SIXTH FORM SPORT
At Clifton High School, we believe sport should bring energy and a strong sense of belonging for our pupils. They develop confidence, teamwork, communication, resilience and personal direction through our ‘Sport for All’ ethos, which ensures every student can enjoy physical activity, regardless of ability or experience, and that their participation is valued, whether it is for competition or fun.
In the Sixth Form, our sports provision offers carefully structured progression, specialist teaching, excellent facilities and opportunities for students to discover and develop their individual sporting strengths. It offers them important balance alongside independent learning, A level studies and future goal setting, providing opportunities to maintain physical activity, develop relationships beyond the classroom and support physical and mental wellbeing. In essence, it contributes to holistic growth and a sense of accomplishment.
Through Pembroke Education and other partnerships, including the University of Bristol, Bristol Sport and Bristol Henleaze Swimming Club, we can offer enhanced sporting opportunities, with the ambition to increase pupil participation, enjoyment, and excellence in sport. By linking facilities, expertise, and staffing in these partnerships, where they add value, students can benefit from wider opportunities to explore new sports, develop teamwork through training sessions, attend festivals and fixtures and pursue personal goals.
Our commitment to inclusivity remains central: every student can access the sports timetable, regardless of individual ability, experience or aptitude. The strength of the Clifton High School Sports Programme also enables Sixth Form students to represent the School proudly in our First Teams. As ambassadors for Clifton High School, they provide inspirational role models for younger pupils.
SPORTS AWARDS DINNER
At the start of the Summer Term, Clifton High hosts its annual Sports Awards Dinner in partnership with Bristol Sport at the prestigious Ashton Gate Stadium. A formal black-tie event, it celebrates the sporting achievements and talents of our athletes and rising stars.
COOMBE DINGLE
We share the nearby Coombe Dingle Sports Complex with the University of Bristol. This off-site facility offers professional pitches and courts, providing pupils with opportunities to train and develop their skills at every stage.
SPORTS LESSON PROVISION
All Sixth Form students have a timetabled afternoon of sports lessons at Coombe Dingle, where they benefit from professional pitches and tracks. Students develop tactical understanding through teamwork, effective communication and practice.
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Students may also use dedicated study periods to train in other sports, including Tennis, Swimming and Golf, or access the School’s Gymnasium, Strength and Conditioning Suite, Cardio Suite, Climbing Wall and Outdoor Multiuse Games Area for exercise and training.
Year 12 students are expected to prepare and participate in our annual Summer Term Sports Day, where they compete against one another in House teams. It is a highlight for the whole community, and a day where many Year 13 students choose to return after completing their A level examinations to support younger pupils and House teams.
CO-CURRICULAR SPORT
Our ‘Sport for All’ provision extends beyond the PE curriculum, with mixed ability sporting opportunities delivered by specialist professionals through our Enrichment Programme. To read more, please visit our Sixth Form Enrichment page.
SWIMMING PROGRAMME
Clifton High School’s swimming pathways are embedded in and form an integral part of our Physical Education (PE) and Enrichment Programme.
Access to our on-site 25m heated indoor swimming pool provides students in the Sixth Form with a swimming programme that builds confidence, technique, fitness, and competition skills.
Selected Sixth Form swimmers partake in the final stage of Progressive Talent ID, namely Elite Training and Elite Adaptations. Supported by professional coaches and a dedicated Swim Team, they train for competitive success and have access to dry land, strength and conditioning sessions, nutrition advice and pool time slots that are scheduled within their individual curriculum timetable.
Optional before- and after-School sessions with our partner, Bristol Henleaze Swimming Club, offer specialist coaching and additional training sessions, or students may simply prefer to continue recreational swimming at Clifton High School.
ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Students who demonstrate enjoyment and aptitude in a particular sporting discipline may be selected for Clifton High School’s Athletic Development Programme (ADP). Designed to complement our Sport and Swimming Programme, the ADP also provides tailored support to help students fulfil their athletic potential and pursue progression pathways at regional, national and international level, including, for those with exceptional promise, the opportunity to compete at Olympic level.
FIXTURES AND COMPETITION
The Clifton High School Sports Programme includes a regular timetable of competitive fixtures against neighbouring schools. These provide healthy competition while helping students develop friendships and connections with opposing teams. Our strongest performers can also compete at local, regional, national and international levels.
TENNIS PATHWAY
We offer in-house professional tennis coaching that provides pathways into elite tennis opportunities, including county and development squads. Our hockey partnership with the University of Bristol provides access to professional university coaches and pathways into the University’s further development hockey clubs.
BRISTOL SPORT LINKS
Bristol Sport, a dynamic and reputable sporting organisation, connects our young athletes to Bristol Bears Rugby and Bristol Flyers Basketball.
