This summer has been filled with unforgettable tours, historic team victories and remarkable individual achievements for Wellingtonians across the sporting landscape. From South Africa to Argentina, from national championships to international representation, our pupils have once again excelled on the biggest stages.

Touring Abroad – Rugby in South Africa & Hockey in Argentina

At the end of July, 66 Wellingtonians and nine staff embarked on a rugby tour to South Africa, where they combined top-level rugby with extraordinary cultural experiences. The boys trained at the world-class Stellenbosch Academy of Sport before facing some of the strongest school sides in the country. Highlights included a thrilling 41–31 1st XV victory over Wynberg Boys’ High and a superb 50–33 win for the 2nd XV against Paul Roos Gymnasium. Away from the pitch, pupils enjoyed unforgettable moments, including visiting Table Mountain, Boulders Beach, the Cape Peninsula and Pilanesberg National Park, where they witnessed lions, elephants and rhinos in their natural habitat.

Meanwhile, a Lower Sixth girls’ hockey squad travelled to Argentina in early August. Alongside five demanding fixtures that tested early-season fitness, the group embraced Argentinian culture, explored vibrant cities and were left in awe at the breathtaking Iguazu Falls. The tour proved to be both a valuable pre-season test and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Team Successes

Cricket – BOWS Festivals

The Girls’ 1st XI triumphed at the Girls’ BOWS Festival, recording three dominant wins. Zaara (W) finished as the tournament’s leading run scorer, while Sahana (A) was the leading wicket taker.

The Boys’ 1st XI recorded a narrow two-run win against Oakham at their Festival. Standout performances included Luka (L), who scored an unbeaten 121 against Brighton and Ralf (R), who made 147 against Sedbergh.

Golf – National Champions

The U15 team ended the year unbeaten, securing the National Matchplay Finals after victories over St Leonards, Bedford, and Reeds – a superb team effort.

Shooting – Ashburton Shield Victory

At the Schools Meeting in July, Wellington’s VIII won the prestigious Ashburton Shield for the fifth time since 2012 – and the last under the MoD-issued Cadet Target Rifle. The team also placed highly across multiple competitions, winning 12 trophies in total and securing nine places in the Cadet 100.

Sailing – A First at Itchenor

For the first time, Wellington entered the Schools Sailing Event at Itchenor, competing against the strongest fleet ever assembled at the regatta. Despite many first-time challenges, including sea sailing and large-fleet racing, Tom (Bl) and Daniel (R) secured finishes in the top half, while Rupert (Bl) was nominated for the Silver Shilling Tankard award for his outstanding conduct.

Individual Successes

  • Ellie (W) had a sensational summer of golf, becoming European Young Masters Champion in Versailles, finishing third in the English Girls’ U16 Championship, and representing England Golf at both U16 and U18 level.

 

 

  • In hockey, Cecily (O) earned an invitation to England U18 trials, while Georgia (Hn) represented England and Mia (E) represented Wales at the EuroHockey Championships.

 

  • Ricky (M) won the Fox Quaich for the highest individual score on Ashburton Day.

  • Arty (Bd) and Victor (Bd) completed a Channel Swim, a huge feat of endurance and teamwork.

  • Toby (Bl) was runner-up in two Junior International doubles events and made the last 16 at the GB U14 Nationals.

  • Amelia and her Bracknell Gymnastics Club teammates retained their title as Senior Mixed TeamGym British Champions, and will now represent Great Britain at the Mid-European Championships in November.

From long-haul tours to national championships and international breakthroughs, Wellingtonians have once again demonstrated world-class sporting ability. We congratulate every pupil involved in this outstanding summer of sport and look forward to building on these achievements in the year ahead.