Athletics

Athletics at Blundell’s offers an exciting and inclusive environment where nearly 100 pupils train and compete at events across Exeter, Taunton, Yeovil, and Millfield during the summer term. With a combination of expert track and specialist field event coaching, students of all abilities develop their fitness, technique, and competitive edge.

For many, athletics provides a fun and fitness-focused experience, while for others, it is a platform for regional and national success. Blundellians have a proud tradition of excelling in athletics, with pupils regularly representing Devon at the South West Championships and English Schools Championships. Recent standout performances include gold medal victories at the Devon County Track and Field Championships, with athletes excelling in long jump, high jump, hurdles, and shot put.

Beyond competition, athletics at Blundell’s fosters resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Senior pupils mentor younger athletes, while House Sports Days provide an exciting culmination of the season, with highly competitive yet enjoyable inter-house track and field events. Whether pursuing elite performance or personal improvement, Blundell’s athletics encourages every pupil to challenge themselves, grow in confidence, and develop a lifelong love of sport.

Netball

Blundell’s netball programme is a thriving part of the school’s sporting landscape, offering pupils at all levels the chance to develop resilience, leadership, and teamwork. The programme is led by Meg Conabeare, Director of Netball, who brings a wealth of experience from playing for Team Bath U17, U19, and U21 and currently representing Exeter Netball Club in the National League. Meg holds an England Netball Level 2 coaching certificate and is a Level 2 qualified personal trainer, ensuring the programme combines top-level coaching with expert physical conditioning.

With 17 teams and over 170 pupils participating across year groups, netball is a key sport at Blundell’s. Leadership opportunities are embedded, with captains and vice-captains leading warm-ups, guiding teams through matches, and mentoring younger players during pre-season sessions and summer camps. The programme encourages resilience by giving players responsibility and fostering adaptability during challenging fixtures.

Blundell’s netball has strong links with elite pathways. Meg’s connections with Team Bath’s head of pathway allow talented players to progress to Team Bath ADC and U18 PDP programmes. Other pupils represent the U15 Devon Academy, while OB Megan Hamilton-Strong now plays for Team Bath and studies at South Alabama University in the US.

Key enrichment opportunities include trips to Bath University, and experiences such as watching Superleague matches, coaching sessions with Next Gen players, and specialist strength and conditioning clinics. The programme’s open-door policy, extra shooting and defending clinics, and emphasis on confidence-building at all levels ensure that every pupil has the chance to grow and excel.

Blundell’s netball programme, under Meg Conabeare’s leadership, not only produces high-achieving players but also equips pupils with vital life skills—confidence, resilience, and leadership—ensuring they leave prepared for future challenges both on and off the court.

Basketball

Blundell’s has been at the heart of Devon basketball for a number of years, and the infamous ‘Blundell’s Bulls’ have been a mainstay at the very top of the “South West Winter League” (a competitive tournament aimed at challenging and developing local youth talent). Students play four times a week in school in the Winter term, as well as a weekly activity throughout the year, and engage in regular fixtures with Millfield, Taunton, Kings, West Buckland and other local schools. The squad has developed in size to around ~25 pupils in Year 11 and above, both male and female, and now including a Girls team who play locally against school.

Health, Fitness and Wellbeing

Games and Fitness (GAF) Programme:
Our Games and Fitness (GAF) programme offers boys an exciting opportunity to stay active, challenge themselves, and develop lifelong healthy habits. With a diverse range of activities that change each term, pupils can explore new ways to enjoy fitness, both indoors and outdoors.

GAF is designed to build self-confidence, encouraging pupils to set personal goals and work towards achieving them with the support of dedicated staff. It provides an alternative to traditional team sports, catering to those who prefer individual challenges or varied physical activities.

For those recovering from mid and long-term injuries, GAF serves as a structured and supportive path back to full fitness, allowing gradual progress in a safe environment. Whether aiming for personal growth or simply looking for new ways to stay active, the GAF programme ensures every pupil can find enjoyment and success in fitness.

Our SWEAT programme (Strength, Wellbeing, Endurance, Attitude, Targets)
This programme gives girls the opportunity to challenge themselves, explore new ways to stay active, and build lifelong healthy habits.

For those who love high-energy workouts, CrossFit-style training pushes limits with strength and endurance challenges, while Spin classes offer an immersive cycling experience that builds stamina and resilience. Dance-based fitness, like Urban Funk, combines movement and music for a fun, high-energy workout, while Pilates and Yoga provide the perfect balance of strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Meanwhile, circuits and body conditioning sessions ensure there’s always a way to push fitness to the next level.

SWEAT isn’t just about exercise—it’s about empowerment, teamwork, and personal growth. Whether pushing through a tough workout or simply having fun, every session helps build not just fitness, but confidence for life.

Rugby

Blundell’s rugby programme is a cornerstone of the school’s sporting success, offering pupils exceptional opportunities to develop resilience, leadership, and teamwork. Led by Tony Yapp, the Director of Rugby, the programme benefits from his extensive professional experience. Yapp’s 12-year career included playing for Worcester, Bedford, Randwick (Australia), Exeter Chiefs, and Launceston. He represented England U21s, England A, and the Barbarians, scoring over 3,000 career points, with 1,800 points in 173 appearances for Exeter Chiefs.

The rugby programme at Blundell’s is inclusive and thriving, with 145 fixtures and participation from all year groups: 62 players at U18, 40 at U16, and strong numbers across younger teams. The girls' rugby programme is rapidly growing, with 50 girls signed up for rugby 7s, reflecting the school’s commitment to diversity in sport.

Leadership is central to the programme. Senior players mentor younger pupils, coaching Year 7 and 8 sessions and assisting in summer rugby camps. The focus on self-leadership encourages players to hold each other accountable and fosters camaraderie and confidence, reflected in the teams’ improved performances throughout the season.

Blundell’s maintains close links with elite rugby pathways, including Bristol Bears, Exeter Chiefs, and top BUCS Super Rugby universities. Current pupils are part of both the Bears and Chiefs Academies, while alumni such as Ben Coen, an England U20 World Cup winner, and Jamie Stewart, representing Scotland U20s, exemplify the programme’s success.

Under Tony Yapp’s expert leadership, the rugby programme not only develops sporting excellence but also instils essential life skills—teamwork, confidence, and resilience—equipping pupils for success both on and off the pitch.

Hockey

Blundell’s hockey programme is a standout feature of the school’s extensive co-curricular offering, providing opportunities for players of all abilities to develop resilience, leadership, and teamwork. Led by Will Abell, the Director of Hockey and founder of WA Sports Coaching, the programme benefits from expert guidance and a wealth of coaching experience. With over 449 pupils participating across all year groups and 238 fixtures played, hockey is deeply embedded in school life.

The programme fosters confidence through inclusive coaching, offering pathways from grassroots participation to elite performance. Students benefit from regular fixtures, professional coaching, and exposure to high-level competition, including pre-season tournaments and tours, such as the all-ages girls' tour to Holland. Leadership opportunities are central, with captains, vice-captains, and School House ambassadors appointed to foster self-sufficiency and decision-making. Senior pupils mentor younger players during training sessions, developing communication and coaching skills.

Blundell’s also boasts strong links with Exeter Talent Academy, with seven pupils currently involved, and numerous alumni playing at top UK universities and in national leagues. Notable successes include national league appearances and England U16, U18, and U21 selections.

Hockey at Blundell’s not only cultivates athletic talent but also nurtures character, teaching pupils empathy, optimism, and resilience. The focus on teamwork, accountability, and fair play ensures that students leave equipped with life skills that extend far beyond the pitch.

Cricket

Blundell’s cricket programme is a flagship element of the school’s sporting provision, led by Dean Headley, Director of Cricket. Dean brings exceptional expertise, having represented England internationally between 1996 and 1999. Over an illustrious 11-year professional career, he played for Kent, Middlesex, and Worcestershire, scoring over 300 first-class wickets.

The cricket programme offers participation across 18 teams, including 12 mixed teams and 6 girls-only teams, reflecting Blundell’s commitment to inclusivity. Pupils develop leadership and resilience through captaincy roles, mentoring opportunities, and pre-season sessions where senior players guide younger peers. The programme uses AI-powered video analysis tools, providing feedback on pitch maps, speeds, and biomechanics, replicating professional club standards.

Blundell’s maintains strong pathways to professional cricket, collaborating closely with Somerset, Cornwall, and Devon County Age Group (CAG) systems. Currently, 19 pupils represent CAG teams, with one player at the Somerset Academy, mentored directly by Dean Headley. Dean’s professional network has also facilitated equipment sponsorships, supporting players’ progression.

Key enrichment opportunities include biennial overseas tours, with the next trip planned for Sri Lanka in 2025, national and county cup competitions, and matches against adult sides like the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Blundell’s also enters prestigious competitions such as the Rachel Heyhoe-Flint Indoor National Girls' Tournament for U13 and U15 players.
Notable alumni include Dom Bess, who has represented England and currently plays for Yorkshire. The programme ensures every player experiences the highs and lows of the sport, reflecting CLR James’ sentiment: “Cricket is first and foremost a dramatic spectacle. It belongs with the theatre, ballet, opera, and the dance.” Blundell’s cricket nurtures not only elite performers but also well-rounded individuals, equipping them with confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for the game.

Football

Football at Blundell’s continues to grow in popularity, with almost 100 boys from Years 10 to 13 representing the school across four competitive teams. The squads train three times a week, blending core skills with match practice, and compete in the ISCA Cup and fixtures against local schools, culminating in the much-anticipated match against the Old Blundellians.

The sport is more than just competition—it fosters resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Captains and vice-captains take ownership of warm-ups and team talks, while senior players mentor younger pupils, developing confidence and communication skills. Notably, sports captains have refereed girls' fixtures, further embedding a culture of leadership.

Girls’ football is also thriving, with nearly 80 players across all age groups. Their enthusiasm has led to a growing fixture list, reinforcing the school’s commitment to providing opportunities for all.

Beyond the pitch, Blundell’s footballers benefit from outstanding enrichment opportunities. In October 2024, 19 pupils embarked on a five-day development tour to Madrid, training with Real Madrid coaches and playing against local opposition. Former first-team captain Harry Pryce, awarded full colours in 2023, has since continued his footballing journey at club level, exemplifying the lifelong impact of football at Blundell’s.