Every Child on the Team: Sport for All at Pocklington School | Pocklington School | Private Day & Boarding School In East Yorkshire near York

The sound of laughter carries across the playing fields at Pocklington Prep. It’s a Games afternoon, there are three simultaneous games of hockey taking place, all perfectly pitched to the level of each small group. There are no benches filled with substitutes here - everyone is involved, everyone has a role, and everyone is learning what it means to be part of a team.

Emily Kendra, Prep School Teacher and Games Coach, says this is where the journey begins: 

“At Pocklington Prep School, we believe in participation for all. Our aim is to ensure that every child, no matter their sporting background or ability, has the chance to experience the joy and teamwork that come from representing their school.”

It’s a simple philosophy that runs through the heart of Pocklington School’s approach to sport: every child plays, every child progresses, every child matters.

Across the Prep and Senior Schools, sport is not about producing a select few elite players; it’s about nurturing a love of movement and teamwork that lasts a lifetime. Pocklington pupils experience a wide variety of sports, from netball, rugby and hockey to swimming, cricket, athletics, and cross-country, and they’re encouraged to try everything.

"As part of our co-curricular programme, we have weekly clubs such as table tennis, badminton and basketball, sports which are great to be a part of in a non-competitive environment.

This allows our students who don't necessarily see themselves as 'sporty' to find a passion which stretches them physically and mentally. There really is a sport for everyone out there- we just need to help them find it!"

Lucy Hornby

Head of Co-curriculum

That sense of belonging is intentional. Fixtures are organised so that every pupil gets a chance to represent the school, whether it’s in a competitive team or an inter-house event. Older students also help coach and mentor younger ones - a hallmark of the Pocklington ethos, where inclusion builds community.

David Byas, Director of Sport, believes this inclusive approach creates the foundations for character and resilience.

In going through the process of competition, children learn how to dig deep when the task gets tough, promoting resilience. No one likes to lose but competition teaches them to lose well, be gracious in both victory and defeat but to also be reflective of times when they haven't had the outcome they want, to then improve and try again." 

He adds that participation is never at odds with ambition. Pocklington has an excellent record of producing county and regional athletes, but that success, he insists, “comes from the same inclusive roots - giving everyone the opportunity to learn, to fail safely, and to grow stronger.”

The emphasis on every child taking part has also shaped the school’s sports facilities and programmes. From the multi-sport astro turf and indoor training centre to the swimming pool, spaces are designed for adaptability and access, supporting both performance and participation.

In the Prep School, the focus is on fun and foundation skills. Children aged four to eleven are introduced to a broad range of sports and physical activities designed to develop agility, balance, and coordination. Lessons are playful and inclusive, but they’re also carefully structured to teach teamwork, empathy, and resilience.

By the time pupils move up to the Senior School, they’ve already learned to value their own contribution. They’ve experienced both victory and disappointment, and they understand that effort and attitude matter just as much as results.

"As pupils move through the school, they have the opportunity to develop and progress year on year, achieving personal targets and growing as people. The development and memories that are made in these years stay with them for life, and help shape the people they become."

Georgia Hird

Head of PE

Walk past the sports fields on any given afternoon, and you’ll see pupils of every age and ability taking part - from Prep pupils discovering the joy of their first match to Sixth Formers mentoring younger teams.

The school’s fixtures calendar is full, but the spirit of competition is balanced by compassion. Staff and pupils celebrate effort, sportsmanship, and teamwork as much as trophies. The result is a school where sport builds friendships, fuels confidence, and strengthens the values that carry pupils through life.

“At Pocklington, we believe in courage, truth and trust - and sport embodies all three. Our aim is simple: every pupil should feel proud to represent their school, whatever their level.”

David Byas

Head of Sport

Pocklington School’s inclusive sports philosophy means that every pupil has the chance to belong, to grow, and to find joy in movement. From the smallest Prep child to the oldest Sixth Former, sport is a shared experience that unites the community in energy, pride, and friendship.

Find out more about Sport and Co-curricular life at Pocklington School.