'The John Fisher School shortlisted for the National awards: School of The Year 2017'
The John Fisher School is delighted to have been shortlisted for the National Awards 2017 in the 'School of the Year' category. The School has developed into one of the top rugby schools in the country competing with independent schools such as Dulwich College, Whitgift and Eton College. Head of Physical Education and Rugby, Mr Tom Street, said, "This is a great achievement for a state school like John Fisher. We are proud of our past and look forward to the future as we continue to offer first class rugby provision for all our students, no matter their level. " The School puts out up to 23 teams on a Saturday using a large array of staff from various departments. In the past, John Fisher has enjoyed much success in the Rosslyn Park National Seven's competition. Most recently they finished as runners up in 2014 and 2015. On both occasions, the finals have been replayed at Twickenham Stadium during the HSBC London Sevens weekend, which is the final event in international world series. The highlight was beating Millfield 38-5 in front of a crowd of 70,000 . With many former students going onto professional and International rugby, the future looks bright for John Fisher rugby.
'The John Fisher School flies the flag for state school rugby'
It goes without saying that Surrey holds some of the best rugby schools in the country; Whitgift, Dulwich College and Cranleigh to name but a few. The shear quantity of Independent schools with sporting pedigree is frightening for many voluntary aided state schools with limited budgets and resources to help support student aspirations and sporting provision. The John Fisher School was originally attended by just 20 students when it was set up in 1929, but it has grown to a school for over 1,000 students. As a non-selective school, the 189 students which arrive for Year 7 pre-season at the start of the rugby season, have a huge variance in their experience and skill level. With so many students to support and nurture, it requires a vast commitment from the P.E department, and teaching staff from all departments, to help shape the future Paul Sackeys (Wasps and England), Kieran Treadwells (Ulster and Ireland) George Skivington (London Irish and England Saxons) and Kyle Traynor (Leicester and Scotland) At a time when many state schools are cutting sporting provision, The John Fisher School continues to put out up to 23 teams on a Saturday, hosting teams such as RGS High Wycombe, Hampton, Brighton College and Warwick. To sum up the level at which The John Fisher School operates, it is the only state school to play Eton College.
In the past, The John Fisher School has built a national reputation for sporting excellence, but especially its consistent level in rugby. The School has twice won the National Schools' Seven-a-side Rugby Tournament; and were runners-up on three occasions. In 2009 the 1st XV were semi-finalists in the Daily Mail RBS Cup and in 2000 the U15's were finalists in the Daily Mail Cup played at Twickenham. The long term success of the school has helped it gain some recognition by being shortlisted for the 2017 National Rugby Awards alongside the biggest independent schools, such as Rugby School, Brighton College and Warwick. Although those teams can boost incredible seasons for some of their teams, The John Fisher School is unique in its provision, legacy and success. This year's shortlisting was a success for all state school sport at a time where it is near impossible to compete with the big budgets and scholarships that Independents can offer students. Wednesday 30th August will hopefully see The John Fisher School crowned 'Best School 2017' for its hard work and success in the 2016/17 season, but also give a hat tip to its past as well.
