Beechen Cliff has built a fine reputation for sporting excellence spanning many decades, as shown by its history of nurturing high achieving sports men and women through the school towards great success; from Roger Bannister to Amy Williams, success has come in a plethora of sports. However, it is undeniably in the sport of rugby where Beechen Cliff has obtained its greatest number of successes. Since 2015, the school has worked closely in partnership with Bath Rugby, developing home-grown players through the ACE (formerly AASE) Programme. In that time the school has produced many players who have signed professional contracts with Bath Rugby and over 24 age group international rugby players.
The school competes at all ages against many of the top rugby schools in the region, with matches taking place both midweek and some on Saturday mornings. Some notable successes include winning the RFU National Schools U15 Vase competition in 2024 and the RFU National Schools U15 Cup at Twickenham in 2018. The 1st team have also reached the National U18 ACE Final in both 2019 and 2020 as well as finishing in the top 4 for the last 3 years.
The school’s mission is to help nurture a passion for the game of rugby. Rugby is not only part of the Physical Education Games Curriculum but also there is after-school training and a comprehensive range of fixtures. In addition we manage 12 teams across all age groups playing over 100 competitive fixtures between September and Christmas each season, with an exciting Sevens programme after Christmas.
Rugby is a game for all shapes, sizes and abilities; at Beechen Cliff the opportunity to play is open to everyone and maximum participation is encouraged. For example, in 2024, 76 pupils from Year 7 played rugby for the school in competitive matches against other schools, experiencing a great team sport, the thrill of competing and having their abilities being stretched to the full. In total, last year over 350 boys of all ages represented their school with great pride and distinction on the rugby pitch.
Beechen Cliff’s rugby philosophy is to develop a positive attacking style which embraces risk, maximising the potential of all individuals within the squad. A team of 12 members of staff contribute to coaching rugby at the school. They are all passionate about the game and share a belief that coaching sessions should be challenging but enjoyable.
It is the hope that boys leave Beechen Cliff as confident players and people, continue to play rugby wherever they go – professionally, at university, abroad or locally – and use rugby as a vehicle to access fantastic opportunities in their adult lives.