Netball at St John’s is split into two branches, performance and inclusion.
In the Autumn Term each age group has a performance squad which competes in both the National Schools Competition and the Independent Schools Cup, which runs alongside our hockey programme (hockey being the main sport for girls in the Autumn Term). These competitions allow us to compete against some of the best schools nationally including Millfield, Bromsgrove, and Wellington College. Training for these squads takes place from September to March, with fixtures taking place mid-week. In addition to the National Competitions, St John’s enters the Surrey County Schools Competition and regularly qualifies for Surrey Finals.
Netball is the main sport for all girls during the Spring Term. They have two netball sessions a week during their games sessions and an activity slot either at lunchtime or after school. During these sessions, the girls work on developing their basic skills, practising their attacking and defensive drills and focus on netball specific strength and conditioning. There are 25 teams playing both mid-week and Saturday block fixtures; our regular opponents include Hurstpierpoint College, Epsom College, Wellington College, Gordon’s School and Guildford High School.
Annually we run a junior netball tour to Manchester where the girls get the opportunity to play against local schools, clubs and Superleague franchises. The tour includes training sessions led by guest coaches including, Tracey Neville, Karen Greig and England/Manchester Thunder Superleague players. Our senior tour runs every three years to Dubai where the girls have the opportunity to play and train at world class facilities and experience different styles of netball against teams from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
St John’s has a highly committed and experienced group of coaches including, Director of Netball, Alice Travis (Ex Superleague and England International) and Sarah Lea (current Premier League).
