St Helen and St Katharine in Abingdon has been ranked among the top 20 schools for sport in the UK, according to the newly announced School Sport Magazine Top 200 Sporting Schools list.
The independent girls’ day school placed 20th nationally, making it the highest-ranked school for sport in Oxfordshire and one of the top six girls’ schools for sport in the country.
The ranking relates to School Sport Magazine’s 2025 results, which were announced this month ahead of full publication later in the year.
The news follows a strong period of recognition for the school, which was also ranked among the top five girls’ schools in the South East and named top school in Abingdon for the fifth consecutive year in The Times Parent Power 2026 schools’ guide.
“Depth of opportunity across the programme”
Charlotte Barras, Director of Sport at St Helen and St Katharine, said the national ranking reflected sustained participation and performance across a wide range of sports.
“To be recognised among the top 20 schools for sport in the country is something we are extremely proud of,” she said.
“Our placing highlights the depth of opportunity available to students and the consistently high standards across our sports programme. The year-on-year progress we are seeing is particularly rewarding, and I would like to thank every student who has contributed through their commitment, enthusiasm and effort.”
Sports Captain Alice, an Upper Sixth student, said the breadth of sporting activity was a defining feature of life at the school.
“It never ceases to amaze me how much sport is always going on at St Helen’s,” she said.
“From rock climbing to netball, badminton to dance, and lacrosse to football, we have many teams representing the school at county, regional and national level. I think the secret to our success is the outstanding levels of participation, a great PE department with an excellent strength and conditioning programme, and the fact that everyone has a lot of fun and builds great friendships along the way.”
National finals and county success
The school has also been included in The Cricketer Schools Guide 2026, recognising its cricket programme after reaching four national finals in 2025 and securing a place among the UK’s top 20 girls’ schools for cricket for the third consecutive year.
Other recent sporting achievements include the U15B lacrosse team becoming national champions, the U15 tennis team reaching the regional knockout stages of the Lawn Tennis Association’s Schools Competition for the first time, and U13 and U15 cross country teams qualifying for national finals after progressing through the ESAA Schools’ Cross Country Cup.
St Helen and St Katharine draws pupils from across Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties, including Henley, Witney, Banbury, Reading and Newbury.
Further information about sport at the school is available at shsk.org.uk.
