It has been a tremendous start to the academic year, marked by significant events like the Diversity and Sustainability Symposium, Minerva Lecture Series, and Music Scholars concerts. As we head into the half-term break, we wish our Language and Music Departments well on their separate tours to Europe.

When we return, our top Senior School library corridor will reopen following the completion of roof, corridor, and classroom refurbishments. Most excitingly, the overhaul of our main Library is nearly finished, promising a new, innovative space that is truly “built for girls.”

Looking ahead, we are moving into the planning phase for our latest sporting investment: an FA 3G Football pitch to be positioned on our bottom field. We expect to submit the planning application by November, with a hopeful final approval by March 2026. This exciting development naturally leads to the theme of this Heads’ Highlights: sport in the curriculum – it’s a game changer!

The Value of Independent School Sport

The sheer volume of our sports programme this half term highlights its importance: we ran 36 teams, played 50 fixtures, and have 404 students regularly attending Senior School sports clubs (plus 201 in the Juniors). Last year, we fielded 104 teams and had 547 fixtures, and the schedule for the rest of this year looks equally packed.

Statistics on independent school sport participation underscore the significant opportunity we offer. Although independent pupils make up only 7% of the school population, the impact on national sport is disproportionately large:

  • A third of Team GB for Paris 2024 attended a private school (up from 24% for Rio 2016).
  • 72% of children at independent schools take part in a school team once per week, compared to a national average of 52%.
  • Medal-winning Olympians are five times more likely to have attended an independent school.

These numbers align with key messages from the recent HMC Autumn conference, themed “A Future Worth Teaching,” where I was reminded of the enormous flexibility we enjoy in the independent school curriculum. While state schools face relentless pressure to focus almost exclusively on the core Ebacc and Progress 8 measures, we are not beholden to these forces. Of course, our outcomes in Maths, English, Science, and Humanities are very strong, but Bromley High can champion the creative and practical subjects, making subjects like PE integral to our curriculum, not just an extension of co-curricular provision.

More Than Fitness: Life Skills and Resilience

With our new football pitch on the horizon, it’s vital to consider why sport helps our girls succeed both on and off the field. This goes far beyond mere fitness; it’s about developing the skills necessary to navigate life’s challenges.

Watching teams like the Lionesses and Red Roses clearly demonstrate the power of camaraderie. The genuine bond among teammates and working towards a common goal, help build positive friendships. Research by the Home National Football Association shows that being part of a sports team significantly reduces the negative impact social media has on teenage girls’ confidence. The basic rituals – wearing the same kit, travelling together, the pre-match buzz –   foster bonds and inner strength that counteract the feelings of isolation many teen girls experience.

This social stability, supported by coaches and adults, helps girls develop crucial life skills: resolving conflict, coping with setbacks, handling wins and losses, and receiving honest feedback. As they develop a sense of belonging, they are less likely to feel ridiculed when things go wrong, building emotional resilience. Positive team experiences at a young age increase trust in others. Sport also counters damaging stereotypes about female friendship, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and teaching empathy, respect, cooperation, and leadership.

Ultimately, sport helps us celebrate  the narrative of girls first by highlighting the positive aspects of mentoring, equality, and developing emotional intelligence, all within a strong team environment.

I wish you all a very happy half term and look forward to seeing you in November.


Mrs Emily Codling, Headmistress