Sports and Exercise

At NLCS, sports and exercise is a vital part of school life – fostering leadership, connection, and a lifelong love of movement.

It’s where girls learn to lead, persevere, and make waves – in the pool, on the pitch, and far beyond. Every girl is encouraged to find her place, embrace challenge, and experience the joy and balance that sport brings.

We believe that great leaders aren’t only made in classrooms. They emerge in the moments that test your courage: when you’re one goal down, one lap to go, or the only one stepping forward.

Through sport, our students learn to stay calm under pressure, lift others up, and keep showing up – win or lose.

OUR SPORTING PROGRAMME

Sport at NLCS is for everyone. We believe that every girl should have the opportunity to explore new activities, develop a passion, and experience the positive impact of movement on both body and mind.

From weekly fixtures and inter-house competitions to recreational clubs and specialist sessions, our programme encourages both excellence and enjoyment. Whether students are pursuing elite performance or simply discovering what they love, sport supports their wellbeing, confidence, and personal growth.

MAIN SPORTS

Netball

Netball is a core sport at NLCS and a firm favourite among the girls.
In Years 7 and 8, students build their netball skills as part of the curriculum. In Years 10 and 11, they continue developing through rotational programmes and have opportunities to join school squads.

Our netball teams are highly competitive, frequently winning the Harrow Championships and qualifying for the Middlesex Finals. Students also take part in national tournaments and international tours, including the annual Malta Rally.

Lacrosse

A standout sport at NLCS, lacrosse is taught from Year 7 and continues to grow in strength throughout the school.

Students can compete in County and National tournaments, with many selected for County squads – and several progressing to represent England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.
Senior teams regularly tour the USA, giving students the chance to test their skills on the international stage.

Badminton

Badminton features in the Year 7–11 PE curriculum and remains a popular co-curricular activity.

Students refine their technical ability, tactical play and hand-eye coordination. Clubs are open to all abilities, and competitive players can join teams that participate in local and regional competitions.

Tennis

Tennis is part of the summer curriculum from Year 7 onwards and continues through upper school and Sixth Form activities.

Whether competing in friendly fixtures, attending coaching sessions or just playing socially, students benefit from high-quality facilities and inclusive clubs.

Swimming

Swimming is taught as a core part of the curriculum from Year 7 to Year 11. In Year 10, students can take the Bronze Medallion Swimming course, and in Year 11, they can complete the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification. Students also have access to a variety of additional aquatic activities, including water polo and synchronised swimming from Year 9 onwards. Our swimming squads regularly compete at local and national levels, and many of our students perform at elite standard.

Cricket

Cricket is offered in the summer term as part of the curriculum and co-curricular activities. Girls develop both batting and fielding techniques and take part in house competitions and friendly fixtures.

With growing enthusiasm and increased participation, cricket is a sport we are proud to be developing further across the school.

Athletics

Athletics is a core part of the summer term curriculum and features prominently in our sports calendar.

Students develop core skills across a range of disciplines including sprinting, distance running, long jump, high jump, and throwing events. House athletics competitions and inter-school meets offer competitive pathways for all.

Gymnastics

Gymnastics is introduced in the younger years and developed through co-curricular clubs and our annual Gym & Dance Display, a much-anticipated event showcasing routines from students across all year groups.

National success is frequent, and students are encouraged to explore both artistic and rhythmic gymnastics through school clubs.

Cross-Country

Cross-country is a winter-term sport with strong student engagement.

Girls train through PE lessons and co-curricular clubs, with opportunities to compete in local and regional events. The sport fosters endurance, mental strength and team camaraderie.

Dance

Dance plays a vital role in school life at NLCS. All Year 7s take part in the Autumn Dance Display, a creative and collaborative highlight of the year.

Students across all age groups explore various styles – from contemporary to cheer – through lessons and clubs. The annual Gym & Dance Display brings together students from Year 2 to Year 13 in a spectacular showcase of movement, creativity, and teamwork.