Sport and activity for life

Opportunity. Excellence. Participation for all.

Sport at Christ’s Hospital combines tradition, opportunity and ambition, giving every student the chance to participate, compete and develop a lifelong love of physical activity.

Set within our 1,200-acre campus, students benefit from outstanding facilities, expert coaching and a culture that encourages every individual to challenge themselves and enjoy being active. Whether competing at a high level or playing sport with friends, students develop confidence, resilience and teamwork while supporting their health and wellbeing.

When a student pulls on a Christ’s Hospital training top or match shirt, they represent a tradition that stretches back centuries. The CH crest reflects the ethos that underpins our sport programme and our wider Activity for Life philosophy.

“Sport at Christ’s Hospital is about commitment, enjoyment and opportunity for every student. Whether representing the school in competition or discovering a lifelong love of being active, we want every student to leave with confidence, resilience and a lifelong appreciation for the value of sport..”
Director of Sport

Sport at a Glance

• 1,200-acre campus with outstanding sporting facilities

• Sport timetabled three times per week for all students

• Competitive fixtures throughout the year

• Strength in rugby, cricket, athletics, football, hockey, netball and fives

• County, regional and national athlete pathways

• Activity for Life programme promoting lifelong participation in sport

Commitment – Health – Success

The ethos of Christ’s Hospital Sport is captured in three core principles represented within the school crest.

The shield symbolises commitment. Historically associated with strength, honour and identity, the shield represents the dedication required to improve, support a team and give your best in every training session and competition.

The white Tudor rose represents health. Symbolising unity and renewal, it reflects our belief that a healthy, active lifestyle is essential to every student’s development. Our Activity for Life programme encourages participation, enjoyment and lifelong engagement in sport and physical activity.

The sword represents success. Traditionally a symbol of courage and skill, it reflects the determination, discipline and ambition that enable students to achieve success both on the field and in life.

Outstanding Facilities

Christ’s Hospital offers one of the finest collections of school sports facilities in the country, giving students the opportunity to train, compete and develop their skills in an exceptional environment.

Our facilities include:

• • 21 grass pitches

  • 2 floodlit all-weather pitches

  • 15 tennis courts

  • 7 netball courts

  • 10 cricket squares

  • Indoor swimming pool

  • Double sports hall

  • Gymnasium

  • Squash courts

  • Fives courts

  • Fitness suite

  • Dance studio

  • Padel courts

  In summer 2026, the school will open a world-class athletics track and field facility, further enhancing training and competition opportunities for students across the school.

Sport for Everyone

Sport is timetabled for all students at least three times each week, with further opportunities available through our wider co-curricular programme. Regular fixtures, training sessions and clubs ensure that every student can take part, regardless of experience or ability.

From those discovering a sport for the first time to those competing at county and national level, Christ’s Hospital provides a supportive environment where students can improve, build confidence and enjoy being active.

Participation is central to our approach. We believe that sport should be accessible to every student and that the enjoyment of physical activity is a key part of a balanced education.

A Tradition of Sporting Excellence

Christ’s Hospital has a proud sporting tradition and has produced a number of notable sportsmen and sportswomen, including:

• John Snow – Sussex and England cricketer

• Joe Launchbury – Harlequins and England rugby international

• Lennox Anyanwu – Harlequins RFC

• Stuart Whittingham – Sussex CCC and Scotland cricketer

• Louise Mathias – British number one in Fives

• Luke Thomson – European number one in Wall Ball

Nonso Chinye – Powerlifting

• European Champion (–120kg Open), Malaga – 2025

• World Record Deadlift (415.5kg) – Tested Powerlifting, 2025

• IPF Junior World Champion – 2024

Today’s students continue to build on this tradition, with selections for the Harlequins academy, Sussex County Cricket pathway and county and regional squads in hockey, netball and athletics.

Athletics is a particular strength of the school, with students representing Sussex each year. Football is also hugely popular, with students selected for the England Prep School Lions, competing internationally in tournaments such as the Gothia Cup in Sweden. One current student has recently been invited to trial for the Future Lionesses pathway.

In March 2026, Christ’s Hospital claimed victory in the Surrey Schools U18s Vase, highlighting the strength of the rugby programme and the depth of talent across the school.

A Supportive and Competitive Environment

Christ’s Hospital provides high-quality coaching and expert guidance to support student-athletes at every stage of their development. Whether pursuing elite performance or enjoying the benefits of regular sport, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, support their teammates and strive for personal success.

Through sport and the Activity for Life programme, students leave Christ’s Hospital with confidence, resilience and a lifelong commitment to health and physical activity.