At Moulsford, one of our core aims is to teach every child to be sporting – not just those who are naturally sporty. We believe that attitude is just as important as ability, and we are committed to helping every pupil develop a lifelong love of physical activity, teamwork and healthy competition.
We want every child to leave Prep School having enjoyed playing, tried a wide variety of sports, and developed the skills and mindset that underpin sport for life.
Our outstanding facilities support this ambition, including:
- Extensive playing fields
- A full-size AstroTurf with four tennis courts
- A modern, fully equipped indoor sports hall with climbing wall
- Twelve cricket nets
- An outdoor heated swimming pool (used in Autumn and Summer terms)
- Direct access to the River Thames for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and sailing
Timetabled Sport
Years 3 & 4
- Games: 4 times per week
- PE: 1 session per week
- Each lesson: 60 minutes
- Fixtures: typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Years 5 to 8
- Games: 3 times per week
- PE: 1 session per week
- Each lesson: 60 minutes
- Fixtures: typically on Wednesdays and Saturdays
SPORT IN THE CURRICULUM
| Major sports | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rugby | Football | Hockey |
| Cricket | Netball | Athletics |
| Additional sporting opportunities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tennis | Flag Football | Judo |
| Dodgeball | Canoeing & Kayaking | Stand Up Paddleboarding |
| Swimming | Basketball | Gymnastics |
| Climbing | Volleyball | Clay Pigeon Shooting |
| Triathlon | Lacrosse | Cross Country |
| Ultimate Frisbee | Badminton | Rowing (Ergo) |
| Golf | Softball | Real Tennis |
| Short Tennis | Pickleball | Handball |
Our dedicated and experienced Games staff create a supportive and challenging environment where every pupil can thrive – whether as part of a team or as an individual. From developing foundational skills to competing at local, regional, or national level, we help every child reach their full potential.
All pupils from Years 3 to 8 have the chance to represent Moulsford in major team sports. We aim to provide as many fixtures as possible for children of all abilities, ensuring sport remains inclusive, rewarding and fun.
In addition to team sports, pupils also have opportunities to take part in representative Prep School competitions in sports such as judo, clay pigeon shooting, real tennis and golf, as well as fixtures in tennis and athletics against other schools.
At Moulsford, sport is for everyone – and we’re proud to offer such a rich and rewarding programme for all our pupils.
Sports Fixtures
Taking part in school fixtures is a key part of life at Moulsford, and we believe that every pupil should have the opportunity to represent the school in matches and competitions.
Each term, we put together a comprehensive and inclusive fixture list, ensuring boys are matched against opponents of a similar level to maximise both enjoyment and challenge. It’s not uncommon for every pupil in a year group to be involved in fixtures on the same day, and we are fortunate to have local schools who can field as many competitive teams as we do. In the past year alone, over 830 matches were played, with some days featuring up to 23 Moulsford teams in action.
We also proudly compete at national level, entering teams into IAPS, District and ESFA tournaments, with many pupils going on to earn sports scholarships to leading senior schools.
Competitive spirit is also alive and well within school. Our four Houses compete across the year in rugby, hockey and football during the Autumn and Spring terms, and cricket, a triathlon and Sports Day in the Summer. These events are always hotly contested, with House trophies presented in final assemblies and displayed with pride in the dining hall.
At Moulsford, sport is for everyone – and the chance to play, improve, and compete is something we believe every pupil should experience.
PE
At Moulsford, our Physical Education programme is designed to give every child – regardless of ability – the opportunity to express themselves through sport and physical activity, with a strong emphasis on enjoyment, improvement, and lifelong participation.
Our broad and balanced PE curriculum allows for differentiation across ages, abilities and interests, ensuring that all pupils feel challenged, supported, and motivated. Children are encouraged to develop key physical skills alongside self-discipline, teamwork, and a sense of personal achievement, helping to build confidence and self-esteem both on and off the field.
Each lesson includes a focus on athletic development to build physical literacy. Pupils work on fundamental movement skills such as acceleration, agility, jumping, coordination, and more – equipping them with a strong foundation for all sports.
We nurture talent while also celebrating personal progress at every level. Courtesy, good manners, and sportsmanship are promoted and expected at all times, as part of our commitment to developing character through sport.
All Prep School pupils take part in a 60-minute PE lesson each week, with further opportunities to extend their learning and enjoyment through lunchtime clubs, after-school clubs, and our Sports Extension Programme.
As of the 2024/25 academic year, our PE provision has been expanded into Years 1 and 2, meaning pupils now experience up to 21 different sports during their time at Moulsford. Our goal is to inspire a lifelong love of sport and physical activity that stays with them well beyond their time at school.
Sports Tours
Every two years, pupils in Years 7 & 8 are invited to take part in Moulsford’s non-selective Sports & Culture Tour, usually to South Africa.
These tours are a major highlight of a Moulsford pupil's time at the school, offering a unique opportunity that goes far beyond a traditional sports tour.
The 9th and 10th Tours in 2016 and 2018 included an unforgettable extension into Swaziland. 2018 was a record-breaking year, with 67 boys and 9 staff taking part. The 2024 tour matched this in size, and now, we look forward to heading to Cape Town in April 2025, with our largest-ever tour party of 75 pupils and 10 staff!
As well as enjoying exciting and competitive fixtures across multiple sports, the tour includes meaningful cultural experiences and charity work. Previous groups have supported local communities by working in pre-schools, on farms, and on development projects. In 2018, the boys supported Skrum in Swaziland and the Goedgedacht Trust near Cape Town. The 2024 tour raised funds for the charity Inspire and this will be the charity of choice for 2026.
To enrich this ongoing connection, Moulsford frequently hosts touring sides from Southern Africa, offering visiting pupils a glimpse of life in an English prep school and strengthening ties between our schools. In 2014 and 2015, we welcomed teams from Kenya and Swaziland, connected to the charities Shamas and Skrum respectively, through the support of TourAid. Reuniting with these teams during our tours remains a highlight for all involved.
Alongside our international trips, Moulsford also runs regular UK-based mini sports tours for rugby, football, hockey and cricket. We proudly host visiting Prep School sides and regularly run IAPS, ESFA, and County sporting events for both independent and state schools.
Why is Sport important at Moulsford?
At Moulsford, we believe that a positive attitude towards sport is just as important as natural ability. While we encourage our children to play competitively and strive for success, we place equal value on participation, teamwork, and personal development.
Sport at Moulsford is about much more than winning. It's about learning to win with humility and lose with grace, building self-esteem, developing social skills, enjoying healthy exercise, and most importantly – having fun.
Our goal is for every child to leave Prep School with a love for sport, having experienced a wide variety of games and activities, and with happy memories of playing as part of a team.
Managing Children’s Work and Sport Activities
At Moulsford, we are incredibly proud of our pupils who give their all when representing the school and show a genuine desire to improve in every Games lesson and fixture.
Our approach to sport is grounded in five core values: Teamwork, Enjoyment, Endeavour, Togetherness, and Humility (TEETH). These values shape not only how we play, but how we support each other, celebrate progress, and grow as individuals.
To recognise these qualities, we award the Lion Heart Award in assembly – celebrating players across all age groups and ability levels who consistently demonstrate these values. Pupils are also celebrated through our ‘Team of the Week’ board, which highlights stand-out performances, effort, and attitude both on and off the pitch.
At Moulsford, success in sport isn’t just about the final score – it’s about the character shown along the way.