21 Oct 2025

Double National Victory for Burgess Hill Girls Equestrian Team

The Burgess Hill Girls Equestrian Team has made history at the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) Championships, held at Addington, Buckinghamshire, from 17–20 October, by becoming the first school ever to win both the 80–85cm and 90–95cm team titles at the same event.

Competing against more than 200 school teams from across the country, the riders delivered outstanding performances throughout the weekend.

In the 80–85cm team event, Burgess Hill Girls took 1st place, the only team out of 36 to have all riders go clear in both rounds, clinching victory by a combined margin of less than one second.

They went on to triumph again in the 90–95cm class, beating 28 other teams. Despite entering the second round in fifth place, the girls’ exceptional performances secured a commanding win — with a combined lead of over 24 seconds.

The winning teams were:

80–85cm: Viola M, Darcey W, Millie W, and Heidi R

90–95cm: Viola M, Evie W, Darcey W, and Heidi R

There were also excellent individual results: Darcey finished 36th and Viola 38th out of 72 in the 80–85cm; Viola placed 24th and Heidi 26th out of 76 in the 90–95cm; and in the 1.00–1.05m class, Heidi achieved 13th place and Viola 34th out of 53.

Headteacher Heather Cavanagh said:

“This is a phenomenal achievement for our riders and a truly proud moment for Burgess Hill Girls. The girls teamwork, determination, and composure under pressure exemplify the spirit of our school. To make NSEA history by taking both national titles is an incredible accomplishment. We are so proud of the girls and grateful to everyone who supports our equestrian programme, both in school and beyond.”

The NSEA Championships attract hundreds of riders each year and represent the pinnacle of inter-school equestrian competition in the UK.

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09 Oct 2025

Beatrice Goode Award Opens Doors for Girls New to Independent Education

Since its founding in 1906 by Beatrice Goode, Burgess Hill Girls has been dedicated to empowering tomorrow’s women and girls, inspiring confidence, unlocking potential, and shaping futures. This new bursary award celebrates her pioneering legacy by extending the life-changing benefits of a Burgess Hill Girls education to a new generation of girls and families who may not have previously considered an independent school.

A Bold Opportunity for Aspiring Girls

The Beatrice Goode Award is open to academically able girls who are currently at a maintained (state) school who would join Burgess Hill Girls in Years 3, 4 or 5 in September 2026. The award recognises potential, ambition, and character; qualities that Beatrice Goode championed when she founded the school at the turn of the 20th century.

Recipients of the award will benefit from:

• Transformational support with school fees (up to 50% means tested financial support), opening the door to an exceptional independent education
• Recognition of talent and promise, celebrating each girl’s individual strengths and aspirations
• An environment designed for girls to flourish, shaped by over a century of expertise in developing confident, capable young women

Families are warmly invited to experience Burgess Hill Girls firsthand by booking a visit to see the school in action at one of their weekly Friday Open Mornings. To apply for the Beatrice Goode Award, families should first complete the school’s registration process, after which a formal award and bursary application can be submitted. A reference will also be sought from the applicant’s current school.

Applications close on the 5th December 2025 for girls applying to start in years 3, 4 & 5 in September 2026

Head, Heather Cavanagh commented:

“Beatrice Goode founded Burgess Hill Girls with the bold ambition of creating a school where girls could flourish in every aspect of their lives. One hundred and twenty years later, that vision feels more relevant than ever. The Beatrice Goode Award honours her legacy by opening doors for girls new to independent education and reflects our belief that confidence, curiosity, and leadership should be nurtured and developed early; where every girl’s ideas, voice, and dreams truly matter.”

For more information about the Beatrice Goode Award and to book a visit to the school, please visit: www.burgesshillgirls.com/the-beatrice-goode-award/ or call their Admissions Team on 01444 241050.

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15 Sep 2025

Burgess Hill Girls partners with Burgess Hill Rugby Club to Sponsor Girl's Rugby

With the Women’s Rugby World Cup being played across England, including the two games already played in Brighton, this is a great opportunity to empower girls and show them what can be achieved.

The collaboration comes at a particularly exciting time for the club, with the recent appointment of Shelley McComiskey as BHRFC’s first-ever Director of Women and Girls Rugby. President James Shillaker said: ‘Shelley has been a senior member of the women’s section for over a decade and her vision and energy for the growth of the women and girls' game at Burgess Hill RFC is unrivalled. These are exciting times.’

Under her leadership, the club’s women’s side are returning to NC3 for the first time in 5 years, and the thriving girls’ section will expand to two teams' next season.

Shelley McComiskey, Director of Women and Girls Rugby at BHRFC, said:

“I am passionate about creating a pathway for girls to progress in rugby, from their first experience of the sport through to competitive league play. Working with Burgess Hill Girls will help us reach more young players who will join some of the girls who already are members of the club, and I can’t wait to see this partnership flourish.”

Heather Cavanagh, Head of Burgess Hill Girls, said:

“We are thrilled to partner with Burgess Hill Rugby Football Club at such an exciting moment in their development. Rugby is a fantastic sport for building resilience, teamwork, and determination, and we are committed to giving our girls every opportunity to experience and enjoy it.

Both parties are delighted to highlight the inspiring journey of two players from the club; Grace Clifford and Katie Shilllaker, who are now making their mark at the highest levels of women’s rugby. Their resilience and talent serve as a powerful example for new and current players demonstrating the heights that young players from Burgess Hill can achieve.

The club’s women’s and girls’ programmes welcome new players from Year 4 upwards with sessions for girls on Wednesdays and Sundays and families are encouraged to pop along. For more information, visit the club's website: Burgess Hill Rugby Football Club.

ENDS

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