The outstanding sports achievements of pupils and staff at The Oratory School for boys were among the attributes recognised by a panel of judges including gold medallists Dame Kelly Holmes, James Cracknell and Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson.
The school for day boys and boarders was praised for its exceptionally high quota of representation at national level across various sports, although it has just 400 pupils, and for its “sport for all” approach, making it the winner of The School Sport Matters 2007/8 Independent Schools category.
After the ceremony, Mr Dytor said: “This award recognises the exceptional abilities and dedication of our pupils, the expertise and commitment of our staff and the ever-present support of our parents. It is particularly pleasing that, not only were we judged for sporting excellence, but also for our inclusive approach that includes all pupils within the school, reaches out to pupils from around the Thames Valley and beyond, and brings together young people from different countries.”
The School Sport Matters Award takes into account the school's history of participation in sport both at national and county level. In cricket, the school’s 1st XI openers, Danny Housego (Middlesex) and Benny Howell (Hampshire), were selected for the England U19 World Cup cricket squad, having played for England U17. Their Oratory team-mate, Simon Steel, is in the Barbados U19 squad.
Rugby captain, Charlie Ingall, was capped by Ireland U18, and Mat Anker was selected to row for GB. In shooting, Alex Davies was picked for GB, while Chris Mitchell and Henry Gilbert were selected for the UK Cadets Rifle Team.
The U15 A XV went unbeaten and the 1st XI football team won all but two matches. The school’s rowers secured two bronze medals at The National Schools’ Regatta in the first 4’s and U15 4, and at Henley, entered one of the youngest crews since 1839, including a 14-year-old cox.
Commenting on The Oratory School’s achievements, sports writer and chairman of the awards panel, Gareth Davies, said: “What an exceptionally gifted quota of pupils across several sports this year at national level! I am sure it is down to the dedication of many of the staff who go beyond the call of duty. What a centre of excellence for sport The Oratory has become!”
Hundreds of schools entered The School Sport Matters 2007/8 competition, which was sponsored by The Daily Telegraph and Norwich Union.