Epsom College has been named as a finalist in the Independent School of the Year Awards in the category of Sporting Achievement. The judges were particularly impressed by the College’s sustained focus on girls’ sport in recent years. The awards, run by Independent School Parent magazine, were launched in 2018 “to highlight the excellence of the student experience in independent schools”. In recent years Epsom’s sports department has worked hard to build upon its offering for girls, to encourage every pupil to feel inspired by sport and exercise from an early age, so that participating in physical activity becomes an enjoyable part of everyday life. Epsom’s efforts include a large investment in state-of-the-art training facilities for our major girls’ sports and an increase in specialist-coaching expertise with the appointment of a host of former county and national players.
Coaching Expertise
In recent years, the College has made a number of significant appointments in the sports department, with several former county and national players bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to pupils. These include:
- Sarah Cockayne – Hockey Coach. England Masters – 8 caps, England Mixed – 2 caps. Competed in the 2018 World Cup.
- Jessie Knight – Athletics Coach. Silver in European Indoor Championships 2021. British Champion 400m Hurdles.
- Rose Thomas – Assistant Director of Hockey. Welsh/GB International. Over 50 caps.
- Bev Bostock – Head of Netball Performance. U19, U17 and U15 coach for the Surrey Storm Superleague Franchise. Coached four athletes at U13/15/17 who now represent England at U19 and U21.
Inspiring Female Old Epsomians
Female Old Epsomians are performing at the top level, inspiring the next generation. One of Epsom’s most successful sporting Old Epsomians is Natalie Sciver who captained England to victory in the Cricket World Cup in 2018. Natalie is an empowering and inspirational example for pupils. Another former pupil, netballer Eboni Usoro-Brown, was part of the national team to defeat Australia 52-51 to secure an historic gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.
Recent Girls’ Sporting Success
- Girls’ Cricket representation – 9 pupils competing at County level in 2020.
- U14 Nationals Hockey – reached the College’s first-ever Hockey National Finals Day having negotiated ten previous matches against the best in Surrey and the south of England, the toughest region by far.
- Target Rifle – Lower Sixth pupils selected for GB Under-19 and the British Cadet Rifle Team.
The awards, run by Independent School Parent magazine, were launched in 2018 “to highlight the excellence of the student experience in independent schools”. The winners will be announced on 7 October.
