World-class facilities, expert coaching and a sporting culture where every child is encouraged to participate, compete and grow.
Sport at St. Aubyn’s is about much more than competition – though we are proud of our competitive record. It is about developing active, healthy, resilient children who understand the value of teamwork, discipline and physical fitness.
Led by Director of Sport Mr Garry Bayntun, the PE and Games department is one of the most popular areas of school life. With facilities that rival schools many times our size and a philosophy that encourages participation for all, every child has the opportunity to discover the sports they love.
of pupils who sat the 11+ (2025) received an offer from one of their chosen schools.
acres of learning
provision
all-weather
pitches
St. Aubyn’s sporting facilities are a major part of school life and one of the most commented-upon features when families visit:
All of this across eight acres in the heart of Woodford – a scale of outdoor provision that parents driving past the school gates are often unaware of. These facilities are available to all pupils as part of the curriculum and co-curricular programme.
acres of learning
provision
all-weather
pitches
The school fields teams from Under 9 to Under 11 across the major sports – football, cricket, rugby, hockey and netball – with regular fixtures against other schools throughout the season. Performance is continuously reviewed in lessons and squad practices, and importantly, there are no closed squads for any sport. Every child who shows commitment has the opportunity to represent the school.
Additional competitive opportunities include cross-country, table tennis and athletics, with inter-house competitions across Years 3-6 providing friendly rivalry and a sense of team identity.
Beyond competition, recreational sport is equally valued. Activities such as basketball, badminton, indoor cricket, tennis and the Mile-a-Time running club ensure that every child – whether competitive or not – finds an active pursuit they enjoy.
Physical activity at St. Aubyn’s extends beyond formal PE and Games lessons. The active curriculum, outdoor play spaces, and co-curricular sports programme work together to build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
The department’s aim is clear: to improve physical fitness and individual ability, promote positive attitudes towards participation, give a varied and enjoyable experience of physical activities, and develop self-confidence and esteem. These are the qualities that complement academic focus and build the mental resilience pupils need for the demands of 11+ preparation and senior school.
Two full-time and two part-time coaching staff, supported by additional support staff, ensure expert delivery across all age groups and ability levels.
PE and Games staff
PE and Games staff
Sport at St. Aubyn’s builds as children grow. We establish the foundations of physical activity through specialist teaching in our Early Years provision, creating an appetite for future participation.
Pre-Prep pupils learn through abbreviated sports to learn generic skills, whilst gymnastics and athletics provide fundamentals of movement for balance, coordination and agility. Prep pupils are introduced to the Competitive Performance Approach and enjoy longer lessons with specialist teachers.
We have high expectations of our pupils regarding their commitment, participation and organisation for games lessons, which supports them in their pursuits both in school and at local clubs.
We have well-established links to local sports clubs, such as Woodford Green Table Tennis, and actively involve pupils in developing a love of sport and exercise both inside and outside of school.
Proof & reassurance
Our sporting team and facilities play a significant role in school life. Pupils rise to every challenge with guidance and encouragement, and parents who visit constantly cite the grounds and sports provision as one of the standout features of the school.
We get to be involved in such a huge variety of sports over the school year. Our teachers put a lot of effort into helping us compete in matches and competitions. The school field is my favourite space, where we play and train for football, rugby, cricket, and athletics. This is also where Sports Day happens, which is the best day of the year, it’s full of adrenaline, and we get to be competitive for our house - Go, Hayton!
all-weather pitches
acres of learning provision
major sports with team fixtures
no closed squads – open access
all-weather pitches
major sports with team fixtures
acres of learning provision
no closed squads – open access
We invite families to visit, explore our school and experience this balance for themselves.
Have questions? We’ve got you covered. Check out our FAQs for quick answers!
Yes. A 97% five-year 11+ success rate demonstrates our academic strength, delivered without compromising wellbeing.
Our wellbeing provision, pastoral systems and inclusive culture ensure children feel supported, not pressured.
As well as academic rigour families choose us for our facilities, personal attention, warm community that many clubs are included in the fees.
Our specialist SEND team and tailored teaching ensure every child receives what they need to thrive.
Absolutely. Our academic outcomes and character development, according to each child’s needs, prepare children exceptionally well for their next stage.
We warmly invite you to a personal guided tour with Admissions Registrar, Mrs Helen Madden. During your visit, you’ll explore classrooms, creative spaces, and sports facilities to see how children grow in confidence and curiosity while building firm foundations for a lifetime of learning.
Most importantly, you’ll be in amongst a typical school day, allowing you to gain genuine insight into our nurturing community. Your visit concludes with a relaxed meeting with the Head to answer your questions.
