The Mead School is proud to announce a landmark year for its sport department, marked by several qualifications for national finals in a variety of sports. By utilising some of the premier sporting venues across Tunbridge Wells including The Nevill cricket ground, Hawkenbury artificial pitch and Bayham playing fields alongside its own onsite facilities The Mead have created a sports programme that is enabling every child to succeed and develop a love of sport and exercise. 

National Success

The weekly ‘Mead Park Run’ established in 2022 has revolutionised the schools running culture allowing every child to do their best and beat their own personal bests whilst developing a healthy approach to exercise and fitness.  The park run is complemented by a specialist running club (from Year 3) focusing on style and stamina. The results and progress were undeniable at the ISA Regional (London and the Southeast) Cross Country Championships recently. 

• The Mead secured 2nd place overall out of 15 schools. 
• The Junior Boys took 1st place, the Senior Girls 2nd, and the Junior Girls 3rd. 
• In fields of 90 runners per race, four Mead pupils placed in the Top 10, securing their places in the National Finals where they represented Tunbridge Wells and The London and Southeast Region 

The Mead have also competed at The London Mini Marathon for the last 2 years with 25 children from Y2 to 6 running in this prestigious event with outstanding results. 

The Mead football teams have once again achieved national recognition this year. The U11 boys’ team qualified for the ISA Football National Finals following an outstanding performance at the ISA South East regional tournament, where they won five consecutive games. The National Finals were held at St George’s Park, England’s official training ground, and after travelling up for the competition, the team secured an impressive 7th place finish in the country. Football is exceptionally strong at The Mead and there is an expectation that the boys will qualify for the finals for at least the next 3 years. 

The Mead annually produces regional winners in athletics and medallists in swimming all who go onto represent The Mead and Tunbridge Wells at the National finals. The athletics target for the summer is 6 regional winners with a realistic prospect of winning medals at the National Championships in Birmingham this year. 

The Mead girls compete in the ISA Hockey National finals every year and they regularly qualify for the ISA National finals in Netball most recently in 2024. 

A Sport for all approach

The backbone of The Mead’s success is its sports for all policy. The Mead operates on the philosophy that every child should find their strength. From Reception to Year 6, all pupils participate in PE and swimming. From Year 3, this foundation evolves into a competitive fixture list and games programme, allowing every child to experience the pride of representing their school. Every child plays every week providing an opportunity for all children to feel pride, enjoy success and be part of a Mead team. 

Using the excellent facilities that Tunbridge Wells has to offer the children will play fixtures in Football, Hockey, Netball, Rugby and Cricket. As well as entering numerous cross country and athletics events. The Mead regularly produces unbeaten teams in a variety of sports at a variety of levels.  

Excellence in the Arts and Dance Clubs

The school’s success extends beyond the pitch and track.  

Ballet exams maintain a 100% pass rate

Dance Club recently performed a contemporary fusion piece at an event attended to thousands at the Tunbridge Wells light switch-on. Our children were commented on their ‘professional performance’.  

Table Tennis club has seen a surge in uptake, with pupils mastering advanced techniques and enjoyed two competitive tournaments this academic year. The club are looking to take on more tournaments and competitions.  

Looking Ahead: Summer at The Nevill and Athletics 

As the summer term approaches, The Mead prepares for a full schedule of cricket fixtures at the prestigious Nevill Cricket Ground. With a consistent track record of qualifying for the Athletics Nationals each year, the school looks forward to continuing its tradition of outshining the competition. 

To learn more about life at The Mead and how the school empowers every child to thrive in sport, academics and beyond, visit www.meadschool.co.uk or book a personal tour to experience it first-hand.

(This post has been published in collaboration with The Mead)