The Positive Correlation Between Sports, Academic Performance, and Wellbeing at Mill Hill School (2021-2023)
At Mill Hill, we believe in nurturing our pupils not just academically but holistically, promoting their physical, mental, and emotional well-being through a robust sports programme. A recent study within our institution from 2021 to 2023 highlighted a significant positive correlation between increased sports participation enhanced academic performance and overall pupil wellbeing.
Under the guidance of the Sports Department, we conducted an extensive review of our sports programmes' impact over the past two years. Led by James Downie and our sports analytics team, this review of sports participation has provided us with encouraging insights.
Key Findings from the Research Below
Academic Enhancements
Pupils engaging in more sports fixtures showed notable improvements in their academic outcomes, specifically in GCSE and A-Level results, aligning with their baseline assessments (MIDYIS/ALIS scores). This suggests that regular participation in sports can significantly add value to a pupil's academic achievements.
Behavioural Improvements
A positive trend was observed between the number of sports fixtures participated in and the entries of positive behaviour on iSAMS. This correlation is stronger for positive behaviours, indicating that active engagement in sports promotes better conduct among students.
Increased School Attendance
Data reveals a clear link between frequent participation in sports fixtures and higher school attendance rates. This underscores sports' role in encouraging pupils to attend school more consistently.
Enhanced Effort Levels
Although the correlation is less pronounced compared to behaviour and attendance, there remains a positive relationship between the number of sports fixtures and the effort grades pupils receive. This suggests that sports help cultivate persistence and effort in academic settings.
University Advancements
Since 2019, our Sports Scholars, who generally participate in more sports fixtures, have shown a higher likelihood of attending prestigious Russell Group universities. Including Loughborough University, known for its outstanding sports programmes, increases this likelihood significantly.
The data from Mill Hill School from 2021 to 2023 supports the notion that sports play a crucial role in a pupil’s academic and personal development. As we continue to foster a balanced approach to education, it becomes evident that investing in sports is investing in our pupils' futures, academically, physically, and socially.
Mill Hill Education Group Schools and Sport Programmes
Abbot’s Hill
Abbot’s Hill strives to engage all pupils in sports, fostering a lifelong passion for physical activity through a multi-sport program. They compete in various sports at different levels, including netball, lacrosse, cross-country, and more, enhancing team and leadership skills. The School's vibrant sports culture encourages pupils to pursue excellence and enjoy physical activity in a supportive environment.
Cobham Hall
Cobham Hall offers diverse sporting activities with training in netball, hockey, swimming, tennis, rounders, and athletics. Pupils participate in regular matches and inter-house competitions and enjoy facilities like a swimming pool, fitness suite, and dance studio. The aim is to provide a balanced sports education that supports physical health, competitive spirit, and personal growth.
Grimsdell
Grimsdell emphasises inclusive sporting opportunities while encouraging competitive and cooperative skills. This all begins in Year 2 with netball, hockey, rounders, football, and cricket, enhancing pupils' readiness for subsequent sports education stages. This foundation builds crucial teamwork and physical skills, preparing children for more structured sports programs in higher grades in the years to come.
Belmont
Sport is central to Belmont's educational ethos, focusing on resilience and teamwork through PE and games. Pupils take part in rugby, football, hockey, and netball as focus sports, with cricket for both genders in the summer. Additional activities include athletics, swimming, gymnastics, tennis, fencing, fives, and table tennis. This diverse sporting curriculum is designed to foster a well-rounded physical education and team spirit among pupils.
Mill Hill International
Mill Hill International fosters competitive and recreational sports, integrating weekly games with Mill Hill School. Pupils enjoy extensive coaching and facilities, with opportunities to join various school sports teams. This integration enhances physical skills but also aids in the social and cultural integration of international pupils into the wider school community.
Mill Hill Senior
Mill Hill incorporates sport deeply into its culture, promoting Integrity, Excellence, and Resilience. Their dual-stream sports education, 'Fit for Performance' and 'Fit for Life', supports physical and mental health for all abilities, backed by elite coaching and facilities. Sports at Mill Hill are tailored to promote lifelong health habits and leadership skills.
Keble
Sport at Keble starts in Pre-Prep with regular PE and games, evolving into competitive fixtures in Junior and Senior School across a range of sports including football, rugby, cricket, hockey, netball, and swimming, emphasising the importance of swimming as a life skill. This comprehensive program is designed to build sportsmanship and physical skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for athletic pursuits.
Kingshott
Kingshott values both competitive and participatory aspects of sport, aiming to instil a lifelong appreciation and skill in sports. Their approach balances the enjoyment, teamwork, and physical and social development aspects of sport for all pupils. The program fosters a positive sports culture, where success is celebrated and every participant's effort is valued.
Lyonsdown
Lyonsdown prioritises sports to enhance girls' education and wellbeing. Focus sports are netball and lacrosse in winter, and cricket and athletics in summer. Girls also engage in swimming, football, gymnastics, dance, and tennis, with professional coaching available. These activities are structured to build confidence and physical fitness, fostering a positive attitude towards health and exercise.
St Joseph’s In The Park
St Joseph’s actively promotes sport, focusing on lifelong enjoyment and participation. All pupils are encouraged to compete, with specialist coaching in cricket and hockey. The School offers a variety of sports and uses excellent facilities including a swimming pool and athletics track. This comprehensive sports program aims to develop physical abilities and team spirit across all age groups.
