Hockey

Head of Hockey: Mr Jamie Askam

Hockey is a major sport at Bancroft’s for both girls and boys, with girls playing in the autumn term and boys in the spring term. The programme offers high levels of participation, strong coaching and a competitive fixture list that supports players of all ages and abilities.

Training and Fixtures

• Both girls’ and boys’ squads train during games afternoons and in after school sessions.
• Regular fixtures are played throughout the week and on Saturdays
• Teams compete against a wide range of local and regional schools
• Opportunities exist across Junior, Middle and Senior year groups

Bancroft’s benefits from outstanding facilities through its partnership with Old Loughtonians Hockey Club, an elite venue that served as a training site for the London 2012 Olympics. This allows pupils to train and play in a top class environment.

Competitions

Bancroft’s regularly fields boys’ and girls’ teams in the Essex Cup and has a strong record of advancing to the East of England regional play offs, particularly at U16 and U18 level. Teams continue to perform strongly in national competitions, with several squads reaching later stages of England Hockey tournaments over the years.

Players are actively involved throughout the England Hockey player pathway, from Junior Regional Development Centres through to performance level squads. A number of Bancroftians have represented England and Wales at U16 and U18 level, reflecting the depth of talent across the school.

Tours and Enrichment

Hockey tours are an important part of the programme and provide invaluable playing experience. Senior squads have travelled to destinations such as Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Barcelona.

Girls’ senior tours are often combined with netball, with previous trips including South Africa, Australia, Singapore and Barbados. Junior teams also enjoy touring opportunities, such as mini tours to the Netherlands at Easter or to Barcelona during the autumn term. These trips strengthen team culture, broaden pupils’ horizons and deepen their understanding of the sport.

Player Development

Hockey at Bancroft’s is designed to support every player, whether they are new to the game or aspiring to high performance pathways. Coaching focuses on core technical skills, tactical awareness, teamwork and decision making, ensuring pupils grow as confident and adaptable players.