Hockey is one of those sports you will find at almost every boarding school in the United Kingdom. For some pupils it is more of a recreational activity or a way to build friendships (always a good thing!), while at other schools hockey is pursued at a highly professional level.
Now that the girls’ hockey season is almost over (for girls, hockey is typically played during the Michaelmas term, from September to December), we took a look at the league tables to introduce you to some of the strongest hockey schools. However, we deliberately chose not to create a simple ranking listing only the top five schools. Why? Schools such as Sevenoaks may currently sit very high in the tables, but in our view they are not primarily “hockey schools”. Academic achievement takes precedence there, and anyone who still manages to fit in intensive hockey training alongside that deserves real credit.
Our von Bülow Top Five therefore highlights schools that not only compete in the upper tiers of their leagues, but also offer excellent indoor and outdoor facilities, specialised coaching teams, and, importantly for international families, a well-rounded overall package: fair admissions criteria, a strong academic balance, a healthy boarding culture and a sports programme that is sensibly integrated into daily school life.
Here are von Bülow's Top Five:
Clifton College
In principle, anyone at Clifton can play hockey: from the committed team player to the highly ambitious athlete. At the same time, hockey here is far more than “just” a school activity. Clifton provides aspiring female hockey players with a professionally structured performance environment in which training, academic life and recovery are not in competition but are deliberately aligned.
A particular emphasis is placed on year-round training opportunities. Clifton also boasts outstanding infrastructure, including a water-based astro pitch, an indoor hockey pitch and two half-indoor pitches, allowing for technical and winter training regardless of weather or season.
Performance-focused players can take part in the Performance Sports Programme (PSP), which offers additional, timetabled training sessions with weekly strength and conditioning, skills sessions and theory components (including nutrition and sports psychology). This is complemented by regular physiotherapy clinics, injury prevention and clearly structured return-to-play protocols.
All teams have access to qualified coaches, including current international players. Club hockey is fully integrated: players are regularly released to compete at an appropriate level, for example with Clifton Robinsons. This creates a seamless pathway between school and club hockey – a well-established route into national squads and beyond.
Clifton also awards merit-based sports scholarships, supporting talented athletes and providing further opportunities for development.
In short: at Clifton everyone can play, but those with real potential and ambition will find an environment that offers genuine sporting prospects.
Dean Close School
Girls’ hockey is firmly embedded in the DNA of Dean Close. For more than a century, hockey has been a central part of sporting life at the school, and many players progress from here into strong club sides, national competitions and beyond. A particular strength is the opportunity for year-round training, supported by close cooperation with the local hockey club. Two astroturf pitches, including one water-based surface, as well as indoor training facilities, provide excellent conditions. The programme is further complemented by physiotherapy provision and strength and conditioning.
The hockey programme is led by Gary Tredgett, a former England indoor international and a defining figure in hockey at Dean Close for over 35 years. Under his leadership, both girls’ and boys’ teams have reached national finals every year since 2009.
Millfield School
If you have an interest in sport and have been following our other articles closely, you will know that Millfield is one of the leading sports schools in the country. Girls’ hockey holds an exceptionally high status at Millfield. Training takes place on three water-based astroturf pitches and is supported by a large coaching team of specialist hockey coaches and committed teaching staff.
Each player receives an individually tailored programme, whether she is part of the England Player Pathway (NAGs) or a talented multi-sport athlete. The weekly training structure includes one-to-one technical sessions, athletic development and strength training with dedicated strength and conditioning coaches, as well as regular performance analysis. Particularly strong players may also compete in club hockey up to National League level. International hockey tours are an integral part of the programme and are regarded as a key element in both sporting and personal development.
Repton's girls hockey is the best in the UK (photo courtesy of Repton School)
Oakham School
Oakham School offers a very strong hockey programme and, at the same time, is a convincing all-rounder academically. Here, pupils who may not necessarily be top academic high-flyers still receive a solid education and strong support – alongside excellent hockey coaching.
Oakham is among the leading hockey schools in the UK and, with around 75 teams ranging from 1st XI to U11, runs one of the broadest and most competitive programmes for both girls and boys. The year-round playing and training schedule includes high-level school, club, university and national competitions, complemented by pre-season camps, indoor and outdoor hockey during the winter and spring terms, and additional training over the summer.
Sporting facilities are first-class: two sand-dressed hybrid astroturf pitches and a modern indoor sports centre provide ideal conditions. The U18, U16 and U14 girls’ and boys’ teams regularly compete in the Tier 1 National Cup competitions (the highest level) and consistently rank among the national leaders. Most recently, the U16 girls’ team won silver in the Tier 1 Cup 2024.
Individual technical sessions, a full-time strength and conditioning coach, and tactical training supported by video analysis are integral parts of the programme. A typical hockey week includes two two-hour training sessions (Tuesdays and Thursdays), with matches usually taking place on Saturdays.
Repton School
Repton follows a distinctly performance-oriented yet inclusive sporting philosophy: every “Reptonian” takes part in sport at least three times per week. For hockey, the school offers two floodlit, water-based Olympic-standard astroturf pitches, as well as a sand-based surface, complemented by a strength and conditioning gym, fitness facilities and two multi-purpose sports halls for indoor hockey.
The 1st teams and junior A teams regularly compete in regional and national cup competitions; the 1st teams also deliberately take on older age groups such as university and club sides in order to challenge players at the highest level. For the strongest athletes, the performance hockey programme runs across all three terms and has produced seven Olympians since 2008.
A key factor in Repton’s success is its focus on match and performance analysis: pitch-side cameras and a dedicated team room enable detailed individual and team reviews after every game. The sporting record is impressive: Repton are T1 National School Champions 2024 and have won 53 national titles across all age groups in indoor and outdoor hockey over the past 20 years.
The performance hockey programme is led by outstanding coaches: Adam Dixon, former captain of England and Great Britain with nearly 300 international caps and two Olympic appearances, and Olympic medallist Michael Hoare, who brings over 16 years of experience in elite and youth performance hockey.
