SPORT
PERFORMANCE AND COMPETITION
Performance and competition are an important part of sport at Francis Holland, with pupils encouraged to pursue excellence alongside enjoyment. We field competitive squads in netball, hockey, tennis, athletics and swimming, and pupils selected for school teams are expected to show a strong commitment to training, fixtures and team responsibilities. Our teams regularly compete in high-profile local and national competitions, providing pupils with valuable experience of performing under pressure and representing the school with pride.
Alongside domestic competition, the school offers international sports tours, which in recent years have included destinations such as Barbados, Tenerife and South Africa. These tours provide outstanding opportunities for personal development, teamwork and cultural enrichment.
Sport at Francis Holland delivers a broad and balanced programme tailored to the individual, promoting confidence, health and wellbeing. The sports programme complements the school’s philosophy by encouraging all pupils to try new activities, develop their talents and foster a lifelong love of sport and physical activity, while enabling many to compete against the top schools in London.
FACILITIES AND LOCATIONS
Sport is central to life at the school and, particularly in light of our central London location, our facilities are excellent. These include a netball court, a large, well-equipped gymnasium, and a specialist dance studio with a sprung floor. The Sixth Form benefit from a state-of-the-art Fitness Suite featuring Technogym equipment, accessible throughout the day.
For outdoor sports, pupils use Battersea Park, which provides extensive grass and all-weather pitches, seven all-weather netball courts, and 19 all-weather tennis courts. Many courts, along with the all-weather hockey pitch, are floodlit, enabling after-school matches year-round. The Millennium Arena hosts our annual Sports Day, and pupils regularly use the track and field facilities for athletics and cross-country training as part of the curriculum.
As the girls progress through the School, we also use other nearby facilities to expand provision, including spinning and boxing studios. Swimming lessons take place at the Queen Mother Sports Centre in areas reserved exclusively for the school, with an efficient bus service connecting all off-site facilities.
CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
Co-curricular sport plays a central role in life at Francis Holland, offering pupils a wide range of opportunities to be active, develop skills and represent the school across multiple disciplines. Sport is available before school, at lunchtime and after school, ensuring there is something for everyone, regardless of interest or ability. Our inclusive programme promotes teamwork, resilience and confidence, while encouraging lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.
The PE Department runs an extensive programme of clubs and squad practices, supporting both recreational participation and competitive sport. Pupils can take part in activities including netball, hockey, swimming, athletics, cross country, tennis, cricket, rowing, football, basketball and sailing, alongside dance, gymnastics, kick boxing, Pilates, yoga and self-defence. Athletics training runs from the Spring through to the Summer Term, while dance is offered weekly to all year groups and culminates in performances at the annual Gym and Dance Display. This varied and dynamic programme ensures girls remain engaged, motivated and active throughout their time at the school.
