It has been an exceptionally busy and successful half term for the Physical Education department, with girls from Years 4 to 13 competing across a wide range of sports. From Netball and Lacrosse to Swimming, Badminton, Cross Country, Football, and Skiing, our students have demonstrated impressive talent, teamwork, and commitment.
Lacrosse
This year’s lacrosse season is off to a flying start, with over 250 girls taking part across all teams — including 85 enthusiastic Year 7s who have joined the sport for the first time.
All teams have opened the season with strong performances, already improving on last year’s results.
Highlights include:
The U12 team’s first-ever match, ending in a commanding 9–2 victory, a testament to their teamwork and potential.
The Senior team’s 3rd place finish in the Tri-County Tournament, earning them a well-deserved place in the South East Schools Tournament later this year.
We now look forward to the U15 Tri-County Tournament and a highly anticipated fixture against Putney High School after the break.
Netball
It has been a vibrant and rewarding half term for our netballers. From Year 7 through to the Seniors, teams have taken part in fixtures and tournaments across the country — from Worcester University to venues in Surrey.
All year groups have participated in the Sisters in Sport (SnS) National Cup competitions, while Years 7, 8, and 10 have also competed in the School Sports Magazine Competition. With some fiercely competitive fixtures and excellent performances across the board, every year group remains active in either the cup, plate, or bowl stages.
The Year 9 and 10 teams qualified for the County Finals after finishing first in their tournaments hosted at NLCS, with Years 11 and the Seniors set to compete in their qualifiers shortly.
The Senior squad has already played 27 games this term, including cup competitions, tournaments, and friendlies. Notably, at the ISL Tournament at Worcester University, the team recorded wins against Brighton College, Millfield, and the Worcester University First Team, securing second place overall — a remarkable achievement.
Across Years 7–9, around 200 girls have attended regular training sessions, and we eagerly anticipate the first block fixtures and invitational tournaments after half term.
Skiing
At the British Schoolgirls Indoor Ski Championships on 28th September, 15 girls represented NLCS with skill and enthusiasm, securing an impressive 6th place overall out of 25 schools. Highlights included a bronze medal in the U14 novice race and a silver medal in the U16 novice race.
We now look ahead to the British Schoolgirls Races in Flaine this January with great excitement.
Badminton
It has been an outstanding start to the badminton season, with large numbers of students attending trials — thank you to everyone who took part.
The teams remain unbeaten, with the U16 and U14 squads progressing to the next rounds of the School Sports Magazine National Cup. Both the U14 and U15 league teams have also opened their campaigns with impressive victories. With many more fixtures after half term, there’s plenty to look forward to.
Football
Our footballers have had a busy and encouraging start to the year, with six matches already completed. The teams continue to develop their skills and cohesion, improving with every game. Training attendance has been excellent — a clear reflection of the players’ enthusiasm and dedication.
Cross Country
The cross-country season has begun with great energy, with 54 students representing the school in competitions. At the ESAA First Round Cross Country Cup, our Junior, Inter, and Senior teams performed brilliantly, with a Year 11 student taking first place in the Senior race.
We are delighted to announce that both the Junior and Senior teams have qualified for the Regional Round after half term.
Swimming
There has been an excellent response to the swimming squad trials, with 84 students from Years 7–12 signing up and around 30 swimmers attending each session regularly.
Year 7 swimmers have particularly impressed with their enthusiasm and commitment.
The team is awaiting results from the London League for Years 7 and 8, and we are looking forward to competing in the Division 10 Herts League next half term.
A huge well done to all our athletes for their hard work and achievements this half term. Your commitment, spirit, and love of sport embody the energy and excellence of life at NLCS.
Geraldine Castle, Director of Sport & Exercise
