Berkhamsted ranked 10th in School Sport Magazine’s top 200 list  

School Sport Magazine has ranked Berkhamsted as the 10th best UK sports school in the 2022-23 season. This prestigious publication celebrates excellence in school sports and annually releases a list of the 200 best UK state and independent sporting schools. Our recognition in the top ten places Berkhamsted in the top 1% of the country’s sporting schools, a remarkable feat that is a testament to the combination of highly skilled, specialist, and passionate sports staff working with and alongside our focused, motivated, and talented pupils.

The School Sport’s Top 200 list recognises the schools that have reached the later stages of a range of national competitions, meriting Berkhamsted’s high ranking on the list as our 2022-23 season saw: Netball 1st VII crowned National Schools Finals Champions, seven National Titles in Eton Fives, and the 2nd X Lacrosse Teams being named Hertfordshire County Champions across several senior year groups to name but a few of our national competition achievements.

Alongside our national successes, Berkhamsted prioritises high participation and  pupils’ enjoyment of the sports they play. Berkhamsted regularly fields a remarkable 125 teams and over 1,351 pupils represent the Sports teams across the Prep to Sixth.

The School Sports Top 200 list also recognises the schools that have excelled in a range of sports and thanks to Berkhamsted’s growing sports offering (which includes 40 team, individual, and recreational sporting opportunities) our school boasts success in a plethora of popular and niche sports. In 2022-23, Berkhamsted entered a remarkable 1337 fixtures, from attaining the JWS National Title in Equestrian to being named U13 Milano British Schools Gymnastics Association Champions, Berkhamsted sees pupils excel and find enjoyment in competing and participating in a vast range of sports, many of which do not always feature in school offerings.

On making 10th place on the School Sport list, Director of Sport Tom Pierce said:

“Berkhamsted’s Sports department are incredibly proud to be named as the 10^th best School for Sport in the UK in the School Sport Magazine this week. This is a testament to a fantastic team of teachers, coaches and academic staff who go beyond the expectation to deliver a fantastic programme to our students. As a team we seek to focus on Enjoyment, Participation & Performance.  We also want to thank our parents for all the excellent support they give our pupils. As a school, we aim high with integrity in everything we do, and this result reflects the positive and hard-working attitude of our students. Well done to the whole Berkhamsted Sporting community!” 

Katy Costin, Assistant Director of Sport, said:

“We are delighted to have been recognised by School Sports Magazine this year. Our place in the top ten is testament to the talent and hard work of our pupils and staff and also to the commitment of the School to provide the best opportunities both to participate and perform. We continue to invest in our provision; in facilities, staff and innovation, to ensure that every pupil can reach their sporting potential. The future is bright at Berko!”

Congratulations to the sports staff, pupils, and coaches whose hard work and dedication to the sports they love have led to remarkable outcomes for Berkhamsted School. Here’s to more success in the 2023-2024 season!