gaining valuable experience, notching wins against both Marlborough and Bedford. Fresh from representing Wales in the U20 World Championships, Maddie has been in particularly dynamic form.

Swimming

In the pool, swimming squads have performed admirably at the England Schools Championships and in friendly meets. The league galas are set to begin after Half Term, promising fierce competitive action in November.

Golf

The golf team has successfully navigated past St. Edmund’s and Brentwood in cup play despite challenging weather conditions. With one round still to play, they appear fully dialled in for upcoming challenges.

Football

The girls’ football squad, led by the galvanising Paisley, shows promise for the future as they train hard. Meanwhile, the boys’ 1st XI is through to the third round of the national cup after a strong 4-1 victory over Norwich, the next round of the cup for the boys is in early November.

Rackets

The rackets season got off to a fine start with Flynn and Benji achieving success during an away trip to Tonbridge. Darcey and Isla also played well as they hone their partnership. Queen’s beckons in December.

Badminton

Our badminton teams have travelled to Canterbury and Felsted. Minh particularly impressed in Kent as the girls came out on top 7-2 while the boys faced a closely fought battle ending 3-6. Their Essex away games saw them win all their encounters, and it is great to see the squad working so hard on court and in the gym and reaping the rewards in matchplay.

Basketball

Happily, our basketball squad has been re galvanised and several fixtures are in the diary. Our youthful team is gaining experience from the two encounters thus far and the future for the basketball club looks very exciting. 

Cricket

Only a tiny percentage of schools are able to play cricket in September, and we are privileged to be one of them. Flynn took a career-best 7-34 to etch his name on the honours board.

“Amidst sometimes glorious sunshine and torrential rain, often at the same time (literally!), our pupils have enjoyed plenty of opportunity for participation in competitive action across all our Autumn sports, with 62 teams having taken to the field across 10 sports, and 249 fixtures having been played in the opening six weeks of term,” shared Andrew Searson. Director of Sport. “There have been some stellar performances on the pitch at all ages and abilities and some ideally pitched block fixtures, with exactly half of the aforementioned matches resulting in victory. Just as importantly off the pitch there is a huge amount for ��ݮ��Ƶ pupils to reflect proudly upon with sportsmanship having been consistently and unfailingly demonstrated,” he added.

As we head into half term, our athletes are already poised for the many super sporting challenges that lie ahead in November and December.

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On March 1 2024, amidst the electrifying atmosphere of the London Olympic Aquatic Centre, our senior girls’ medley relay squad etched their names in the annals of swimming history. Maja, Alice, Ade and Laura, a tenacious and talented quartet, were crowned national champions.

Having secured their berth in the finals with unwavering resolve, our girls unleashed a display of sheer brilliance, propelled by cheers echoing poolside. In a heart-stopping final that left spectators on the edge of their seats, the girls notched a personal best time of 2.07.25 to not only clinch victory, but also secured them the national title for the second consecutive year.

The triumph at the Bath & Otter Cup is only one example of our School’s strong swimming programme. In the weeks leading up to this win, our swimmers showcased their drive at the Hertfordshire Schools Swimming League Finals, where Isla, Ade, Laura, and Alice emerged as county champions in backstroke, butterfly, freestyle and breaststroke respectively.

“Our swimmers have navigated this season with unwavering resolve. Through countless early morning training sessions and gruelling workouts, they have honed their technique and power, deservedly defending their crown.” – Mrs Kate Liddiard Head of Swimming

Beyond the medals and accolades, what we are most proud of is the camaraderie and support that defines the essence of ��ݮ��Ƶ Swimming. From Lower School to Upper Sixth, our swimmers all share a passion and drive for excellence. Congratulations are extended to all of our swimmers who have exemplified dedication throughout the 2023/24 season.

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On Friday 20th October, 19 of our swimmers travelled to Calella, just outside Barcelona, for their first warm weather swim training camp. Although the skies didn’t initially cooperate, the sun finally shone, allowing pupils to train alongside a Danish team and the French National Finswimming team at Crol Swim Centre. 

Dedicated training trips such as this, allow our swimmers to spend sessions refining techniques for specific strokes and bonding as a team. For many, it was the first time they swam lengths in a 50-metre pool.

As a complement to their swim training, Haileyburians spent time in the gym for strength and conditioning, and stretched out sore muscles with grounding beach yoga.

While each day consisted of hard work at the pool, our pupils made the most of their time in Spain by sight seeing—The highlights being the famous Sagrada Familia, Olympic Park and Las Ramblas. Additionally, everyone enjoyed hitting the town for team bowling and mini golf. Much fun was also had playing beach volleyball and rounders.

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Starting with fencing, congratulations to Madeline who yesterday won the National Schools’ Fencing Championships. This is another wonderful result for Madeline who earlier this month was selected to represent Great Britain at the World Championships in Bulgaria.

Congratulations also to the sensational U15 girls’ lacrosse team who won the National Championships yesterday, winning 3-1 (2-0 at half time) in the final, after overcoming Dunnottar, Stowe, Berkhamsted and Claremont Fan Court in the group stage and Guildford High, Godolphin, Putney High School and St Helens in the knockouts.

Finally, the boys also put in a tremendous performance and won the U16 boys Hockey East Championships yesterday.

Well done to all!

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