Which are our top British boarding schools for basketball?
While the major team sports at British schools are still rugby, hockey, football, netball and cricket, basketball is growing in terms of participation and popularity. As we know it is of interest to many international students, here we take a look at which are our top British boarding schools for basketball.
As with any feature on sport, we have to include Millfield, which is justifiably famous for its provision for budding athletes across a multitude of disciplines. The school’s basketball programme is available to all boys as a games option, with each year group competing in regional and national schools’ competitions. Played by girls as part of the Millfield Activity Programme (MAP), competition is developing, having recently hosted Taunton School in a Year 10 to Upper Sixth match – the first girls’ fixture in 15 years. There are also two Open Shooting sessions each week for anyone who wants to just turn up and play. Keen players have three sessions a week in PE, plus additional shooting and individual coaching sessions with the Head Coach, and Strength and Conditioning sessions with other elite coaches. Nutrition and Sports Psychology are also available to players on a one-to-one basis. With strong links to the regional set up, Millfield has several players involved in the South West programme, which is the pathway to the National team squads, while some players also compete for Taunton Tigers in the England National league, and the school has assisted players’ placements in American colleges and high school programmes.
Sidcot School’s basketball team enjoyed an unbeaten season last year, as a result of weekly coaching with former professional players who are passionate about helping players reach their full potential. Utilising the school’s state-of-the-art facilities, the coaches focus on individual skill development, team strategies, and mental toughness to help the team succeed. In line with this British boarding school’s Quaker values, however, winning isn’t everything. Rather, the aim is character development through sport, seeing basketball as more than a game, it’s a way to develop leadership, perseverance, and confidence. Sidcot’s basketball programme emphasises teamwork, respect, and commitment to help its students learn how to handle challenges, celebrate victories, and grow from setbacks.
Basketball at the Royal Hospital School runs throughout all three terms, and pupils can practise their techniques during training sessions three times a week. The opportunity to become a confident and competent team player, and the feeling of belonging to a select squad that unites pupils from various countries through its strong sense of team spirit has made basketball an attractive and popular sport here. The Senior (mixed U18s) and Junior (mixed U16s) teams participate in numerous friendly matches, as well as tournaments, throughout the year, with most competitive fixtures against other schools being played during the Michaelmas and Lent terms (September to March). Connecting and networking with local clubs is also an option for further personal development of keen players.
Wycliffe College runs a basketball pathway where every student involved in it receives high level coaching, as well as an overview of the sport. Weekly training sessions are complemented by small group and individual sessions to ensure players improve and develop specific skills. Timetabled games sessions develop technical and competitive game strategy, and experienced players have the opportunity to compete in highly competitive fixtures on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons throughout the season. VEO camera footage from training sessions and fixtures is shared by the coach, with specific clips breaking down and highlighting areas for individual and team improvements. The school has links to Bath Basketball, a local community club offering elite level players the opportunity to compete in Basketball England’s Under 18 National Basketball League.
If your child enjoys basketball at any level, let me help you find the right British boarding school for them to keep playing and developing their game. Please contact me.
