Our U11A hockey team brought an outstanding season to a triumphant close last Friday as they were crowned IAPS National Champions. Competing against the top 20 independent schools in the country, the team demonstrated exceptional resilience, teamwork and strength of character – qualities that proved just as decisive as their skill on the pitch. After a demanding day of high‑intensity matches in the sunshine, the boys secured a memorable 1–0 victory over St John’s College School in a tightly contested final.
This national title marks the culmination of a remarkable season that also included the East Region In2Hockey title, the IAPS East Regional title and an unbeaten block‑fixture campaign. Their fast, attacking style of play, combined with a disciplined and brilliantly organised defensive unit, has resulted in an unbeaten record that reflects not just quality, but consistency, determination and an impressive work ethic.
Whilst the school is immensely proud of the boys’ success on the pitch, it is the manner in which they have conducted themselves this season that has stood out the most.
“We’re incredibly proud of what this group of boys has achieved in winning a national hockey title. Their smiles are what stand out most; they are always enjoying themselves and play with real positivity. Just as importantly, they carry that same attitude around the school, showing respect, kindness, and a real sense of pride in representing it. The character of the group, their work ethic and their humility should be recognised alongside the fantastic results they have achieved. They’ve supported each other every step of the way, and that team spirit has been central to everything they’ve accomplished this season.”
Ian McGowan, Director of Sport
A Busy and Rewarding Term of Prep School Hockey
This term has seen hockey thrive across the Prep School, with more than 260 boys representing 24 teams from U8 to U13 in over 170 fixtures. Competitive block fixtures against strong hockey schools—including The Perse, St Faith’s and Oundle—have helped every age group develop both skill and character.
Some standout highlights include:
- The U13As coming 7th in the In2Hockey East Regional Finals and stepping up superbly in their first 11‑a‑side matches to beat Oakham and Witham Hall.
- The U13Bs having a brilliant Oundle Festival, earning 5 wins and a draw.
- The U12As ending their season with a semi-final finish at the In2Hockey East Regional Finals.
- The U12Bs season scoring a thrilling 4–3 victory over Felsted, secured with a dramatic winning goal in the final play of the game.
- The U12Cs finishing with an impressive record of six wins from nine matches.
- A 1–1 draw for the U11Bs against a strong Winchester House A team, a game that showcased the team’s progress and composure.
- A fantastic U11D win against The Perse, with boys encouraging each other from start to finish, showing maturity and sportsmanship beyond their years.
Across all age groups, boys have shown enthusiasm, dedication and teamwork – embodying the values that underpin sport at Bedford School.
A Thriving Partnership with Bedford Hockey Club
Bedford School’s strong partnership with Bedford Hockey Club continues to flourish, with boys representing the club at every level—from Under 8s to the Men’s 1st team in the East Premier Division.
This collaboration was highlighted recently as Bedford Hockey Club’s U14 boys were crowned overall winners at the East Plate & Vase Finals Day. Impressively, 13 of the 14 squad members were Bedford School pupils, demonstrating not only the depth of talent within the school but the shared culture of cohesion, discipline and intelligent play that defines both programmes.
