What is the sporting ethos at Cranleigh Senior?
Sport at our independent school in Surrey is for everyone. It’s built around participation, challenge and enjoyment, motivating every pupil to join in, keep improving and feel part of something bigger.
The culture balances ambition with inclusion, offering opportunities at every level. Through sport, pupils develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging, while maintaining a healthy balance beyond the classroom.
What sport facilities does Cranleigh offer?
Cranleigh Senior sport facilities support both pupils aiming for high performance and those who simply enjoy being active. All sports are valued equally, with boys and girls sharing the same opportunities to take part, develop and compete.
Facilities for team and individual sports include:
- Three full-size all-weather hockey pitches (two floodlit) and a floodlit 3G football pitch
- Grass pitches, tennis courts and cricket squares
- A full-size swimming pool and a double indoor sports centre
- Two well-equipped gyms with strength and conditioning spaces, plus a dance studio and spin room
- Courts for badminton, squash and Eton Fives
A standout feature is our very own 9-hole golf course and equestrian centre, used by pupils of all abilities – including those competing at regional and national level.
New initiatives such as CranFit broaden participation through fitness, conditioning, yoga and wellbeing-focused activity.
How do I apply for a sports scholarship at Cranleigh?
Sports scholarships at our independent school in Surrey are available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ across a wide range of sports, including rugby, football, hockey, cricket, netball, swimming, tennis, equestrian and golf.
They recognise both specialist ability and all-round sporting potential. Scholars benefit from:
- High-quality coaching and mentoring
- Access to performance pathways
- Strength and conditioning support
- Opportunities to develop their sport alongside academic studies
Further details are available on the Admissions page.
What is Cranleigh's high performance sport programme?
Cranleigh’s high performance programme supports pupils who want to take their sport further. It includes strength and conditioning, sport psychology, nutrition and performance mentoring, along with guidance on recovery, leadership and resilience.
All of this sits within Cranleigh’s wider, inclusive sporting culture, so pupils are supported to aim high while maintaining balance and enjoyment. Coaching is led by experienced staff and specialist coaches with backgrounds in international and elite sport – expertise reflected in the success of former pupils such as England cricketer Ollie Pope.
What sports are available at Cranleigh Senior?
Pupils at Cranleigh Senior can explore a wide range of sports, with opportunities to build skills, compete and try something new throughout the year. Regular weekly training, fixtures and matches ensure sport is a consistent and enjoyable part of school life.
Scholarships are available across a wide range of sports including but not exclusively in rugby, football, hockey, cricket, netball, swimming, tennis, equestrian and golf.
Frequently asked questions — Senior sport
Who Leads the Senior Sports department?
Mr Andrew Houston is Director of Sport, Having joined Cranleigh in 2009 as Director of Rugby, he took up the role as Director of Sport in 2019 just as COVID 19 started. He teaches both Physical Education and Psychology at A Level. He is a tutor for East after previously having the role of the Deputy Housemaster in the same boarding House.
Mr Houston studied sport science and social sciences at Loughborough University, where he obtained a scholarship for rugby after playing professional rugby with London Wasps. Mr Houston’s sporting aim is that every pupil who leaves Cranleigh continues in a lifelong involvement in sport, due to the inspirational sporting moments they have experienced whilst here.
Are fixtures weekly?
Fixtures are a regular part of the programme. We aim to provide one match per week across each term for the majority of teams. Most matches are on Saturday afternoons, with some friendly fixtures during the week.
Are there multiple teams for each sport?
Most sports have multiple teams. In hockey, rugby, football, netball, tennis and cricket we aim to have five senior teams and then three to six teams per age group, ensuring everyone can play at a level they enjoy.
Is sport compulsory?
Every pupil takes part in at least four sport sessions a week, including a weekend fixture.
Can pupils play multiple sports?
Yes, pupils can often combine sports, with support offered to create a balanced schedule that allows them to train and compete across more than one activity.
Are pupils released for national squads?
Yes, pupils representing national squads are supported through a clear elite athlete framework that balances their wellbeing and school life with training and competitions.