Girls in Sport: How Independent Schools Are Breaking Down Barriers

Independent schools across the UK are leading a quiet revolution in girls’ sport - opening doors to traditionally male-dominated activities and giving female students the space to thrive, compete and shine.

The shift couldn’t come at a better time. With interest in women’s sport at an all-time high, the appetite for more opportunities is growing. According to the Women’s Sport Trust, over 22 million people watched women’s sport between January and May 2024 alone, and this year’s Women’s Six Nations was the most viewed ever.

Meanwhile, women made a powerful statement at this year’s Olympic Games — not just matching male participation but also taking home medals in sports long seen as male territory, from wrestling to boxing. Gone are the days when it was thought women should avoid sport for fear it might be harmful — physically or socially. Thankfully, outdated myths are being replaced by real investment and action, especially in the independent school sector.

With the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup on the horizon, girls' sport in the UK is stepping into the spotlight — and independent schools are ahead of the curve when it comes to challenging old norms and setting new standards.

Sport offers far more than just physical benefits. The Youth Sport Trust points to the impact on mental health, confidence, and personal development — including resilience, teamwork, and self-motivation.

Yet, studies from Women in Sport show that girls remain less active than boys and are more likely to stop playing sport in their teens. This makes the work of independent schools even more important — as they expand access, improve visibility, and offer more inclusive, flexible sporting options.

At St Dunstan’s College in London, Assistant Head Danny Gower says their gender-neutral sports approach ensures that all pupils, regardless of gender, enjoy equal opportunities and support. At Chinthurst Prep in Surrey, Headteacher Cathy Trundle says children are free to choose their sport based on interest — whether that’s football, rugby, hockey or netball — without being boxed in by outdated stereotypes.

Across the UK, schools are embracing this cultural shift and forming powerful partnerships to support girls in sport. At Leighton Park in Berkshire, a collaboration with the charity Her Game Too encourages girls to take up football, with impressive results on the pitch.

In Devon, Mount Kelly has teamed up with Chelsea FC to launch a high-performance football programme for girls — producing champions at both the ISFA U18 Girls’ National Cup and Chelsea Foundation Cup this year. Further north, Hill House School in Doncaster is making waves in girls’ rugby, recently claiming victory in the U16 Yorkshire Cup and Rosslyn Park National 7s for the U14s. And in Somerset, at Millfield, girls can choose from more than 30 different sports, including ski racing, where many have won medals at top-level competitions.
Scholarships Opening Doors

Sporting excellence is being matched with academic support, too. At Malvern College, for example, standout cricketer Lauren Atkinson received the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Scholarship, named after one of the pioneers of women’s cricket and the first woman to break the barriers at the MCC.

At Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate in York, talented girls in basketball, cricket, football and netball can apply for scholarships that come with entry into the school’s Performance Sports Programme. This includes one-on-one coaching, sports psychology, nutrition advice, strength training, and injury prevention — preparing athletes for university-level sport or even professional contracts.

It’s not just about offering more sports — it’s about understanding girls’ specific needs, too. Millfield School runs a pioneering Girls in Sport programme, designed to address challenges such as puberty, menstrual health, and physical development that can sometimes affect girls' sporting confidence and progression. Coaches are trained to support female athletes, and practical changes — like switching from white to navy PE shorts — are being made to help girls feel more comfortable and confident on the pitch.

Crucially, the message isn’t just for elite performers. Independent schools are also working hard to make sport fun, accessible and non-intimidating — even for complete beginners.
At Leighton Park, an annual Girls Can Week introduces pupils to a wide range of activities — from archery and judo to American football. At Truro School, girls regularly head to the coast to surf and compete, while Brighton Girls students throw punches in boxing sessions.

Meanwhile, at Christ College Brecon, girls mountain bike on purpose-built trails and even help shape them through “dig sessions.” Some go on to compete at national level — one pupil is now the U13 4X MTB British Champion.

The core message being delivered by independent schools is this: Sport is for everyone. Whether you're aiming for a professional contract, trying a new skill, or just looking for fun, the most important thing is having the chance to participate — and the confidence to say “yes” when the opportunity comes your way.