@btoncollrugbyThe Equestrian team provides an enjoyable and competitive team atmosphere where riders of all abilities can represent Brighton College at any level. Participating in NSEA competitions throughout the year, riders compete across a variety of disciplines including dressage and show jumping. Pupils regularly qualify for county, regional and national championships with great success.
Our excellent sporting reputation is thanks to the sheer number of pupils who take part in sport each week, and the world-class coaching that everyone receives. The range of sporting options we offer is extensive, and teams of all abilities compete weekly throughout the school year.
Weekend fixtures are played against other major schools. We enter national competitions, and tours and training camps take place across all sports - occasionally in other countries.
Athletics
During the summer, our Athletics Club has an unrivaled reputation for producing excellent and conditioned athletes. Pupils receive coaching by experts in every discipline and compete on Saturdays in fixtures against other top sporting schools.
The competition was very strong... nothing compares to coming out here and winning a gold.”
— Toby Harries, Team GB, European U20 Championships
Cricket
Cricket is the major summer sport for boys and girls. The College is proud to have been instrumental in developing competitive cricket for girls, and have produced national players in both the women’s and the men’s game. Our aim is simple: to inspire our pupils into a lifelong love of the game. Our teams regularly tour abroad, with Sri Lanka being the most recent destination.
The wonderful support I received at the College gave me every opportunity to succeed in my cricket.”
— Matt Prior, England and Sussex cricketer
Cross country
Our cross country running squads train at least twice a week on the South Downs and benefit from extra coaching and conditioning support. Races are in the first two terms of the school year and our teams have enjoyed considerable success in the South East Championships, the Knole Run and the Wellington Relays.
Football
Our football club is very successful, with over 350 boys in our A to E teams playing over 160 fixtures last season. Girls' football is increasing in popularity, with clubs running through the Michaelmas and Trinity terms. We have players who represent England in the independent schools football association, four of our teams are ranked top 8 in the country and we have strong links with Brighton and Hove Albion. Pupils travel to various professional clubs, like Porto and Manchester City each year, preparing them for the season ahead.
Hockey
We believe in providing experiences for girls of all abilities to become better hockey players. 16 teams across the hockey club have the opportunity to play on a strong school fixture circuit, as well the A teams testing themselves against the very best in their respective England Hockey Tier 1 outdoor and indoor competitions. We also run a two-term 1st XI programme, with midweek fixtures to allow for club hockey on Saturdays.
Netball
We field up to 25 netball teams in block fixtures, catering for girls of all abilities and we also enter competitive teams in a variety of local and National tournaments. All training programmes, regardless of level, are focussed on the development of sport intelligence and versatility in game play to equip pupils with the required technical, physical and mental skills to succeed in their present and future endeavours in sport and beyond. The College has close links with several high-performing clubs from across the South and has players that are part of both the Surrey Storm and London Pulse pathways. We enjoy close links with University netball programs, and National Teams, including the England Roses Academy. In recent years we have toured Dubai and in December 2023, pupils attended a performance pre-season camp in Gibraltar.
Our strength and conditioning programme means we can support girls at any level, with tailored plans to suit every individual.”
— Lisa Packer, Head of Netball
Rugby
We have a strong rugby tradition, with A to E teams fielded from U14 to U18, resulting in over 350 boys playing competitive Rugby matches if they want to. Physical literacy and fundamental movement are at the heart of our programme; we focus on learning and development, encouraging a love of the sport through support both on and off the field. Eight Old Brightonians are currently playing Rugby in the Premiership, including six for the Harlequins, with Marcus Smith playing fly half for England and the British and Irish Lions.
Follow Brighton College Rugby:
The support from everyone was immense and gave me a massive opportunity to succeed in professional sport and beyond.”
— Marcus Smith, England and Harlequins rugby player, Shortlised Young Sportsperson of the Year
Tennis
With over 200 pupils playing on a weekly basis in Trinity term, tennis is played across a range of abilities, with all teams enjoying success on the competitive circuit. Coaching is delivered by highly qualified Sussex tennis coaches on a weekly basis catering to improving the game of players of all levels
Other sports
Beach volleyball is one of the most popular co-educational options in the Sixth Form, and each year we host a tournament with 50 teams from the independent sector.”
— Michael Davidson, Director of Sports
Talent pathways
All pupils are able to opt in to our extension programmes which run throughout the year for each of our sports. Designed for the most able sportspeople, but open to all pupils with dedication and passion, these specialisation pathways use video analysis, strength and conditioning classes and specialist skills sessions to inspire and challenge pupils.
