Sibford School is located near Banbury, Oxfordshire. The school focuses on student's abilities to perform in sport with the senior school being awarded the School Games Mark Award Platinum after achieving 5 consecutive years of attaining the Gold award. This shows how well the students at the school and the teachers can work together to accomplish achievements. 

 

A crucial event for the school is their Sibford sevens competition that first took place in 1999, this tournament was performed singularly by the male students, restricted to the under 12s age category, that year Sibford accommodated 16 neighboring schools. 

 

The most recent rugby sevens tournament occurred during March 2024. This was the schools 25th rugby sevens competition, happening over 3 days with the presence of nearly 1000 students, from 27 different schools throughout 8 different counties. 

 

"Once again Sibford School Rugby 7s goes from strength to strength, with more competitors and teams than ever before. The overall energy of the days was competitive but also friendly in nature."

-David Brassett, school sports co-ordinator 

 

Rugby sevens included both boys' and girls' teams; enabled students from year 7 to year 11 to take part, where the tournament was thrilling, fast paced and exhilarating. 

 

There was also healthy competition between the pupils participating. The tournament also showcased the talents and dedication that the schools' athletes have and will continue to have as the event continues through the students' time at sibford and the immense School Spirit was clear from the many people who came to oversee the event, students who weren't participating cheered on their peers from the sidelines. 

 

By the school participating in these events a sense of community can be fostered between the teachers, students and different families as the rugby sevens tournament is often known for the memories it has created among the people involved over the many competitions. There is even more morale across the school over the days creating a very positive environment; it was nice to see this year how its impact was very meaningful on the school community. 

 

The school's ability to sustain focus on both female and male rugby teams is increasingly important due to its clear inclusivity that allows female athletes to feel empowered, allowing opportunity for them to excel in a typically male-dominated sport. The team encourages the female athletes taking place to learn many valuable life skills including teamwork, leadership and resilience. These are beneficial skills to have both on and off the pitch. 

 

Sibford School has seen an ex-student who participated in their rugby team go on to represent her nation at a junior level.  

 

Finally, I think that it is fantastic to see more opportunities for female athletes to shine in sports like rugby and Sibford Schools help in the process of the students being inspired to participate in the sport has worked incredibly.