Schoolgirls from Purley have scooped national titles in athletics and art within the same academic year.
Cumnor House School for Girls, on Woodcote Lane, took first place in the 4×100 metre U9 relay at the Independent School Association (ISA) National Athletics Finals in Birmingham, representing South London against six other regions.
The team consisted of Year 3 and 4 pupils, Evie, Posy, Anaya and Arielle, who finished in 1min 5sec after three months of training.
Anaya, who ran the anchor leg, crossed the finish line by less than a second over her opponents, having come fourth earlier in the U9 60m final.
She said: “This is something I will never forget, it was an amazing experience.
“I love athletics, especially running, and it has taught me a lot about the importance of team work and never giving up.”
At the same time, the school also celebrated its success in art, as Year 5 pupil Fatima Baig took home first place in the sports logo category of the ISA national art competition with a multi-coloured Olympic-themed design.
Fatima said: “I was pretty astonished when I found out I’d won.
“Making art makes me feel like I can really use my imagination, and I most enjoy drawing using pencils and oil pastels.”
Head teacher Shawn Bolton lauded the recent achievements, as the school makes it a point to nurture creativity outside the classroom.
He said: “Finishing ahead of a large number of other schools not once, but twice in the same academic year is no mean feat, and we are so proud of our pupils for the way they have represented their school.”
Cumnor House School for Girls is part of Blenheim Schools, a family of four independent schools for children aged two to 11 (girls) and two to 13 (boys).
Featured image: Cumnor House School for Girls
Join the discussion