School Life
Sport
Sport is a vital part of school life that supports every pupil’s wellbeing, promotes healthy habits, and nurtures leadership and personal growth. Our Sport department believes every pupil, regardless of experience or ability, should find joy in being active. Through close partnership with our on-site Occupation Therapy department, they can ensure that there’s something for everyone.
Facilities and opportunities
Our large, versatile sports hall welcomes pupils of all ages to get stuck into basketball, dodgeball, badminton, and a variety of other team games. Above this space, our recently renovated strength and conditioning gym adds even more to the mix. Complete with a full suite of fitness equipment, boxing punch bags, and a dedicated spinning space, it is used during lessons, co-curricular clubs, Sixth Form free periods, and additional sessions for boarders.
Come spring and summer, attention turns to our outdoor swimming pool and running track. The pool is not just used for lessons and inter-school galas, but for after-school clubs and evening and weekend fun for our boarders.
For sports that need a firmer surface, our hard play area provides space for tennis, hockey, pickleball, and more. At the bottom of our campus is an expansive playing field, where archery, football, cricket, rugby, athletics, and a rotation of other seasonal sports take place. Football remains a firm favourite among our boys, and our More Than a Pitch campaign is currently fundraising for a new all-weather 3G pitch so that come rain or shine, pupils can take part in the sports they love.
The transformative power of sport at More House School
Sport is a powerful tool for transformation, enabling pupils to overcome barriers and thrive. We recognise that for children and young people with special education needs, physical activity can help in many ways, including:
- Boost learning and thinking
- Lower anxiety and stress
- Improve self-regulation
- Enhance social connection
- Support better focus and sleep
- Build confidence and self-expression
Physical Education is a core subject at More House and pupils in Years 4-11 have at least two hours of PE per week. Sixth Form students also benefit from dedicated PE sessions, encouraging them to stay active and make full use of the school’s extensive sports facilities. During PE lessons, pupils take part in a wide variety of sports, including football, rugby, archery, netball, hockey, pickleball, athletics, fitness, basketball, cricket and swimming.
For pupils interested in pursuing qualifications in sport, we offer academic pathways including BTEC Sport at Level 2 and a BTEC Level 3 in Sports Coaching and Development. Many of our boys then go on to study sport or coaching at university or use their skills in coaching outside of school.
Beyond the timetable
Throughout the year, we welcome schools from across the region for team fixtures and competitions, building a strong sense of camaraderie and competitive spirit. From swimming galas to cross country meets, cricket tournaments to football, rugby and hockey matches, pupils of all ages have the opportunity to compete and represent their school with pride and aspiration.
Inter-house competitions are a highlight of the school calendar. With spirited rivalry and teamwork on full display, pupils compete for valuable house points that feed into the annual House Championship—the results of which are revealed during our much-anticipated annual Sports Day celebration. Boarders benefit from extended opportunities for inter-house competitions, sports clubs and use of the gym and wider sports facilities. This helps to embed physical activity into daily routines and encourage teamwork and group activities.
Every other Friday, our timetable flexes to make space for theme or subject-based enrichment and learning. These ‘Flexi Fridays’ provide exciting opportunities for sports-based activities and trips, from Ninja Warrior challenges and orienteering to visits to iconic venues such as the home of England Rugby, the Allianz Stadium (Twickenham). Each experience adds to the vibrant co-curricular life of our school community.
We also recognise that many of our pupils pursue ambitious sporting goals beyond school. Whether training at elite level or representing local clubs and teams, our pupils achieve remarkable things—and we’re proud to cheer them on every step of the way. Their journeys show that with passion, dedication and the right support, pupils with additional educational needs can overcome barriers and reach extraordinary heights. Recent achievements include More House boys joining professional football academies and representing their regions in national sports competitions, including becoming ISA national athletics champions.
Sport Highlights
The National Dyslexia Football Tournament
Held annually, the National Dyslexia Football Tournament brings together pupils from specialist and inclusive schools across the country for a day of sport, celebration, and shared purpose. With teams travelling from far and wide, the tournament showcases exceptional teamwork, resilience, and sporting passion in a high-energy 9-a-side competition.
More than a contest of skill, the event nurtures confidence, connection and personal growth—experiences especially meaningful for pupils who learn and engage with the world in diverse ways. As pupils navigate group stages, knockout rounds and nail-biting finals, they do so with a spirit of respect, perseverance and collective joy.
The tournament has become a much-anticipated fixture in the calendar, offering a unique opportunity to highlight the transformative role sport can play in nurturing not only physical ability, but also social communication, emotional wellbeing and a sense of belonging for neurodiverse children and young people.
Sports Day
Sports Day at More House is a much-loved annual tradition and a full-school celebration of competition, camaraderie and the transformative power of sport.
Across a day filled with energy, encouragement and personal achievement, pupils from Years 4 to 10 take part in a diverse programme of track and field events, cheered on by families, staff and peers. From sprints and endurance runs to javelin, long jump and our legendary House Relay, every pupil contributes to the electric atmosphere and collective celebration.
Sports Day at More House School is more than just a showcase of physical skill. It’s a moment for each individual to shine—breaking records, trying something new, and showing resilience in the face of challenge. For our pupils with literacy and language learning challenges, the day reinforces that sport can be a powerful pathway to building confidence, connection and wellbeing. The result is always the same: beaming smiles, unforgettable memories, and a vibrant reminder of how inclusive, joyful and empowering sport can be.
ISA National Athletics Championships
In 2025, we were so proud that two pupils from More House School earned their place among the country’s fastest young athletes after outstanding performances at the London West regional qualifiers. Representing their school and their region on the national stage, both athletes advanced through the heats and delivered remarkable performances in the finals. Jack’s incredible energy and grit earned him third place in the U13 100m—a tremendous feat on such a competitive stage. Yohan stormed to victory in the U15 100m, clocking a breath-taking 11.72 seconds and claiming his title as National Champion.
Achievements like these reflect more than just sporting talent. These athletes exemplify how the right support and an environment that nurtures confidence can help neurodiverse young people break barriers and achieve extraordinary things.