QEH Junior School: Leading the way for school sports in Bristol

From exceptional facilities to a values-driven sports curriculum, QEH Junior School is proud to be at the forefront of Bristol school sports. At the heart of the programme is a ‘sport for all’ ethos that runs throughout the entire school – from Juniors through to Seniors and Sixth Form – ensuring every pupil, regardless of ability or experience, has the chance to participate and thrive. Through a rich programme of activities and a strong connection to the wider sporting community, the school provides boys with opportunities to grow in confidence, resilience and teamwork – both on and off the field.

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About QEH Junior School

This commitment to all – round development is central to life at QEH Junior School. Located in the heart of Bristol, the school supports boys aged 7 to 11 through a dynamic mix of academic learning and co – curricular opportunities, with sport playing a vital role in the day – to – day experience. Small class sizes, expert teaching and an inclusive ethos help every pupil to flourish—in the classroom, on the pitch, and beyond.

Discover more about the Junior School.

Sports Facilities at QEH

At QEH Junior School, sport is more than just a weekly PE lesson—it’s a core part of the school’s identity. The extensive facilities, specialist coaching and carefully planned curriculum reflect a deep belief in the power of sport to shape young lives. Whether it’s teamwork, perseverance or a love of healthy competition, pupils are encouraged to discover their potential through a wide range of sports.

Rugby and Football
Rugby and football are key pillars of the sporting programme at QEH. The school has access to high quality pitches on-site at the playing fields nearby, providing ample space for boys to train and compete. From Year 3 onwards, pupils take part in inter – school matches and festivals, helping them develop not only their physical skills but also sportsmanship and team spirit. The coaching approach is inclusive and nurturing, ensuring that all pupils, regardless of experience or confidence level, feel valued.

Cricket
When summer arrives, cricket takes centre stage. QEH Junior School benefits from dedicated cricket nets both on the school grounds and at the extensive sports facilities in Failand, giving pupils plenty of space and opportunity to practise their skills. These facilities are a hub of activity during the summer term, supported by expert coaching that helps boys develop both the technical and strategic sides of their game. Matches against other schools are a regular feature, allowing pupils to apply their training in competitive but supportive settings. As with all QEH sports, emphasis is placed on enjoyment, fair play and participation as much as performance.

Swimming
Swimming is a vital life skill, and at QEH it’s treated as such. Weekly swimming lessons are part of the curriculum for all year groups, with sessions delivered at Bristol University Pool. Pupils work through progressive challenges, building water confidence, stamina and stroke technique. For those with a competitive edge, there are opportunities to represent the school in galas and time trials. The programme ensures that by the time boys leave the Junior School, they are not only safe in the water but often thriving in it.

Athletics
Athletics is introduced in a fun and accessible way, with a range of track and field events taught in the summer term. From sprinting and long jump to throwing disciplines, boys are exposed to a broad variety of activities that promote individual achievement as well as teamwork in relay events.

Tennis and Other Activities
Tennis is offered during the summer term, with coaching taking place at the sports ground. In addition, the sports programme includes sessions in Golf (at Bristol and Clifton Golf Club), Judo (run by coach Finn Gleeson) and Street Dance (run by Street Envy Dance Academy) offering a rounded foundation in physical literacy. Clubs and after – school activities extend these opportunities even further, allowing pupils to pursue their interests or simply try something new.

Focus on Inclusion and Skill Development
What sets QEH apart is its philosophy: every pupil is given the chance to shine. While competitive fixtures play an important role, the focus is always on enjoyment, effort and growth. Lessons are tailored to individual needs, allowing beginners to build skills confidently and more experienced pupils to be stretched and challenged. This ethos not only supports sporting development but also builds self – esteem and resilience—qualities that extend well beyond the pitch.

See It First – Hand
Parents and pupils can explore these outstanding facilities and meet the coaching team at our upcoming Sports Open Day. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a feel for the environment, ask questions, and see QEH’s sporting values in action.

Join us for the next QEH Junior School Sports Open Day — see all current open days.

School Sports Events in Bristol

QEH Junior School isn’t just active on its own grounds—it’s a keen participant in the wider Bristol school sports scene. With a busy calendar of inter – school competitions and regional events, pupils benefit from the excitement and challenge of testing their skills beyond the school gates.

Each term, QEH pupils take part in a wide range of fixtures across the city. From tag rugby festivals at local clubs to football tournaments hosted by fellow independent schools, these experiences offer more than just a competitive edge—they help children build resilience, teamwork and respect for others. Participation is always encouraged, regardless of ability or experience.

In recent years, the school has also become involved in cross – city athletics meets, swimming galas and multi – sport days—events that often bring together state and independent schools in a shared celebration of youth sport. These opportunities help QEH pupils see themselves as part of a much larger sporting community.

This focus on community and character is something championed nationally too. As The Guardian recently explored in its piece on youth sports and the importance of teaching both winning and losing, school competitions are as much about emotional learning as they are about results. QEH embraces this ethos wholeheartedly.

Sport’s growing importance in education is also being recognised at government level. A recent campaign supported by Olympians and Downing Street calls for increased investment in school sport—something schools like QEH have been championing for years through their partnerships and event participation.

For parents wanting to understand how these opportunities work in practice, the upcoming Sports Open Day will provide a first – hand look. It’s the perfect moment to ask questions, meet staff and see what makes QEH’s sporting involvement so meaningful.

Visit one of our Sports Open Days to discover how QEH connects pupils with the wider Bristol sports community.

QEH Sports Open Day

For families considering QEH Junior School, the Sports Open Day offers a unique opportunity to experience the school’s dynamic sporting culture in action. This annual event brings the facilities, staff, and ethos to life—giving prospective pupils a chance to get involved and parents the chance to see what makes QEH stand out.

Held at the school’s dedicated sports grounds, the Open Day features a rotation of hands – on taster sessions led by QEH’s experienced coaches. From rugby drills to cricket nets, athletics to mini matches, boys can try out a range of activities in a relaxed and supportive environment. It’s an ideal way for children to explore their interests while meeting some of the pupils they might one day be playing alongside.

For parents, there’s the chance to tour the facilities, speak with PE staff and the Head of Junior School, and gain a deeper understanding of how sport fits into QEH’s broader educational offer. You’ll also learn how the school’s inclusive philosophy ensures every boy — regardless of sporting ability — is given opportunities to grow in skill and confidence.

Whether your child is a natural athlete or just beginning their sporting journey, the Open Day demonstrates how QEH can nurture both passion and potential. It also offers a chance to see how the school plays a leading role in Bristol school sports, through both its own provision and its links to events across the city.

The school’s team is always on hand to talk through admissions, explain the sports curriculum, and answer any questions about life at QEH.

Keep an eye out for upcoming QEH Junior School Sports Open Days to explore our facilities and see our inclusive sporting ethos in action

The Role of Sport in Child Development at QEH

At QEH Junior School, sport is more than just physical activity — it’s a key part of how pupils grow into confident, well-rounded young people. From fostering teamwork to improving emotional resilience, the role of sport in child development is fundamental to the school’s ethos.

Research consistently shows the positive impact of regular physical activity on children’s wellbeing. As highlighted in a recent Sport England report, participation in sport can boost mood, improve focus in class, and even lead to better academic outcomes. At QEH, these findings are reflected in practice every day. Pupils return from games lessons energised, engaged, and ready to learn — often having built new friendships along the way.

The school’s approach goes far beyond the traditional model of school sport. Here, every pupil is encouraged to have a go, challenge themselves, and experience the value of both individual effort and collective achievement. From the moment a boy joins QEH, he becomes part of a culture where persistence and sportsmanship matter just as much as performance.

This inclusive ethos supports personal growth in several key areas:

1. Confidence and Self-Esteem
   Whether it’s a first swim without armbands or scoring a try during a match, every sporting milestone is celebrated. These small wins build belief and contribute to a strong sense of self—especially important during a time when children are still shaping their identity.
2. Resilience and Emotional Maturity
   Sport provides natural opportunities to face setbacks, learn from them, and bounce back stronger. QEH coaches support pupils in navigating both success and disappointment, helping them develop the kind of mental resilience that lasts a lifetime.
3. Teamwork and Communication
   Through team sports and group training, boys learn to listen, collaborate and encourage one another. These skills are just as relevant in the classroom as they are on the pitch.
4. Physical Health and Wellbeing
   With a full timetable of physical activity built into the school week, QEH ensures boys build strong, healthy habits early on. Outdoor play, competitive matches and skill-building sessions help establish a love for movement that continues beyond primary school.

What sets QEH apart in the context of Bristol school sports is its balance of competition and care. Boys are encouraged to represent the school proudly in fixtures across the city, but never at the cost of joy or inclusion. This balance is what ensures every pupil — not just the most athletic — benefits from the school’s sports programme.

Parents can explore this approach for themselves at our Sports Open Day, where coaches and staff will be available to discuss the school’s values in more detail.

Discover QEH Junior sport and activities

Conclusion

QEH Junior School continues to set the standard for Bristol school sports, offering boys aged 7 to 11 a rich, balanced and inclusive sporting experience. From its exceptional facilities to its dedicated coaching staff, every element is designed to nurture not only physical skills, but also the character, confidence and wellbeing of each child.

Whether it’s the thrill of inter-school matches, the joy of learning new techniques, or the quiet growth that comes from perseverance and teamwork, QEH uses sport as a powerful tool for development. As the wider conversation around children’s health and activity gains momentum, QEH stands out as a school that truly lives its values—on the pitch and in the classroom.

Parents interested in seeing this in action are warmly invited to attend Open Days. It’s a chance to explore the facilities, speak with staff and pupils, and understand how sport is woven into the fabric of life at QEH Junior School.

Discover what makes QEH a leader in Bristol’s sporting landscape—keep an eye out for future Open Days to experience QEH for yourself.