The NHP Sports Department recognises that keeping fit and active has a profoundly positive impact on children’s learning and mental health, embodying the old adage “a healthy body, a healthy mind.” Our approach to physical education aims to foster not only physical fitness but also overall well-being, contributing to the holistic development of our students.
A wide and varied sports curriculum provides numerous opportunities for children to develop and hone their skills, recognise their individual talents and abilities, and learn valuable life lessons about team spirit and competition. Through sports, pupils learn to be comfortable with competition, to win and lose gracefully, and, of course, to have fun and stay fit. Our program encourages participation in a broad range of activities, including swimming, gymnastics, football, hockey, rugby, netball, tennis, athletics, and badminton. This diversity ensures that every child can find a sport they enjoy and excel in.
We start swimming from Reception and team games are introduced from Year 1, promoting early development of cooperative skills and team dynamics. By Year 3, pupils begin participating in a full fixtures list against local prep schools and within the Kensington and Chelsea Borough leagues, offering them the chance to experience competitive sports in a supportive environment. Every child takes part in approximately four hours of organised sport each week, ensuring regular physical activity is integrated into their routine. For those who are particularly keen to advance their skills, the Sports Department offers pre- and after-school clubs, providing additional training and development opportunities. This comprehensive sports program is designed to nurture a lifelong love of physical activity and instil the values of teamwork, perseverance, and resilience.
Facilities
A large assembly hall and all-weather pitch provide excellent facilities for in-house sports activities for the Lower School children at NHP. These spaces allow for a variety of physical activities regardless of weather conditions, ensuring that pupils can stay active and engaged throughout the year.
We are fortunate to have access to a wide array of local sporting facilities within walking or short bus distance from the school. Our sports program benefits from commercial arrangements with multiple venues, enhancing the breadth and quality of our physical education offerings. These venues include Kensington Leisure Centre, located just 0.5 miles from the school, which offers swimming and other indoor sports facilities. The Westway Sports Centre, 0.6 miles away, provides additional resources for activities such as climbing, football, and tennis. The Linford Christie Stadium, situated 1.8 miles from NHP, is ideal for athletics and track events. Furthermore, we utilise the tennis and netball courts at Kensington Memorial and Avondale Park, both conveniently located 0.6 miles from the school.
These partnerships enable us to deliver a comprehensive and varied sports program that caters to the interests and talents of all our students. By leveraging these top-notch facilities, we ensure that our children have ample opportunities to develop their skills, enjoy a diverse range of sports, and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. This access to high-quality sporting venues supports our commitment to fostering physical fitness and well-being as integral components of our students’ education.
