The Autumn term has been a real testament to the pupil’s dedication to training and to competitive fixtures. Whether on the hockey pitch, netball courts, or even on the badminton court. Not forgetting to remember the swimming galas, gymnastic competitions, and cross-country races.
Cross country
he SWPS cross-country teams delivered outstanding performances at the District Cross Country Championships. The U14 team clinched first place, earning the title of District Cross Country Champions, while the U13 team secured a commendable second place. Individually, Lucy dominated the U14 race, while Eliza and Rose showcased their prowess by finishing second and third in the U13 race, respectively. The dedication and hard work of all the runners were evident in their fantastic performances.
In another competitive outing, our Year 7 and Year 9 athletes participated in the Priors Field School cross-country competition, with both teams finishing in fourth place overall. Notable individual performances came from Rose H and Eliza, who competed fiercely in their respective categories.
Additionally, SWPS entered the English Schools Cross Country, fielding both U15 and U13 teams. The event saw remarkable individual efforts, particularly from Rose H and Eliza, who continued to impress with their running excellence.
We are incredibly proud of everyone’s determination and achievements in these competitions.
Gymnastics
Gymnastics at SWPS continues to go from strength to strength.
Surrey Tumbling Competition SWPS gymnastics continues to soar, with the U13 team delivering an impressive performance at the Surrey Tumbling Competition. The team, comprising Gigi S, Scarlett A, Amelia P, Olivia T, and Indie M, executed two set tumbles each and narrowly missed out on gold by just 0.1 points, finishing as silver medallists behind Guildford High School.
U13 Independent Schools Gymnastics Competition In a historic first, SWPS entered the U13 ISGA 2-piece competition at Haberdashers’ Girls’ School. Competing against 96 independent schools, each gymnast performed a set floor routine and a vault. The team, featuring Amelie P, Indie M, Scarlett, Gigi S, and Olivia T, secured silver medals and qualified for the 4-piece finals in February. Notably, Amelie P finished 4th overall, and Olivia T placed 8th, with Gigi, Indie, and Scarlett all ranking within the top twenty gymnasts—a remarkable achievement.
Priors Field School Gymnastics Competition SWPS also showcased talent at the Priors Field floor and vault competition. For many, it was their first competitive experience, requiring them to master a set floor routine and vault. The team included Ada N, Isabelle B, Lily H, Jaya K, Flo M, and Amy Z. Congratulations to Ada N for winning gold, Isabelle B for securing silver, and Amy Z and Lily H for sharing the bronze on floor.
These outstanding results reflect the hard work and dedication of our gymnasts and coaches. We look forward to more successes in the upcoming competitions.
Hockey
U12 Tormead Hockey Tournament
The U12A hockey team showcased their prowess at the Tormead Invitational Tournament, clinching the Plate trophy in a thrilling finale. The final match ended in a tense 0-0 draw, leading to a dramatic shuffle showdown where SWPS triumphed 2-1. Congratulations to Ellie L, Olivia S, Olivia T, Tori I, Sheryl S, MJ M, and Katie R for their outstanding performance.
U14 Hockey A huge round of applause for the U14A hockey team for their remarkable victory in the Surrey round of the England Hockey T3 Cup. The team displayed exceptional skill and teamwork, securing a 4-0 win over Notre Dame and a 3-0 victory against Lingfield School, advancing to the regional finals. Their impressive run continued at the Tormead Invitational Tournament, where they won every match leading up to the final. In a gripping final, they drew 1-1 with Tormead and narrowly missed out in the shootout, finishing as runners-up. An unforgettable effort from every player!
U16 Hockey The U16 hockey team has qualified for the Regional Finals of the England Hockey U16 T2 Cup, following impressive victories against Gordon’s and Tormead. The team’s skill, determination, and teamwork have been exemplary throughout the competition.
Half Term Hockey Workshops During the October half term, SWPS hosted a series of hockey training sessions for Year 7, 8, and 9 students. Led by Miss Thomas, an ex-Welsh goalkeeper, these sessions provided a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their skills and learn from a professional.
These achievements highlight the dedication and talent of our hockey teams and coaches. Well done to all involved!
Netball
SWPS Netball Teams have excelled in recent competitions
Surrey Schools County Netball Tournament SWPS netball teams have had an excellent term, with the U14, U15, and U18 squads delivering outstanding performances at the Surrey Schools County Netball Tournament, all qualifying for the county finals. In the national netball tournament, both the U14 and U18 teams faced tough challenges but showed remarkable resilience and determination, finishing third and narrowly missing out on the finals by just one point.
U13 Netball The U13A-D teams have been consistently improving, playing matches every other week this term. They have secured notable victories over Notre Dame, St. George’s Ascot, and St. Catherine’s, and have also competed in the Sisters n Sport competition.
U14A Netball The U14A team has been thriving this season, topping their Surrey pool to qualify for the finals in March. They remain unbeaten in the Sisters n Sport tournament, having faced tough opponents from the southeast region. Their latest triumph was a 51-24 victory over Bradfield College. The team also finished third in the National Tournament, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level. They have only lost one game this season, demonstrating their strength and consistency.
U14B Netball The U14B team had a fantastic win at the Priors Field Netball Tournament, finishing joint first with Surbiton High School. The team displayed incredible match play and impressive teamwork throughout the competition.
U15 Netball The U15 team has had a great start to the season, excelling in their county netball qualifiers and defeating five other teams to advance to the county finals in March. They continue to progress in the Sisters n Sport tournament, with convincing wins against Howard of Effingham, Queen Anne’s, and a close game against Farnborough Hill, where they overturned a halftime deficit to win 39-35. They will face Beaconsfield High in the semi-finals after the Christmas break.
U18 Netball The U18 team has been making significant strides in the Sisters n Sport competition, securing solid wins against Gordon’s and LEH U18 teams in the first two rounds. They reached the quarter-finals with a 49-34 victory over Howard of Effingham. At the national finals, the U18s won their first four games with ease. Despite a draw and a loss against strong opponents, they finished third in the tournament, marking their toughest competition yet.
Swimming
This term, SWPS swimmers have made a splash at two swimming galas, with more exciting events lined up for next term, including the Surrey Schools’ competition.
In September, our Year 7 swimmers had a fantastic experience at the St Teresa Effingham swimming gala. The relays were a highlight, with our swimmers demonstrating excellent technique and impressive speed.
More recently, our Year 7 and Year 8 swimmers excelled at the LVS Ascot swimming gala. SWPS swimmers dominated the races, winning most events and securing a comprehensive victory on points in both age groups.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Dunlop will be selecting swimmers for the Surrey Schools’ gala at the end of January, hoping for strong participation. Additionally, SWPS is set to compete at Notre Dame, St Mary’s, Ascot, and the District gala in the Spring term.
We look forward to more successes in the upcoming competitions.
Sporting Achievements this term outside of SWPS
Amelia & Tallie – Gymnastics Congratulations to Year 10 students Amelia and Tallie, who represented Great Britain in gymnastics at a competition in Turin, Italy.
Annabel D – Rugby A huge congratulations to Annabel D, who successfully trialled for the Surrey rugby team this summer, securing one of just 60 spots out of 120 competitors.
Sophie D – Netball Sophie D is making strides as part of the Surrey Storms England Pathway Program, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport.
Emily G – Netball Emily G continues to shine as a player for London Pulse U19, competing in the Netball Superleague, the premier domestic competition in the country.
Sophie G – Football and Netball Year 12 student Sophie G has been selected by Under Armour to attend their prestigious performance centre in Amsterdam. Out of hundreds of talented athletes, Sophie was one of just ten chosen, marking an incredible achievement.
Taylor G – Hockey Year 12 student Taylor G, an England Talent Pathway player, represented Guildford at the England Talent Pathway Hockey Festival, where her team emerged victorious. This outstanding result was achieved under the guidance of SWPS Head of Hockey, Mr. O’Connell.
Imogen L – Swimming SWPS student Imogen L completed the phenomenal challenge of swimming the English Channel this summer, alongside former classmates from Bishopsgate. The team demonstrated great resilience and perseverance, especially when conditions became tough.
Laila R – Latin and Ballroom Dance Congratulations to Laila R for competing at the British National Championships in Blackpool, showcasing her talent in Latin and Ballroom dance.
Olivia T – Gymnastics Congratulations to Olivia T, who has been selected to represent South East England at the National Finals. She is currently on the British Elite gymnastics pathway for women’s artistic gymnastics.
Simran – Mixed Martial Arts Simran has achieved the impressive milestone of becoming a 1st Dan
These achievements highlight the exceptional talent and dedication of SWPS students across a diverse range of sports. Well done to all!
The autumn term has been a resounding success for sports at SWPS, we look forward to next term’s sporting events and welcoming our new Director of Sport, Mr Brown, in the new year.