For students with a passion for polo, Westonbirt offers a truly exceptional opportunity. Located adjacent to the world-renowned Beaufort Polo Club, one of the most prestigious polo clubs in the UK, Westonbirt is uniquely positioned to combine outstanding academic and pastoral provision with unrivalled access to elite polo training and competition.Â
The Westonbirt Polo Academy is our flagship programme, designed for talented young players who are serious about developing their polo alongside an outstanding education.
Delivered in partnership with Beaufort Polo Club, the Academy provides ambitious riders with access to elite coaching, the highest-quality facilities, competitive opportunities and a clear pathway for progression.
Whether joining us from the UK or overseas, pupils benefit from a unique environment where sporting ambition and academic excellence go hand in hand.
Few polo clubs in the world can match the heritage, prestige and influence of Beaufort Polo Club. Home to the celebrated Tomlinson polo dynasty and run by England internationals Luke and Mark Tomlinson, Beaufort has long been recognised as a leading force in the development of the sport. The club’s polo school has an enviable track record for producing talented players, with past pupils including Prince William and Prince Harry.
Through this unique partnership, pupils benefit from access to world-class coaching, outstanding facilities and a competitive polo culture that is respected throughout the international community.
As part of the Academy, pupils have access to:
Our Polo Academy is built on the belief that exceptional sporting performance and academic success go hand in hand. Every student in the academy is overseen by our Polo Team Manager and our Director of Sport, Dr Graham Williams, who holds a PhD in elite athlete development. Players are supported by a collaborative network of teachers, boarding staff and polo professionals who work together to ensure that training and competition complement, rather than compromise, academic progress. With personalised guidance, careful timetable management and outstanding pastoral care, pupils are able to pursue ambitious polo goals while flourishing in the classroom. Our aim is to develop well-rounded young people with the confidence, character and life skills to succeed at the highest level, whether their future lies in sport, university or professional life beyond Westonbirt.
For international families and those seeking a fully immersive experience, boarding at Westonbirt offers a distinctive proposition. The polo club is just a 5 minute walk from school, maximising the time students have available for polo, for academic study and for socialising, relaxation and participation in the wide variety of activities the school offers. With our own 9-hole golf course, gym, sports centre, swimming pool, tennis courts and more, there is plenty to keep students busy when not at the polo club.
Our boarding community provides a genuine home-from-home environment, with a highly dedicated team of staff on hand at all times to ensure the success of every pupil in our care.
Polo at Westonbirt is not exclusively for experienced players. Through our co-curricular programme, pupils from the Prep and Senior Schools can access weekly Polo lessons, introducing the sport in a supportive and enjoyable environment.
Delivered in partnership with Beaufort Polo Club, the programme caters for all levels of experience and provides a structured route from introductory sessions through to more advanced development. Students benefit from expert coaching and progressively develop their skills and game awareness. For some, these could be the first steps towards joining the Polo Academy, while for others it is about discovering a new passion, building confidence and developing valuable skills such as teamwork, resilience and leadership.
Polo also forms part of Westonbirt’s growing programme of Summer School and holiday activities. These experiences are designed for both existing Westonbirt pupils and external participants who wish to experience polo in a fun, engaging and professionally supported environment.
Westonbirt’s Summer School offers young people from around the world the opportunity to experience life at one of the UK’s leading boarding schools while developing new skills, building confidence and creating lasting friendships. Set within our beautiful Cotswold campus and supported by an exciting programme of academic, sporting and cultural activities, Summer School provides an ideal introduction to both Westonbirt and the sport of polo. For aspiring players, specialist polo experiences delivered in partnership with Beaufort Polo Club offer a unique opportunity to learn and develop within one of the most respected polo environments in the country, whether as a first-time player or a more experienced rider looking to refine their skills.
Coming soon… We’ll soon be launching a wider range of holiday programmes for aspiring local, national and international polo players. Watch this space!
If your child has a passion for polo and you would like to discover how Westonbirt could support their sporting and academic ambitions, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Book a call with our team to discuss the Polo Academy, co-curricular opportunities and boarding options, and discover how our partnership with Beaufort Polo Club can help your child reach their potential.
