Thank you to all schools, coaches, teachers and participants for another incredible year of competitions, festivals and events.
This academic year, the Merton School Sport Partnership has provided 66 sporting opportunities, including championships, development competitions, inclusive festivals and multi-skills events. The careful preparation of schools, the enthusiasm and commitment of participants, and the high value placed on these opportunities by staff and pupils have all contributed to the success of the programme.
As a result, more than 6,000 young people have enjoyed positive sporting experiences through MSSP events this year, developing their skills, confidence, teamwork and enjoyment of physical activity.
MSSP would like to congratulate every child who has represented their school at any level during the year. Whether competing for medals, taking part in a festival, trying a new activity for the first time, or supporting their peers through leadership roles, every participant has played an important part in making this year such a success.
The placings table below recognises our borough champions and overall competition achievements. However, this recognition should take nothing away from the commitment, effort and enthusiasm shown by all schools and participants who have taken part in our events throughout the year. Every young person who represented their school should be proud of their contribution.
Borough Primary Champions
Cross Country Wim Chase | Bishop Gilpin
Open Football Garfield
Girls Football Garfield
T1 Rugby Bishop Gilpin
Hockey Bishop Gilpin
Kurling Hillcross
Seated Volleyball St Peter & Paul
Basketball St Mary’s
Sportshall Athletics Bishop Gilpin
Boccia Pelham
Gymnastics Malmesbury | St Mary’s
Swimming Poplar | Bishop Gilpin
Netball Bishop Gilpin
NFL Flag St Mary’s
Golf Bishop Gilpin | Poplar
Tennis Wim Chase | St John Fisher
Girls Cricket Holy Trinity
Athletics Bishop Gilpin | St Peter & Paul
Rounders Poplar
Open Cricket Bishop Gilpin
Girls Netball The Priory
Football Finals Hatfeild Boys & Hatfeild Girls
Our winner pathways for primary schools have provided successful teams and individuals with additional opportunities to represent Merton at regional events delivered by organisations such as the London Youth Games, Surrey Football Association, Surrey Cricket and other governing bodies and partners:
Borough Representative Schools
Bishop Gilpin Sportshall Athletics – London Youth Games
Ursuline High Sportshall Athletics – LYG
Wimbledon College Sportshall Athletics – LYG
Ursuline High Futsal – LYG
Wimbledon College Futsal – LYG
Ricards Lodge T1 Rugby – LYG
Hatfeild Primary Football – LYG
Hillcross New Age Kurling – LYG
Bishop Gilpin Netball – LYG
Raynes Park High RFL Tag Rugby – LYG
Garfield Football – ESFA Pokémon Cup
St Mary’s Basketball – Jnr NBA 3v3 LYG
St Mary’s Flag Football – NFL Flag Regionals
St Mary’s Dance – The Great Big Dance Off
Malmesbury Gymnastics RISE – Benchmark
Holy Trinity Cricket – County Finals – Surrey
Wimbledon Chase Cricket – County Finals – Surrey
Ricards Lodge Dance – LYG
Bishop Gilpin T1 RFU – LYG
Bishop Gilpin Golf – Junior Golf Academy Ldn.
Poplar – Golf Junior Golf Academy Ldn.
REFSPECT Award Winners – Primary Schools 2025/26
One of our favourite accolades presented throughout the year is the REFSPECT Award. Voted for by participating schools and Sports Leaders at each event, the award recognises teams who consistently demonstrate the values of respect, teamwork, fair play, positive attitude and sportsmanship.
Points from nominations across all MSSP primary events throughout the 2025/26 academic year were combined to determine our overall winners in each area:
• East Mitcham – William Morris
• Mitcham Town – St Thomas of Canterbury
• Morden – Poplar Primary School
• West Wimbledon – Hollymount
• Central Wimbledon – Bishop Gilpin
A huge well done to all the schools recognised for their outstanding conduct and positive approach to sport throughout the year.
Congratulations to Poplar Primary School, who received the highest number of REFSPECT nominations across all events and have been crowned our Overall REFSPECT Champions for 2025/26.
Thank you to every school, pupil and Sports Leader who has helped make our competitions and festivals such positive and enjoyable experiences this year.
Secondary School Sport
The MSSP would like to thank all our secondary schools for supporting athletics this term and enabling young athletes to take part in a range of competitive opportunities.
Following an excellent Merton Secondary School Athletics Championships in May, Rutlish School (Boys), Ricards Lodge High School (Girls) and Harris Academy Wimbledon (Mixed) were crowned the 2026 team champions. Athletes who met the qualifying standards were then invited to represent Team Merton at the Surrey Schools Athletics Championships, held at Kingsmeadow on Saturday 13th June.
A total of 39 athletes from Years 8–11, representing all 12 secondary schools, competed for Team Merton. The full list of athletes who attended can be found here, with our medal winners listed below:
· GOLD – Dylan Gilbert – U17 Men – 3000m – 9:34.16
· BRONZE – Alex Green – U17 Men – TJ – 11.58
· GOLD – Nicole Deaconescu – U17 Women – HJ – 1.55
· SILVER – Anna Wait – U15 Girls – 1500m – 4:43.30
· BRONZE – Sonya-Fae Atherton – U15 Girls – DT – 20.96
Alongside our secondary school competition programme, many MSSP events would not be possible without the generous support of secondary schools that provide facilities, host events and contribute outstanding sports leaders. These young leaders are a credit to both their schools and the Partnership, helping ensure events run smoothly while providing a positive experience for participants.
We would like to extend our thanks to those schools for providing sports leadership support and/or hosting one or more MSSP events during the year.
For more information about the athletics pathway and selection process for 2026/27, please contact Nick Osborne.