Senior School Sport
At Read, sport is a cornerstone of the educational experience. We believe that a vibrant, high-quality sports programme is essential not only for athletic development but also for fostering a lifelong understanding of the relationship between physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle. We take pride in the breadth of our provision and the achievements of our pupils. Recognising that every pupil possesses unique strengths and interests, we offer a diverse range of sports designed to inspire and engage everyone, regardless of their starting point.
Competition is a valued aspect of our sporting ethos. It fosters team awareness and, under expert guidance, teaches vital life lessons in both victory and defeat. While we have a strong tradition of pupils achieving representative success at County and National levels, we are equally committed to ensuring pupils of all abilities play meaningful, competitive sport. Much emphasis is placed on sportsmanship, integrity and how our pupils conduct themselves both on and off the pitch.
Sport at Read plays a formative role in personal growth. Through active participation, pupils develop key attributes that prepare them for success far beyond the sports field:
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Physical health, fitness, and well-being
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Self-respect and growing personal confidence
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Leadership, collaboration, and team awareness
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Determination, resilience, and commitment
Our Curriculum & Sports Programme
Every pupil participates in PE and Games as a core part of the curriculum. Beyond the classroom, a wealth of extra-curricular opportunities allows pupils to try new disciplines and pursue their passions.
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Boys' Core Sports: Rugby, Football, and Cricket
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Girls' Core Sports: Hockey, Netball, and Cricket
In addition to our core sports, pupils enjoy a rich and varied seasonal programme throughout the academic year, including: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cross-Country, Golf, Judo, Pickleball, Table Tennis, Tennis and Trampolining
Whether playing for fun, fitness, or at a representative level, every pupil at Read is supported in finding their sporting potential.
As a School we are proud of our strong, collaborative links with local sports clubs, which significantly enrich our pupils' sporting journeys outside of school hours. These mutually beneficial partnerships allow us to share and utilise first-class facilities collaboratively, ensuring our pupils have access to the best possible training environments. By bridging the gap between school and club sport, we provide clear pathways for pupils to extend their participation, join local teams, and seamlessly transition into community sport.
National & International Sports Tours
To further broaden our pupils’ horizons, we run an exciting programme of national and international sports tours across a variety of disciplines. These tours offer invaluable opportunities for our pupils to challenge themselves against unfamiliar opposition, experience different sporting cultures, and build lifelong bonds with their teammates.
From domestic tournament weekends within the UK to major overseas excursions, spanning iconic sporting destinations in a range of sports - our tours are designed to be a highlight of a pupil's time at Read. They not only develop athletic skill and independence but also foster a truly global perspective on sport and camaraderie.
Senior School Sports
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Boys major |
Rugby, Football, Cricket |
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Girls major |
Hockey, Netball, Cricket |
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Additional sports |
Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Trampolining, Table Tennis |
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SENIOR SCHOOL SPORTS |
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Scholarships
Sport scholarships can be applied for preceding Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 entry.
Sports facilities
Set in 17 acres of land in a tranquil rural location, Read School enjoys extensive sporting facilities including a fully equipped sports hall, astro-turf LED floodlit pitches, cricket pavilion, tennis courts and extensive playing fields.
Pontefract Collieries Football & Education Pathway
Football & Education Pathway with Read School, Drax & Pontefract Collieries FC
Are you a talented footballer aged 15–18, ready to take your game to the next level? Read School, Drax offers an exceptional opportunity for both male and female students through its unique partnership with Pontefract Collieries Football Club.
This exciting programme combines a high-quality independent education with elite football development. Students benefit from full immersion in the Pontefract Collieries Football Academy, gaining access to professional-level coaching, weekly competitive fixtures, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy support, and regular performance reviews from experienced staff and visiting industry professionals.
Set in the beautiful rural surroundings of North Yorkshire, Read School provides a nurturing environment with outstanding facilities, including extensive sports fields and small class sizes. With a strong focus on individual development, the school supports each student in achieving their full academic and sporting potential.
Whether joining for a term, a year, or a two-year pathway, students gain a well-rounded experience that builds confidence, develops talent, and opens doors to future opportunities in football and beyond. The academy also benefits from established links with professional clubs, enhancing progression pathways and opportunities for aspiring players.
Watch the Academy in Action
Ready to Take the Next Step? Discover full details on training schedules, academic subject options, trial dates, and exit pathways in our official brochure:
Take a look behind the scenes to see our training sessions, matchday facilities, and hear from our student-athletes about life in the Academy here:
To keep up to date on Read School Sports matches, results and more, follow us on Instagram:
Read School Sport Instagram
