Our Sports Ethos
At Orchard House, we foster a lifelong love of sport and wellness. It is an essential part of our commitment to preparing our students for life beyond the classroom, with children who develop a love of sport during their early life going on to live more active, healthy and happy lives as adults. We support and challenge pupils at every level, from first experiences to advanced squads, through expert teaching, purposeful practice and a culture of sportsmanship.
We balance sport for all with pathways to excellence, while ensuring all children enjoy inclusive opportunities to be the best they can be, and feel proud of their progress.
Facilities & Partnerships
Our sports provision is enhanced by outstanding local facilities, with most just a 5 minute walk from our main school buildings. Pupils take part in PE and Games lessons at Rocks Lane, Chiswick, playing a number of sports including football, rugby, hockey, netball and padel tennis. During the summer, cricket takes place at the picturesque Chiswick House Grounds, while cross-country and some PE lessons make the most of Chiswick Back Common and The Green. Swimming is taught at Acton Leisure Centre and Janet Adegoke in private sessions, with pupils grouped by ability. In Year 6, children also benefit from a half-year rowing programme with Team Keane, while King’s House Sports Ground is the venue for our annual Sports Day.
Curriculum Journey
All children at Orchard House are encouraged to move, explore and enjoy being active. In Early Years, the focus is on fundamental movement skills taught through fun, play-based activities. By Key Stage 1, pupils begin to develop the foundations of football, netball and gymnastics, while swimming is introduced in Year 2.
As pupils move into Key Stage 2, the programme becomes more diverse and demanding. They enjoy gymnastics, athletics, tennis, football, rugby and hockey to name a few. Games lessons focus on football, rugby, hockey, netball and cricket, with regular fixtures beginning in Year 4. Swimming continues throughout Years 3–6, with pupils taking lessons for one and a half terms each year. By Year 6, rowing adds a unique new challenge, broadening children’s experiences and teamwork skills.
Fixtures & Achievements
Fixtures are a central part of sporting life at Orchard House. Matches take place across West London, hosted at Rocks Lane, Chiswick House Grounds, Chiswick Back Common, and The Green. Pupils also compete in swimming galas, cross-country meets and athletics competitions, as well as prestigious national tournaments such as the IAPS series.
In addition, courtesy of Dukes Education, our pupils enjoy a calendar of fixtures and tournaments that bring together all Dukes schools in the area. These full-day events, such as the Dukes Swimming Gala, Dukes Netball Tournament, and other inter-school meets provide wonderful opportunities to compete within the Dukes family and foster a strong sense of community across schools.
Our pupils have achieved exceptional results. In 2023, the U11 netball team placed 2nd in the IAPS Nationals, and in 2024/25 they finished in the Top 8 nationally. Teams continue to record outstanding results, with a netball win rate of 90% and football at 70% in the 2024/25 season. Fifteen pupils were awarded sports scholarships that same year, a testament to their commitment, skill and the strength of our provision.
