Want to try fencing at a British boarding school?
One of the many benefits of independent UK education is the access to new experiences. Alongside more traditional sports, there is a wide range of opportunities; for example, your child may want to try fencing at a British boarding school like one of the following.
Ardingly College
Ardingly has a vibrant fencing community from Year 3, through Prep Club (Years 4-6), right up to the Senior Club (Years 7-13), representing the school’s diversity in terms of gender, age and nationality. Each age group enjoys separate time for skill development with specialist coaches during the week, and fencers who are keen to develop their competition skills attend Saturday training for time on the pistes and individual lessons in all three weapons. Working closely with Crawley Sword Club, students on the elite pathway attend an evening training session for practice time with the very experienced coaches and fencers who train there. An inclusive culture sees students mentoring each other, both as coaches and referees, during training sessions and fixtures against other schools. A successful 2024-25 season saw the small but mighty Ardingly Senior club team recording some fantastic results at the Public Schools’ Fencing Championships with Individual Silver (Junior Epee) and Bronze (Senior Foil) medals, and Bronze position in both all-round Senior Master at Arms (male) and Senior Champion at Arms (female). With a new Head Coach for the 2025-26 season bringing International and Olympic Epee experience, there is an exciting year of fighting ahead.
Millfield School
In 2025, Millfield celebrated its 12th consecutive overall victory at the Public Schools’ Fencing Championships. Students from Year 8 to Upper Sixth contributed to an outstanding 10 team trophies, including Best Girls’ Team and Overall Best Girls’ School. The prestigious three-day competition spans all three weapons, with individual performances contributing to team results. At the British School Team Championships, Millfield entered 18 teams, winning two golds, four silvers, and three bronzes. The school boasts a rich tradition of individual championship success and offers a comprehensive fencing programme. This includes squad sessions for all weapons, timetabled one-to-one lessons, tailored competition plans, and personalised athlete monitoring. Beyond school events, Millfield competes as a club, supporting fencers of all ages on the national and international circuit, including the Leon Paul Junior Series to World Cups and Grand Prix events. With a strong competitive ethos, the squad regularly attends events across the UK. Training takes place in a dedicated nine-piste fencing salle equipped with wall-mounted electric scoring boxes. This facility supports students of all abilities and provides a space where every athlete can grow, develop, and pursue their personal fencing ambitions.
Shrewsbury School
Fencing is thriving at Shrewsbury thanks to a comprehensive programme that cultivates both individual skill and strong team camaraderie. The school provides a robust training environment that prepares its fencers for competitive success, whether as part of a school team or through individual development. The Fencing Club meets three times a week, under the tutorship of professional coaches David Hiam (Epee), Ken Holding (Foil) and Andrew Holding (Sabre), all of whom are British Fencing qualified. Beyond inter-school competitions, the fencers engage in team events against other school, university and local clubs, as well as competing and medalling in the Public Schools’ Fencing Championships, showcasing their dedication and talent on a national stage. During their time at Shrewsbury, Ken and Andrew have achieved great success with their school fencers at national level, with several of their pupils representing Great Britain and their home countries.
Worth School
Worth has a proud history in fencing with two former members of the Worth Fencing Club going on to represent Great Britain at the Olympics. The sport is offered through the activities programme, which is available for all year groups from Year 7 to 13, boys and girls. The sessions are led by a former British champion, and they are available across all three terms in the school year. All abilities are catered for, from the beginner to the more experienced fencer, with regular fixtures for the Worth fencing team against other schools in the South East. The senior mixed team went unbeaten in the Autumn Term of the 2024-25 academic year. Worth also sends a team each year to compete at the National Public Schools’ Fencing Championships.
If you would like to know more about fencing at a British boarding school, whether your child already enjoys the sport or would like to try it, please contact us to discuss the options.
