Sedbergh Schools Group comes together for inaugural sports festival
Pupils from Sedbergh Prep School, Ardvreck School and Terrington Hall came together for a morning of rugby, hockey and new friendships at the inaugural Sedbergh Schools Group Triangular, showcasing the opportunities that closer collaboration between the three schools can create for their pupils.
Hosted at Sedbergh School on Saturday 10 October, the festival brought together children, families and staff from across the Group for a morning of competitive sport, shared experiences and community.
For pupils at Sedbergh Prep School, the event offered an opportunity to compete against new opponents, experience different playing styles and build friendships with children from other schools. It also provided a first glimpse of how being part of a wider family of schools can create additional opportunities beyond those available within an individual school.
More opportunities, broader experiences
Sport plays an important role in life at all three schools, developing teamwork, resilience, confidence and an appreciation of the value of representing a team.
The Triangular built on these shared traditions, bringing together pupils from different school communities to compete in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Despite early morning showers, the sun soon appeared over the Cumbrian landscape as the rugby and hockey fixtures got underway. Pupils demonstrated determination, enthusiasm and excellent sportsmanship, cheered on by families, teachers and coaches from across the Group.
While the competition was keenly contested, the morning was about more than results. For the children, it was an opportunity to test their skills against unfamiliar opposition, build confidence in new surroundings and enjoy meeting others who share their enthusiasm for sport.
Kate Martin, Head of Sedbergh Prep School, reflected on the benefits of the occasion:
“Days like this remind us of the strength of being part of the Sedbergh Schools Group. It was wonderful to see so many children enjoying the opportunity to compete, encourage one another and come together afterwards. The atmosphere throughout the morning reflected the very best of our shared values.”
Individual schools, shared opportunities
Each school within Sedbergh Schools Group has its own identity, traditions and approach to school life. Bringing them together creates opportunities to share experiences, develop relationships and introduce pupils to a wider community, while retaining the qualities that make each school distinctive.
The Triangular provided an early example of this approach in action.
Following the fixtures, pupils gathered for traditional match teas, giving them an opportunity to socialise beyond their respective teams. Meanwhile, parents and staff enjoyed afternoon tea in the Hirst Centre Hospitality Suite, strengthening connections between the three school communities.
Peter Grant, Head of Ardvreck School, commented:
“What a fabulous morning of sport in the beautiful surroundings of Sedbergh School. All games were played in a sporting manner and the parents enjoyed their visit to Cumbria! It was so lovely to see all three schools come together and give the children the opportunity to compete in such a supportive environment.”
Huw Thomas, Head of Terrington Hall, added:
“A great day to be part of the Sedbergh Schools Group and a wonderful way to showcase some of the benefits of being part of the Group family. So many children involved in a brilliant morning of sport, all wrapped up with a joint meal afterwards. The atmosphere and values on show were first class.”
Building connections across the Group
The festival coincided with Sedbergh School’s Open Day, which welcomed more than 100 guests to explore the school and discover its approach to education, boarding and co-curricular life.
Several visiting families remained into the afternoon to enjoy further rugby, watching Sedbergh School’s 2nd XV secure victory over Stonyhurst.
As the first event of its kind, the Triangular was an opportunity to bring the three prep schools together, establish new relationships and lay the foundations for future collaboration.
For Sedbergh Prep pupils, it demonstrated something important: being part of Sedbergh Schools Group can offer opportunities to meet new people, embrace new challenges and enjoy experiences that extend beyond their own school, while remaining firmly rooted in the school community they know.
The inaugural Triangular was a promising start and an example of how the three schools can work together to broaden the experiences available to their pupils.