In a new video update, Director of Sport Jack Baird, shares the vision behind these initiatives, which aim to benefit both Junior and Senior pupils — not just in the short term, but for years to come. With this ambition at the heart of our programme, a new phase of investment and vision is now taking shape.

Cricket: Expanding Access, All Year Round

Cricket has seen remarkable growth this year — both in terms of participation and performance. Our partnership with Harrow Saint Mary’s Cricket Club has played a pivotal role in this success, providing Senior School pupils with access to professional-standard facilities for both lessons and competitive play.

From next summer, this opportunity will extend to Years 5 and 6, giving more young players the chance to thrive through expert coaching and high-quality facilities. Perhaps most excitingly, we will soon begin work on a brand new 4-lane indoor cricket net installation, to be completed over the October half term.

As Mr Baird explains, ‘this facility will allow us to launch a dedicated winter net programme for both Junior and Senior players – creating year-round access to high-quality cricket.’

Swimming: Raising Standards, Deepening Pathways

Significant developments are also underway in swimming. From September, the School will become an affiliated member of Swim England, ensuring that all swimming activity aligns with national standards. This affiliation will bring a clearer framework for progression, as students work towards formal certification through defined stages of development. ‘We have developed a shared vision,’ Mr Baird explains, ‘which will see our Junior and Senior swimmers benefiting from expert coaching and access to their performance pathways.’

Facility upgrades will also play a key role, with a new air conditioning system and anti-wave lane ropes being installed to improve the performance environment.

In a major step forward, the School is also forming a new partnership with Watford Swimming Club, a collaboration that will position St Margaret’s as a performance swimming hub. This strategic relationship is designed to elevate our swim programme by combining excellence in school sport with specialist external expertise.

Netball: A Performance Partnership

The School’s netball programme is also set to reach new heights with the launch of a dynamic partnership with the London Mavericks, a Super League Netball team. This collaboration will bring specialist coaching to campus and integrate St Margaret’s into an elite performance framework.

‘The [London Mavericks’] vision is to deliver specialist coaching to their elite performance pathway squads,” says Mr Baird, ‘which will open the doors for our students to experience several exciting opportunities.’

The partnership is part of a broader commitment to help our most ambitious athletes transition smoothly into higher levels of competition — a pathway that is now being actively supported by the School across multiple sports.

Building Identity, Supporting Growth

As the sporting offer continues to grow, the School is also focusing on fostering team identity and pride. From September, pupils in Years 5 and 6 will wear our branded St Margaret’s kits for fixtures — including netball dresses and football kits — reflecting the standard already established by our Senior School teams.

Alongside this, more clubs and training opportunities will be available across all year groups, enabling a greater number of students to benefit from competitive sport and specialised coaching.

‘We are determined to equip our squads in a way that helps elevate their progress,’ Mr Baird says, noting that visible support — from kit to coaching — reinforces confidence and cohesion on the field.

A Vision with Purpose

These latest initiatives reflect a long-term vision for sport at St Margaret’s: one that is inclusive, aspirational, and built to last.

‘With every new partnership and every new investment,’ Jack concludes, ‘we are building something lasting — a whole-school sporting experience that inspires every student, every step of the way.’

As we look ahead to next year, the message is clear: sport at St Margaret’s is not standing still. It is moving forward — with purpose, passion, and the belief that every student deserves the chance to thrive.