“Cross country is a sport that emphasises individual achievement as well as teamwork and sportsmanship,” says Mark Reed, Haileybury’s Head of Cross Country.

“It can provide a great opportunity for students to stay active and develop a lifelong love of running.”

Haileybury offers students a choice of 17 sports during winter including rugby, netball, soccer, basketball and football. There is also the opportunity to join the school’s equestrian team to develop their equestrian skills. At the Tintern Horse Trials earlier this year, Haileybury’s two Equestrian Teams placed 2nd and 4th.

Avril Charman, 16, is part of the Equestrian Team at Berwick and, in June, she will be one of the youngest competitors at the Melbourne International Horse Trials. She rides her two horses, Bella and Hamish, four to six times a week while also staying on top of schoolwork.

“I fit in everything with the help of my family and teachers. I also make sure I’m efficient when I’m in class and that helps me manage my workload,” she says. When Avril graduates from Haileybury, she hopes to keep riding and competing while studying at university.

There’s a sport for everyone this winter at Haileybury Berwick!