Hockey at Clifton College - a proven pathway to opportunity

Clifton College has long been a beacon of academic and sporting achievement; and our hockey programme is an area where we truly excel. With a rich history of success on the field, we offer young athletes the opportunity to hone their skills in an inspirational environment, alongside facilitating senior club hockey.Starting with a broad introduction to sport in our Pre-Prep provision, to streamlining talents and skills in the Prep School, right through to our Performance Sports Programme in the Upper School, the development of hockey talent is an integral part of our sports offering, with pathways to regional, national, and even international opportunities available to our most talented pupils.Our hockey programme not only nurtures physical skills but also encourages personal growth, teamwork, discipline, and resilience - values that extend far beyond the hockey pitch.

Coaching excellence and superb facilities

Clifton College’s hockey programme is led by a team of dedicated and highly skilled coaches who are committed to each player’s progression. The school has access to outstanding facilities, including our brand new Chellaram Sports Complex, with three astro pitches, including a water-based pitch and an indoor hockey pitch, at our dedicated 90 acre Sports Ground. We currently host Clifton Robinsons Hockey Club on a Saturday, who are playing in the Premier League.Opportunities beyond Clifton College

Our hockey programme opens up the potential for players to progress to the highest levels of competition. Pupils have gone on to represent their countries at international competitions, while others have secured scholarships to leading universities and clubs.

Current pupil Evie and two Old Cliftonians, Tilly and Eloise, recently represented England and Wales  in the U21 Hockey Junior World Cup. With multiple goals scored between them and two recognitions as 'Player of the Match' during the tournament. This is an incredible achievement and testifies to the strong skills and teamwork gained at Clifton College.Notable pupil achievements include:

• Lily Owsley, GB Hockey player, won gold with her team in the 2016 Olympics Games.

• Clemmie Houlden joined us in the Prep School and went on to represent England Hockey at U16, U18 and U21. She is now at Princeton University studying Chemistry where she has earned First Team All-Ivy honors.

• Emilia P. and Evie G., who won Nationals whilst in our Prep School, have continued to develop their skills on our hockey programme and have been selected to play for England Hockey. Ella G. and Darcy S. have also been invited to train with Wales and Ireland U21s respectively.

• Caitlin W. who joined Clifton in the Nursery was selected for England U16s.

• Adam Wyatt represented Trinidad U21s in the PANAM Cup.

In our Prep School, our U11, U12 and U13 teams perform consistently well in both the IAPS and the England Hockey Competitions. This year our Girls U12 team won the IAPS Nationals at Clifton College. The U11, U12 and U13 all qualified from their county round, with the U11 and U12 winning their county final. The teams all represent Avon in the West hockey tournaments.Our indoor teams have gained national success, with the U16s finishing 2nd at Nationals and the 1st VI finishing 3rd. Four pupils also represented Clifton Robinsons Indoor Team at the Super 6s Premier League, coached by Head of Hockey, Olly Keenan. 

We also look to facilitate pupils playing club hockey on the weekend to stretch themselves and compete in the top leagues in the country. We currently have 4 players playing in the Premier League for Clifton Robinsons, with a further 10 players playing National League for Gloucester, Clifton Robinsons 2nd XI and Firebrands. 

Why Clifton College?

Hockey at Clifton College isn’t just about excelling on the field - it’s about growing as an individual, developing a strong work ethic, and building lifelong friendships. The programme is designed to challenge our pupils, help them grow, and prepare them for life beyond school, whether in sport or any other field.“I represent Clifton College 1st XI alongside playing for Clifton Robinsons Ladies 1st Team. Being able to play Club Hockey on a Saturday has been fully supported by Clifton College and to now be able to play all our Home Premier League fixtures on our own School Hockey Pitch here at Beggar’s Bush makes it all the more special.” Evie G, England U21, Clifton Robinsons Premier League.“The support I have received during my time at Clifton has given me the opportunity to achieve my full potential in Hockey. They have supported me on my England Hockey journey with individual technical work to develop on my personal targets, and strength and conditioning sessions to prepare me for the physical demands of playing at the international level. They have also managed my workload closely to ensure I keep on top of my academic studies.” Clemmie Houlden, England Hockey U21 & Princeton University (USA).“I joined Clifton College in Year 9 on a hockey scholarship, having played the sport since I was six years old. Clifton provided the perfect environment to develop both my skills and passion for hockey. Some of my fondest memories from my time at Clifton are of reaching the England Hockey U18 National School Finals with my teammates, it was an unforgettable experience. The support I’ve received from the hockey coaches at Clifton College has been incredible, helping me to grow into the player I am today. They guided me through my international journey and supported me in balancing my academic work, school hockey, and club commitments with Clifton Robinsons.” Eloise Moat, Wales U21, Clifton Robinsons Premier League.Recognition and scholarships

We are named within the 8 top schools for hockey by Good Schools Guide. Based upon top facilities, training programmes and coaches. We also feature in Talk Education’s article ‘Elite sporting pathways: the schools who do it the best’ and Dickinson Boarding Schools ‘top British boarding schools for hockey’.

At Clifton College, we offer pupils a unique opportunity to achieve distinction and personal excellence through our scholarships programme. Each year, we offer a number of scholarships to pupils with the potential to excel in their chosen field.

Are you a budding hockey player? Sport Scholarships available - find out more.

We also offer multiple other scholarship places across 11+, 13+ and 16+ - find out more.