Our school is proud to be one of the only state schools in London with its own fives court - a sport that remains little known outside independent‑school circles.

Fives is a traditional British handball game played in an enclosed court, with players striking a small ball using gloved hands. Its modern forms - Eton Fives, Rugby Fives, and Winchester Fives - have deep roots in elite British schools.

Rugby Fives Launch Event-18.jpg

After refurbishing our six disused courts on its playground, we reintroduced the sport and quickly saw students engaging enthusiastically - many for the first time discovering a game traditionally associated with elite private schools. Students there have spoken about how fun and accessible the sport is, with after‑school clubs and community sessions helping the game flourish.

The courts have also become an important hub for the wider Rugby Fives community, thanks to the Rugby Fives Association (RFA). The RFA now runs a weekly community club at the school - The Stoke Newington Swifts - offering open sessions every Tuesday evening and welcoming both beginners and experienced players. The RFA say these sessions have already attracted established players as well as newcomers connected to the school.
y_IMG_5652.jpeg

Eton Fives in particular originated in the late 19th century at Eton College, where the first formal court design was modelled on the architectural features of the college chapel. The game more broadly has a long heritage in the UK, played largely in schools and characterised by its fast pace, skill, and distinctive court design.

Having such a court on site places our school among a very small number of institutions preserving this historic sport. Most surviving courts are found in independent schools, making our facility a rare and valuable part of London’s state‑school sporting landscape.

We were featured in a Guardian article about our refurbishment: